In Jacob 7:5 we see Sherem an anti-christ leading away many and attempting to lead away Jacob from belief in Christ.
We see instructions here in Jacob's experience about how to be prepared and protected from falling short in the strength of testimony that we must have since we live among numerous anti-Christs that will attempt to lead us astray.
Jacob explains that he was protected because he had " heard the voice of the Lord from time to time. "
To me that means that Jacob had spiritual experiences with the spirit and personal revelation that he could hold onto when times were hard.
Jacob 5:7
And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.
Another example of this truth was explained in the previous chapter. In the Allegory of the Olive Trees we are told by the servant in the vineyard why the tree started to be corrupt.
Jacob 5:
48 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches thereof overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength of the roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted?
To me this can be likened to ourselves as the tree in this example. The top of the tree became too heavy for the root to provide adequate nourishment to hold it up.
In our lives if we allow ourselves to be weighted too heavily with belongings, responsibilities for work, our homes, maybe even by activities and friendships - then our tree is too full for us and we may not make time to recieve strength from our roots. Our roots also may not be taken care of either as we do not take time to go to our Savior who strengthens them.
If I dont allow myself time needed in the scriptures or prayer, I could begin to become lofty or prideful like the tree exemplified here.
My roots will not have nourishment to give if I do not go get the nourishment of living water from my Savior through prayer, repentance, and scripture study.
Since our testimonies are like a plant we must continually feed, we need to go to the Savior to prune and feed us.
I hope that I can do better to spend more time in meaningful prayer and scripture study where the Lord has as truly does speak to me in the scriptures and in my heart.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.amen.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
Allegory Olive Tree
Although I am still researching and seeking out the meaning of the Allegory of the Olive Tree in regards to past history of how the Nephites benefited from this parable, I understand that even more important is the way the scriptures have also been written for my day and to teach me individual lessons through personality revelation.
As I sought for my personal insight, my eyes were open to the witness of the part the pattern that I am in in regards to this parable.
JACOB 5:
70 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few.
71 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.
I learned that the Lord does have " few " servants of His that He can call on incomparison to the numbers of the world - to help His vineyard or the world to produce good fruit, but I am one of those servants as a member of His church.
A recent address by Thomas S. Monson, tge Prophet, has allowed me to realize at a deeper level which part of the allegory that we are in, as he stated:
“Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work.The work is hastening, enlarging, and all-encompassing. No longer do members simply pray for missionaries to find people to teach—they lead out in the finding, inviting, and fellowshipping. No longer do missionaries baptize converts and simply pass them off to the wards and branches—they participate in extended retention efforts and join unit leaders and councils in reaching out to all members."
I am not really sure of a clearer message that I could have in regards to what part of this Allegory that I am in.
I want to be one if those few but faithful servants whom He can ask to help Him in His vineyard.
I pray to be more worthy of inspiration to know whom is ready for me to invite to hear the missionaries. I feel grear desires to do better at this, and I say this in Jesus Holy Name. Amen.
As I sought for my personal insight, my eyes were open to the witness of the part the pattern that I am in in regards to this parable.
JACOB 5:
70 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few.
71 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.
I learned that the Lord does have " few " servants of His that He can call on incomparison to the numbers of the world - to help His vineyard or the world to produce good fruit, but I am one of those servants as a member of His church.
A recent address by Thomas S. Monson, tge Prophet, has allowed me to realize at a deeper level which part of the allegory that we are in, as he stated:
“Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work.The work is hastening, enlarging, and all-encompassing. No longer do members simply pray for missionaries to find people to teach—they lead out in the finding, inviting, and fellowshipping. No longer do missionaries baptize converts and simply pass them off to the wards and branches—they participate in extended retention efforts and join unit leaders and councils in reaching out to all members."
I am not really sure of a clearer message that I could have in regards to what part of this Allegory that I am in.
I want to be one if those few but faithful servants whom He can ask to help Him in His vineyard.
I pray to be more worthy of inspiration to know whom is ready for me to invite to hear the missionaries. I feel grear desires to do better at this, and I say this in Jesus Holy Name. Amen.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Olive Tree
As I learned more on gospeldoctrine.com about why the Olive Tree was used as a symbol in Jacob 4 by the Lord...I think what stuck out to me the very most was the fact that an Olive Tree can never die with the proper care from it's husbandman, gardner or in our case Christ's help. ( His Atonement through repentance daily being used in our lives ) . I found many of the connections of the Olive Tree and the way that this analogy works for the past disciples of Christ and current disciples of Christ ( us ) strikingly beautiful.
Jacob 5:3 I will liken thee, O house of Israel, like unto a tame olive-tree
A tame olive tree is one that is cultivated by the master of the vineyard, specifically grown to produce good olives. The olive tree is a carefully chosen simile for several reasons:
"For centuries the olive branch has been associated with peace. When the dove returned to Noah in the ark, it carried in its beak an olive leaf, as though to symbolize that the earth was again at peace with God. (See Genesis 8:11) The olive branch was used in both Greece and Rome to signify peace, and it is still used in that sense in the great seal of the United States where the American eagle is shown grasping an olive branch in his talons...
"There is further symbolic significance in that the olive tree is different from most other fruit-bearing trees in the manner of its beginning. If the green slip of an olive tree is merely planted and allowed to grow, it develops into the wild olive, a bush that grows without control into a tangle of limb branches that produce only a small, worthless fruit. (See Harold N. and Alma L. Moldenke, Plants of the Bible, p. 159) To become the productive 'tame' olive tree, the main stem of the wild tree must be cut back completely and then a branch from a tame olive tree must be grafted into the stem of the wild one. With careful pruning and cultivating the tree will begin to produce its first fruit in about seven years, but it will not become fully productive for nearly fifteen years. In other words, the olive tree cannot become productive in and of itself; it requires grafting by the husbandman to bring it into production. One remembers the figure used by Jesus to describe himself, his Father, and those that serve them: 'I am the true vine, and my father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ' (John 15:1-3) The word purgeth in Greek means 'pruned,' and in Greek verse 3 keeps the metaphor and says, ' Now ye are pruned.' God is the husbandman and prunes off the wild branches of our spiritual lives if we will but submit to his tender care. Thus we become like the tame olive tree...
"'The wild olive is a kind of reversion to the primitive plant-such as occurs also with the fig and almond-and it takes place whenever the growth of the olive is neglected....
"'In most neglected olive groves numerous little bushes of the 'wild olive' may be seen, which, though very unlike the cultivated tree-having a shorter, smaller, and greener leaf and a stiffer, more prickly stem-are nevertheless derived from it. As a rule the wild olive is but a shrub, but it may grow into a tree and have small but useless 'berries.' Where groves of wild olives are found in Palestine, they are probably always the descendants of cultivated trees long ago destroyed,' (James Hastings, ed., Dictionary of the Bible, s.v. "Olive.")
"The olive tree is remarkable for two other characteristics that are quite unlike other fruit-bearing trees. First, though requiring nearly fifteen years to come into full production, it may produce fruit for centuries. Some trees now growing in the Holy Land have been producing abundantly for at least four hundred years. The second amazing quality of the tree is that as it finally does grow old and begin to die, the roots send up a number of new green shoots which, if grafted and pruned in regular fashion, will mature to full-grown olive trees again. Thus, while the tree itself may produce fruit for centuries, the root of the tree may go on producing fruit and new trees for millennia. It is believed that some of the ancient olive trees in Israel today come from trees that were [in existence] when Christ was alive on the earth." (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1981, pp. 138
I say this in Jesus Christ's Holy Name.Amen.
Jacob 5:3 I will liken thee, O house of Israel, like unto a tame olive-tree
A tame olive tree is one that is cultivated by the master of the vineyard, specifically grown to produce good olives. The olive tree is a carefully chosen simile for several reasons:
"For centuries the olive branch has been associated with peace. When the dove returned to Noah in the ark, it carried in its beak an olive leaf, as though to symbolize that the earth was again at peace with God. (See Genesis 8:11) The olive branch was used in both Greece and Rome to signify peace, and it is still used in that sense in the great seal of the United States where the American eagle is shown grasping an olive branch in his talons...
"There is further symbolic significance in that the olive tree is different from most other fruit-bearing trees in the manner of its beginning. If the green slip of an olive tree is merely planted and allowed to grow, it develops into the wild olive, a bush that grows without control into a tangle of limb branches that produce only a small, worthless fruit. (See Harold N. and Alma L. Moldenke, Plants of the Bible, p. 159) To become the productive 'tame' olive tree, the main stem of the wild tree must be cut back completely and then a branch from a tame olive tree must be grafted into the stem of the wild one. With careful pruning and cultivating the tree will begin to produce its first fruit in about seven years, but it will not become fully productive for nearly fifteen years. In other words, the olive tree cannot become productive in and of itself; it requires grafting by the husbandman to bring it into production. One remembers the figure used by Jesus to describe himself, his Father, and those that serve them: 'I am the true vine, and my father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ' (John 15:1-3) The word purgeth in Greek means 'pruned,' and in Greek verse 3 keeps the metaphor and says, ' Now ye are pruned.' God is the husbandman and prunes off the wild branches of our spiritual lives if we will but submit to his tender care. Thus we become like the tame olive tree...
"'The wild olive is a kind of reversion to the primitive plant-such as occurs also with the fig and almond-and it takes place whenever the growth of the olive is neglected....
"'In most neglected olive groves numerous little bushes of the 'wild olive' may be seen, which, though very unlike the cultivated tree-having a shorter, smaller, and greener leaf and a stiffer, more prickly stem-are nevertheless derived from it. As a rule the wild olive is but a shrub, but it may grow into a tree and have small but useless 'berries.' Where groves of wild olives are found in Palestine, they are probably always the descendants of cultivated trees long ago destroyed,' (James Hastings, ed., Dictionary of the Bible, s.v. "Olive.")
"The olive tree is remarkable for two other characteristics that are quite unlike other fruit-bearing trees. First, though requiring nearly fifteen years to come into full production, it may produce fruit for centuries. Some trees now growing in the Holy Land have been producing abundantly for at least four hundred years. The second amazing quality of the tree is that as it finally does grow old and begin to die, the roots send up a number of new green shoots which, if grafted and pruned in regular fashion, will mature to full-grown olive trees again. Thus, while the tree itself may produce fruit for centuries, the root of the tree may go on producing fruit and new trees for millennia. It is believed that some of the ancient olive trees in Israel today come from trees that were [in existence] when Christ was alive on the earth." (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1981, pp. 138
I say this in Jesus Christ's Holy Name.Amen.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Be the good root and provide moisture and light
Lately I have found myself praying for our beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson more in my prayers. Perhaps my reasoning for his recent talk coming to mind as I pondered this scripture is because he had been on my mind?
In the recent Oct. 2015 General Conference President Monson reminded us that we can be like these " good roots " that provide moisture and help the branches grafted in also produce good fruit. ( Jacob 5 )
We are providing moisture and helping others to become good fruit as we " let our light shine " and we are the example of the believers. We can be a provider of light as we share our testimonies and examples with others.
President Monson gives many ways that we can make an impact in others lives in this talk titled " Be an example and the light ".
He says in this talk :
" Recently, as I have been reading and pondering the scriptures, two passages in particular have stayed with me. Both are familiar to us. The first is from the Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”1 The second scripture is one which came to my mind as I pondered the meaning of the first. It is from the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to Timothy: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”2
I believe the second scripture explains, in great part, how we can accomplish the first. We become examples of the believers by living the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. As we do so, our lights will shine for others to see.
Each of us came to earth having been given the Light of Christ. As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others.
The Apostle Paul lists six attributes of a believer, attributes that will allow our lights to shine. Let us look at each one.
I mention the first two attributes together—being an example in word and in conversation. The words we use can lift and inspire, or they can harm and demean. In the world today there is a profusion of profanity with which we seem to be surrounded at nearly every turn. It is difficult to avoid hearing the names of Deity being used casually and thoughtlessly. Coarse comments seem to have become a staple of television, movies, books, and music. Bandied about are slanderous remarks and angry rhetoric. Let us speak to others with love and respect, ever keeping our language clean and avoiding words or comments that would wound or offend. May we follow the example of the Savior, who spoke with tolerance and kindness throughout His ministry.
The next attribute mentioned by Paul is charity, which has been defined as “the pure love of Christ.”3 I am confident there are within our sphere of influence those who are lonely, those who are ill, and those who feel discouraged. Ours is the opportunity to help them and to lift their spirits. The Savior brought hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. He healed the sick; He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. Throughout His ministry He reached out in charity to any in need. As we emulate His example, we will bless lives, including our own.
Next, we are to be an example in spirit. To me that means we strive to have in our lives kindness, gratitude,forgiveness, and goodwill. These qualities will provide for us a spirit which will touch the lives of those around us. It has been my opportunity through the years to associate with countless individuals who possess such a spirit. We experience a special feeling when we are with them, a feeling that makes us want to associate with them and to follow their example. They radiate the Light of Christ and help us feel His love for us.
I have great desires and hopes that my scripture study and beliefs documented will be a source of moisture, light , strength or comfort to my children, anyone and everyone. I love you all my brothers and sisters, children and friends.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Jacob 5:
18 And he said unto the servant: Behold, the branches of the wild tree have taken hold of the moisture of the root thereof, that the root thereof hath brought forth much strength; and because of the much strength of the root thereof the wild branches have brought forth tame fruit. Now, if we had not grafted in these branches, the tree thereof would have perished. And now, behold, I shall lay up much fruit, which the tree thereof hath brought forth; and the fruit thereof I shall lay up against the season, unto mine own self.
In the recent Oct. 2015 General Conference President Monson reminded us that we can be like these " good roots " that provide moisture and help the branches grafted in also produce good fruit. ( Jacob 5 )
We are providing moisture and helping others to become good fruit as we " let our light shine " and we are the example of the believers. We can be a provider of light as we share our testimonies and examples with others.
President Monson gives many ways that we can make an impact in others lives in this talk titled " Be an example and the light ".
He says in this talk :
" Recently, as I have been reading and pondering the scriptures, two passages in particular have stayed with me. Both are familiar to us. The first is from the Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”1 The second scripture is one which came to my mind as I pondered the meaning of the first. It is from the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to Timothy: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”2
I believe the second scripture explains, in great part, how we can accomplish the first. We become examples of the believers by living the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. As we do so, our lights will shine for others to see.
Each of us came to earth having been given the Light of Christ. As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others.
The Apostle Paul lists six attributes of a believer, attributes that will allow our lights to shine. Let us look at each one.
I mention the first two attributes together—being an example in word and in conversation. The words we use can lift and inspire, or they can harm and demean. In the world today there is a profusion of profanity with which we seem to be surrounded at nearly every turn. It is difficult to avoid hearing the names of Deity being used casually and thoughtlessly. Coarse comments seem to have become a staple of television, movies, books, and music. Bandied about are slanderous remarks and angry rhetoric. Let us speak to others with love and respect, ever keeping our language clean and avoiding words or comments that would wound or offend. May we follow the example of the Savior, who spoke with tolerance and kindness throughout His ministry.
The next attribute mentioned by Paul is charity, which has been defined as “the pure love of Christ.”3 I am confident there are within our sphere of influence those who are lonely, those who are ill, and those who feel discouraged. Ours is the opportunity to help them and to lift their spirits. The Savior brought hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. He healed the sick; He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. Throughout His ministry He reached out in charity to any in need. As we emulate His example, we will bless lives, including our own.
Next, we are to be an example in spirit. To me that means we strive to have in our lives kindness, gratitude,forgiveness, and goodwill. These qualities will provide for us a spirit which will touch the lives of those around us. It has been my opportunity through the years to associate with countless individuals who possess such a spirit. We experience a special feeling when we are with them, a feeling that makes us want to associate with them and to follow their example. They radiate the Light of Christ and help us feel His love for us.
I have great desires and hopes that my scripture study and beliefs documented will be a source of moisture, light , strength or comfort to my children, anyone and everyone. I love you all my brothers and sisters, children and friends.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Jacob 5:
18 And he said unto the servant: Behold, the branches of the wild tree have taken hold of the moisture of the root thereof, that the root thereof hath brought forth much strength; and because of the much strength of the root thereof the wild branches have brought forth tame fruit. Now, if we had not grafted in these branches, the tree thereof would have perished. And now, behold, I shall lay up much fruit, which the tree thereof hath brought forth; and the fruit thereof I shall lay up against the season, unto mine own self.
Friday, December 11, 2015
His Vineyard
Jacob 5: 8 And behold, saith the Lord of the vineyard, I take away many of these young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever I will; and it mattereth not that if it so be that the root of this tree will perish, I may preserve the fruit thereof unto myself; wherefore, I will take these young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever I will.
As I have been reading about the allegory of the Olive Tree I feel the purpose of the Lord teaching us in parables. The highest lesson I found as I compared the parable to my own parable is that - The Lord loves us and He will do everything He can to help us in His vineyard.
The things I am finding are reminding me exactly what I had told Brooke only weeks ago about our little baby rabbits that we love.
As some of the newborns were suffering from lack of calories since the mom was not nursing them, I told Brooke - yes, I love those little babies too and it makes me sad they might die and we will do everything that we can to help them. I will take and feed some myself and if I had another mother rabbit, I would have put them with her.
And that might be sad for them to be taken away from the Mom but this is how we save them.
I told Brooke, I am sorry that we lost a couple babies too, but they are just waiting in another place right now and had we not done everything we could for them?
Jacob 5:41
And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept and said unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard?
We saw some babies do very well and Brooke wanted to keep them but I told her they will do better in another place and perhaps they can have their own babies and that is happy.
I know the Lord is at work in all of our lives and that the great purpose of His work comes from the love that He has for us. He desires all of us to do well and be happy, which comes by the means of the fullness of His gospel.
His work in our world is to bring to pass the immortality and life of man.
I hope that I can help love and assist Him in this work as I strive to share the means of joy ( the Restored Gospel ) with everyone.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
As I have been reading about the allegory of the Olive Tree I feel the purpose of the Lord teaching us in parables. The highest lesson I found as I compared the parable to my own parable is that - The Lord loves us and He will do everything He can to help us in His vineyard.
The things I am finding are reminding me exactly what I had told Brooke only weeks ago about our little baby rabbits that we love.
As some of the newborns were suffering from lack of calories since the mom was not nursing them, I told Brooke - yes, I love those little babies too and it makes me sad they might die and we will do everything that we can to help them. I will take and feed some myself and if I had another mother rabbit, I would have put them with her.
And that might be sad for them to be taken away from the Mom but this is how we save them.
I told Brooke, I am sorry that we lost a couple babies too, but they are just waiting in another place right now and had we not done everything we could for them?
Jacob 5:41
And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept and said unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard?
We saw some babies do very well and Brooke wanted to keep them but I told her they will do better in another place and perhaps they can have their own babies and that is happy.
I know the Lord is at work in all of our lives and that the great purpose of His work comes from the love that He has for us. He desires all of us to do well and be happy, which comes by the means of the fullness of His gospel.
His work in our world is to bring to pass the immortality and life of man.
I hope that I can help love and assist Him in this work as I strive to share the means of joy ( the Restored Gospel ) with everyone.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
He Knows Your Poor Spot
I wonder how many times in my prayers that the Lord might feel to say to me as He said to His servant of the vineyard in Jacob 5, " Counsel me not, I knew that it was a poor spot of ground.."
Or in words to myself, " Emily, counsel me not, I know the poor spot, or hard parts of your life. I know what will bring forth good fruit or good works from you and how you will become the "good fruit" with my ways."
In Jacob 5: 21-22 we read as the Lord is pruning, grafting and instructing what should be done with His vineyard and those trees, or people in it.
21-22 reads: And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: How comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this branch of the tree? For behold , it was the poorest spot in all the land of the vineyard. And the Lord of the Vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not; I knew that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long time and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much fruit.
We can also see this same message taught in one chapter earlier in Jacob 4 as Jacob instructs:
Jacob 4:10
Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom , and in justice and in great mercy, over all his works.
Brooke and Will,
You will have trials, heartache, disappointment and even pain at times in your life. These things may cause you to wonder how the experience could possibly benefit you, or why a loving God would allow you to experience hardships? But, I can tell you from experience that our Father in Heaven truly knows best. He can see the past, the present and future. Only He can know of the depths of His mysteries and ways. ( Jacob 4:8 )
I have had the experience many times in my life that I have thought something was absolutely horrible to experience in my life, and yet I now can see the blessing that the hard thing was or is.
My hope for you is as you experience hardships in your life that you turn to Him in prayer, scripture study, and temple attendance. Show Him that you trust in Him by seeing the good in every experience, and then you will be swallowed up in the joy of Christ. You will be given strength to endure and in this process you will produce " good fruit " or good works and you will become His " good fruit."
" Our afflictions brothers and sisters often will not be extinguished, they will be dwarfed and swallowed up in the joy of christ. That's how we overcome most of the time. It's not their elimination, but the placing of them in that larger context. " - Neal A. Maxwell
I also hope that as you and I pray that we will listen quietly, and intently rather than to ask for Him to do something in our lives, I hope we will ask what we can do for others in their lives, to help Him. I also hope that we can thank Him in all things and at all moments; not just in our words but through our actions that show that we are thankful.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Looking Beyond the Mark
As I considered this phrase " looking beyond the mark " given in Jacob 4, I desired to understand this better. What I learned is that -
The way that a person can be in danger of " looking beyond the mark" can be different for every individual.
Since " the mark " is representation of Jesus Christ we can see how each person would be tempted by the adversary within the realm of their own weaknesses.
As I consider the way that I am not looking to Jesus Christ as I should, I am reminded that my weakness is - being distracted by the good, for the better and best. When I allow myself to focus more on my daily activities like my school work, caring for the ill in my employment, or even in areas of service as I take a child to a fun activity, sporting practice, or even church - if I have not kept my Savior and being worthy of His spirit as my highest priority as I do these good things - then I am looking beyond the mark.
For example, if I am trying to be a good mother by involving my children in sports, and fun activities but the time that this takes is hindering the amount of time that I can help my children spiritually develop through more time in my one on one scripture study with them, or the energy it takes running them from place to place is leaving less energy to have spiritual moments through one on one time, then I am not only looking beyond the mark, but I am also teaching them to look beyond the mark by not putting the Savior as number one priority.
Another example of my looking beyond the mark can be the amount of commitment I have given to my schooling or employment. Although these are things that the spirit has prompted me to be involved in if I allow my devotion to them to take away from the devotion that I have to my Savior then I am looking beyond the mark. I must reconsider time spent to achieve a better grade, or the amount of work that I commit to, in order that I can spend more time in daily communion with my Savior through prayer, scripture study, temple attendance, and all things that are " daily consecration."
Perhaps " daily consecration " is essentially saying you must have daily CONCENTRATION on the Lord and the activities that draw us closer to Him?
Quentin L. Cook stated in his talk titled, " Looking Beyond the Mark " :
The “Mark” Is Christ
When we look beyond the mark, we are looking beyond Christ, the only name under heaven whereby we might be saved. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “Jacob saw that the Jews would look ‘beyond the mark’ and stumble in their search for the Holy One of Israel, this literal Son of God to be known as Jesus Christ: ‘By the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation.’” 9
Elder Cook states a few different forms of looking beyond the mark in his talk that I will include:
Gospel Extremism
Another sign of spiritual immaturity and sometimes apostasy is when one focuses on certain gospel principles or pursues “gospel hobbies” with excess zeal. Almost any virtue taken to excess can become a vice.
Certain members have wanted to add substantially to various doctrines. An example might be when one advocates additions to the Word of Wisdom that are not authorized by the Brethren and proselytes others to adopt these interpretations. If we turn a health law or any other principle into a form of religious fanaticism, we are looking beyond the mark.
Heroic Gestures as a Substitute for Daily Consecration
In a lecture at Brigham Young University, James S. Jardine, former chairman of the board of trustees of the University of Utah, indicated that when he was a student, he thought “of consecrating [his] life in one grand, heroic gesture” but came to realize that “consecration is not a once in a lifetime event; it is a daily devotion.” 4
Elevating Rules over Doctrine
The Savior was concerned when others elevated rules over doctrine. In Matthew 23:23 [Matt. 23:23] we read, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles pointed out that Jacob’s teachings with respect to looking beyond the mark applied to the Jews of Jesus’ day:
“They took the plain and simple things of pure religion and added to them a host of their own interpretations; they embellished them with added rites and performances; and they took a happy, joyous way of worship and turned it into a restrictive, curtailing, depressive system of rituals and performances. The living spirit of the Lord’s law became in their hands the dead letter of Jewish ritualism.” 6
Doctrine usually answers the question “why?” Principles usually answer the question “what?” Whenever we emphasize how to do something without reference to why we do it or what we do, we risk looking beyond the mark. At the very least, we fall into the trap Paul described to the Corinthians: “For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” (2 Cor. 3:6).
Substituting the Philosophies of Men for Gospel Truths
Some people seem to be embarrassed by the simplicity of the Savior’s message. They want to add complexity and even obscurity to the truth to make it more intellectually challenging or more compatible with current academic trends.
Jacob 4:
14 But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble.
I hope and pray that I can do better at not " looking beyond the mark" in my own area of temptation. I am very thankful for the talks that we have been given by our leaders that help us to understand the scriptures and how they pertain to ourselves, but more importantly I am thankful for the personal revelation that I receive for myself about the ways that I personally am " looking beyond the mark " and how I need to adjust my activities and choices to be closer to Him that I love so very much.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Weak things are a blessing
Recently I have had a very nice compliment come from a group of incredible sisters of mine. ( Wendy, Kathryn, Heidi, Euna and Annemarie )
As I was complimented I was reminded of this scripture that I also came upon today as I pondered. Seems like a strange scripture to come to mind when being uplifted about yourself, but I will explain why....
Jacob 4:
7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.
This scripture came to mind because only Father in Heaven and myself know how deeply I have desired to overcome my weaknesses, and others may see a person in myself whom is strong, but perhaps the real senerio here is that because the Lord makes weak things strong, I have been blessed with strengths to compensate for the higher level of weakness that I have verses the normal person?
No matter - except that I know that everything that blesses me and all His children comes from Him...therefore anything we admire in another person is not really admiration of that person, but admiration of HIM at work in them and as part of them becoming one with Him. ( John 17 )
Once a person fully realizes this truth - the only thing they desire is - to be worthy of the gifts that He gives through obedience, faith and of course by asking for help and blessings from Him.
" Every weakness is an opportunity for God to show His strength in your life."
Paul must have understood this because in 2 Corinthians 12 he explains that he asked God to take away a weakness of his three times. In the end the Lord did not take it away instead he taught him that he should be glad for his weaknesses, trials and that people were rude to him or persecuting him.
Paul says 2 Corinthians 12:
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
I suppose as I considered the compliment I was given I knew these scriptures were being verified in my life.
I am nothing with out Him and I love Him with all my soul.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
As I was complimented I was reminded of this scripture that I also came upon today as I pondered. Seems like a strange scripture to come to mind when being uplifted about yourself, but I will explain why....
Jacob 4:
7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.
This scripture came to mind because only Father in Heaven and myself know how deeply I have desired to overcome my weaknesses, and others may see a person in myself whom is strong, but perhaps the real senerio here is that because the Lord makes weak things strong, I have been blessed with strengths to compensate for the higher level of weakness that I have verses the normal person?
No matter - except that I know that everything that blesses me and all His children comes from Him...therefore anything we admire in another person is not really admiration of that person, but admiration of HIM at work in them and as part of them becoming one with Him. ( John 17 )
Once a person fully realizes this truth - the only thing they desire is - to be worthy of the gifts that He gives through obedience, faith and of course by asking for help and blessings from Him.
" Every weakness is an opportunity for God to show His strength in your life."
Paul must have understood this because in 2 Corinthians 12 he explains that he asked God to take away a weakness of his three times. In the end the Lord did not take it away instead he taught him that he should be glad for his weaknesses, trials and that people were rude to him or persecuting him.
Paul says 2 Corinthians 12:
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
I suppose as I considered the compliment I was given I knew these scriptures were being verified in my life.
I am nothing with out Him and I love Him with all my soul.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
My husband
As I read this scripture I am reminded of my loyal, hardworking and patient husband. I can see the way the Lord has blessed him based on the principles taught in this scripture. My husband did not have the privilege of growing up with the Priesthood in his home, the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost because of the laying on of hands after baptism, nor was he exposed to family prayer, scripture study or church service - as myself and many church members have - yet he has been a better example of a good, loyal, kind , patient father and husband than many members of Christ's that I have Personally known and heard of.
In many ways I have had to work to obtain some of the gifts of generosity, patience, helpfulness and acceptance of people that my husband Kevin has naturally had all along.
I see the way the Lord has blessed him in his ignorance to God's laws. This chapter and scripture reminds me how much better that we as members of God's church are expected to be and should be because of our gratitude towards our blessings.
Those whom have the gospel must rise up and do better with our blessings we have been given.
The scriptures following this explain what happens to those in the faith whom do not meet up to their covenants that they have made.
I am also reminded that we are not to judge individuals because we never know where they came from and how they will be held accountable. Judging between others actions of right and wrong is what we are supposed to do- but never to judge the person in terms of how God feels about them or their standing in the next life.
I hope that I will use the blessings of the gospel that I have been given with more effort and especially the blessing of my testimony. I hope that my gift of my membership in God's churcg will be used to it's full potential and the purposes the Lord intended for me.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
( speaking of the Lamenites )
Jacob 3:7
7 Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children; and their unbelief and their hatred towards you is because of the iniquity of their fathers; wherefore, how much better are you than they, in the sight of your great Creator?
In many ways I have had to work to obtain some of the gifts of generosity, patience, helpfulness and acceptance of people that my husband Kevin has naturally had all along.
I see the way the Lord has blessed him in his ignorance to God's laws. This chapter and scripture reminds me how much better that we as members of God's church are expected to be and should be because of our gratitude towards our blessings.
Those whom have the gospel must rise up and do better with our blessings we have been given.
The scriptures following this explain what happens to those in the faith whom do not meet up to their covenants that they have made.
I am also reminded that we are not to judge individuals because we never know where they came from and how they will be held accountable. Judging between others actions of right and wrong is what we are supposed to do- but never to judge the person in terms of how God feels about them or their standing in the next life.
I hope that I will use the blessings of the gospel that I have been given with more effort and especially the blessing of my testimony. I hope that my gift of my membership in God's churcg will be used to it's full potential and the purposes the Lord intended for me.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
( speaking of the Lamenites )
Jacob 3:7
7 Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children; and their unbelief and their hatred towards you is because of the iniquity of their fathers; wherefore, how much better are you than they, in the sight of your great Creator?
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Firm in your minds to Christ
I chose this scripture to ponder upon this week, but before this week - this scripture has had significance to Brooke and myself.
We have a little saying at night as I remind her of this scripture. " Be firm in your mind " .....
Scripture time is always a time that Brooke likes to talk about every thing. We love to talk and we do, but when we start getting to distracted from gospel topic ( just during our scripture study ) , I remind her of this scripture phrase, " Be firm in your mind" to God only during prayer and scripture study.
We have discussed the need to be firm in mind as concentration on just Him and the feeling of the spirit
Even as adults this is something that happens to us whether during prayers to Him, scriptures or on a bigger scale - during our daily thoughts - Not being firm towards our eternal purpose that He has given us, but instead allowing ourselves to have worldly thoughts. ( material possession, popularity, power in our employment etc. )
So I also use this phrase for myself " Be firm in your mind to Christ ".
Sometimes this is harder to do than other times. When trials come like sickness or hardships it is easier to let our thoughts be firm to Him in prayer. But when we are among others whom may not want to talk about Him , we can easily find ourselves becoming distant from Him as we stop thinking of Him as much. I have found that when this happens to me I must try harder. Read scriptures a little longer. Pray over until my mind feels more sensitive to the feelings of the spirit.
I am continuing to work on this and trying to teach my children what it means to " be firm in your minds to Christ".
I have unexpressable love for my God and His perfect Son and my perfect mediator whom I also know without doubt that He does plead my cause to the Father.
Jacob 3: 1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
I say this in Jesus name. Amen
We have a little saying at night as I remind her of this scripture. " Be firm in your mind " .....
Scripture time is always a time that Brooke likes to talk about every thing. We love to talk and we do, but when we start getting to distracted from gospel topic ( just during our scripture study ) , I remind her of this scripture phrase, " Be firm in your mind" to God only during prayer and scripture study.
We have discussed the need to be firm in mind as concentration on just Him and the feeling of the spirit
Even as adults this is something that happens to us whether during prayers to Him, scriptures or on a bigger scale - during our daily thoughts - Not being firm towards our eternal purpose that He has given us, but instead allowing ourselves to have worldly thoughts. ( material possession, popularity, power in our employment etc. )
So I also use this phrase for myself " Be firm in your mind to Christ ".
Sometimes this is harder to do than other times. When trials come like sickness or hardships it is easier to let our thoughts be firm to Him in prayer. But when we are among others whom may not want to talk about Him , we can easily find ourselves becoming distant from Him as we stop thinking of Him as much. I have found that when this happens to me I must try harder. Read scriptures a little longer. Pray over until my mind feels more sensitive to the feelings of the spirit.
I am continuing to work on this and trying to teach my children what it means to " be firm in your minds to Christ".
I have unexpressable love for my God and His perfect Son and my perfect mediator whom I also know without doubt that He does plead my cause to the Father.
Jacob 3: 1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
I say this in Jesus name. Amen
Sunday, November 22, 2015
The Parent Virtue - Gratitude
Gratitude should be held in our hearts daily.
D&C 59:7 Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.
However, with Thanksgiving here it is quite appropriate to study the blessings that come from having gratitude. We should ponder, plus record.
Joseph F. Smith stated:
“One of the greatest sins of which the inhabitants of the earth are guilty of today, is the sin of ingratitude” (in Journal of Discourses, 25:52).
In 1994 Lloyd P. George said in a Conference Address:
"There is a great tendency for us in our prayers—in our pleadings with the Lord—to ask for additional blessings. Sometimes, I feel, we need to devote more of our prayers to expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving for blessings already received. Of course, we need the daily blessings of the Lord. But if we sin in the matter of prayer, I think it is in our lack of expressing thanksgiving for daily blessings. God is not pleased with the inhabitants of the earth but is angry with them because they will not acknowledge his hand in all things."
President Joseph F. Smith proclaimed:
"The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man! [GD, 263]"
Dieter F. Uchtdorf stated in his Conference address " Grateful in Any Circumstance, " Oct.2014
" Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.
This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer.
When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace.
We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?
How blessed we are if we recognize God’s handiwork in the marvelous tapestry of life. Gratitude to our Father in Heaven broadens our perception and clears our vision. It inspires humility and fosters empathy toward our fellowmen and all of God’s creation. Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike attributes! A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues.
My dear brothers and sisters, the choice is ours. We can choose to limit our gratitude, based on the blessings we feel we lack. Or we can choose to be like Nephi, whose grateful heart never faltered. When his brothers tied him up on the ship—which he had built to take them to the promised land—his ankles and wrists were so sore “they had swollen exceedingly,” and a violent storm threatened to swallow him up in the depths of the sea. “Nevertheless,” Nephi said, “I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.”
We can choose to be like Job, who seemed to have everything but then lost it all. Yet Job responded by saying, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return … : the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
We can choose to be like the Mormon pioneers, who maintained a spirit of gratitude during their slow and painful trek toward the Great Salt Lake, even singing and dancing and glorying in the goodness of God. Many of us would have been inclined to withdraw, complain, and agonize about the difficulty of the journey.
We can choose to be like the Prophet Joseph Smith, who, while a prisoner in miserable conditions in Liberty Jail, penned these inspired words: “Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
We can choose to be grateful, no matter what."
There is not a day and sometimes hours that go by that I do not feel very most thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. All of the reasons that desire to study, serve and teach are because I know that this is the way that I do not only say that I am thankful, but that I show Him how thankful that I am for the innumerable blessings that He has given me.
Thank you for letting me share my love for Him so often. Thank you for the patience you have shown so often towards me. Thank you for allowing me to learn from you and to share with you what I am learning through Him.
Thank you for forgiving me if I have ever become overly excited, impatient, late, or if I have ever expressed unwanted opinions.
I am truly blessed by you.
Thank you Katelyn Merrill for prompting me to write some of these quotes that I love in my book for my children.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.Amen.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
His Words Will Be Verified
Considering Jacob 2 again I feel to express more insights.
Jacob 2:
17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
I believe the spirit was speaking to me in this verse because when it was first brought to my attention about the refugees being brought into Texas, I was scared to hear there was no way a person could have background checks and Isis could be let in to hurt us as well. I felt thankful that my ponderize scripture came to my mind quickly after my fear and I knew my prayer yo choose the right scripture for this week was answered.
My ponderize reminded me that the Lords words will be verified that a country that does not believe in Him will fail and be taken from them but that the righteous will be spared.
The spirit reminded me His will be done no matter what.
Then, I felt to ponder Jacob 2 and the spirit told me I was wrong to think of my fear, more than to think of what those refugees need. Because as the scripture said : love others as yourself. As for me in that situation I would want a new home.
Last, the spirit told me He deals with His people the best way and my job is to love everyone.
This is a portion of the gathering of Israel and how else will these people have the chance to hear the gospel?
What if Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah didn't want to risk the chance to share the gospel with the Lamenites because of the danger that may have been? Thousands were converted of our brethren.
I want to follow their example.
I say this in Jesus name. Amen.
Omni 1: 6-7
For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.
7 Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies..
Jacob 2:
17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
I believe the spirit was speaking to me in this verse because when it was first brought to my attention about the refugees being brought into Texas, I was scared to hear there was no way a person could have background checks and Isis could be let in to hurt us as well. I felt thankful that my ponderize scripture came to my mind quickly after my fear and I knew my prayer yo choose the right scripture for this week was answered.
My ponderize reminded me that the Lords words will be verified that a country that does not believe in Him will fail and be taken from them but that the righteous will be spared.
The spirit reminded me His will be done no matter what.
Then, I felt to ponder Jacob 2 and the spirit told me I was wrong to think of my fear, more than to think of what those refugees need. Because as the scripture said : love others as yourself. As for me in that situation I would want a new home.
Last, the spirit told me He deals with His people the best way and my job is to love everyone.
This is a portion of the gathering of Israel and how else will these people have the chance to hear the gospel?
What if Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah didn't want to risk the chance to share the gospel with the Lamenites because of the danger that may have been? Thousands were converted of our brethren.
I want to follow their example.
I say this in Jesus name. Amen.
Omni 1: 6-7
For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.
7 Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies..
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Others as ourselves
Jacob 2:
17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
Reading the words that Jacob was called to the temple to hear and teach to the people; this verse or message that Jacob gave stood out to me most.
First,
He says to think of others as ourselves. We give so much to ourselves as we care daily for our physical and emotional needs. As I consider how I can to this, I think I need too - imagine myself in every other persons shoes, and ask how I would wish to be dealt with in their situation?
Second,
He says to be familiar with all. To be familiar with is to know someone. How can I know all people? I think this means that I need to avoid being content with casual conversation and instead to seek to know the thoughts and intents of everyone. As I seek to know people better this will also help me to fulfill the first instruction because when I know someone better, I can love them easier m, and when I love them I will want to treat them as I would myself.
Third,
Give to others that we may all be equal in substance.
These things are so vital in our day. These words were written for us and I am thankful that I have them now. I know as I seek to follow that first and great commadment to love God and others, I will be happier.
I say this in His Holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen
17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
Reading the words that Jacob was called to the temple to hear and teach to the people; this verse or message that Jacob gave stood out to me most.
First,
He says to think of others as ourselves. We give so much to ourselves as we care daily for our physical and emotional needs. As I consider how I can to this, I think I need too - imagine myself in every other persons shoes, and ask how I would wish to be dealt with in their situation?
Second,
He says to be familiar with all. To be familiar with is to know someone. How can I know all people? I think this means that I need to avoid being content with casual conversation and instead to seek to know the thoughts and intents of everyone. As I seek to know people better this will also help me to fulfill the first instruction because when I know someone better, I can love them easier m, and when I love them I will want to treat them as I would myself.
Third,
Give to others that we may all be equal in substance.
These things are so vital in our day. These words were written for us and I am thankful that I have them now. I know as I seek to follow that first and great commadment to love God and others, I will be happier.
I say this in His Holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen
Thursday, November 12, 2015
persecutions
Lately I have heard some frustration about the persecution that the church has had regarding policy changes of children of same gender couples.. I too have been saddened by the persecution. As I read this scripture tonight I was reminded
First, We are asked to suffer shame for His name and second we should be happy to bear His cross, it is a blessing for us to understand better who He is through our own experiences.
Jacob 1:
8 Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world; wherefore, I, Jacob, take it upon me to fulfil the commandment of my brother Nephi.
Adding to this witness are many other scriptures that come to my mind:
Matt. 5:
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
1 Peter 3:
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
John 15:20
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
It would be unusual for any person to want to be persecuted, but as we are not troubled about being spoken evil of or disrespected we are essentially denying ourselves some of our worldly lusts to be accepted.
JST Matt.16:
25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.
26 And now for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.
I have greatly struggled in the past to hear ill speaking of my beliefs, but as I come to know whom my Father and Jesus Christ are I realize this is a blessing for me and part of my refining proccess.
I am truly thankful that I have the chance to learn to be more patient, longsuffering and dilligent in showing Christ-like love in my life experiences.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. amen.
First, We are asked to suffer shame for His name and second we should be happy to bear His cross, it is a blessing for us to understand better who He is through our own experiences.
Jacob 1:
8 Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world; wherefore, I, Jacob, take it upon me to fulfil the commandment of my brother Nephi.
Adding to this witness are many other scriptures that come to my mind:
Matt. 5:
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
1 Peter 3:
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
John 15:20
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
It would be unusual for any person to want to be persecuted, but as we are not troubled about being spoken evil of or disrespected we are essentially denying ourselves some of our worldly lusts to be accepted.
JST Matt.16:
25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.
26 And now for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.
I have greatly struggled in the past to hear ill speaking of my beliefs, but as I come to know whom my Father and Jesus Christ are I realize this is a blessing for me and part of my refining proccess.
I am truly thankful that I have the chance to learn to be more patient, longsuffering and dilligent in showing Christ-like love in my life experiences.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. amen.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Seek guidence from the Holy Ghost
Neil F. Marriots recent talk echos the truth spoken by Nephi as he saw that his people pondered what they should do after he taught them.
2 Nephi 32:
1 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?
4 Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.
5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.
She explains:
When we open ourselves to the Spirit, we learn God’s way and feel His will. It is instructive for me to ask Heavenly Father, “Father, is there more?” When we are yielded and still, our minds can be directed to something more we may need to change—something that is limiting our capacity to receive spiritual guidance or even healing and help.
For example, perhaps I have a carefully guarded resentment toward someone. When I ask if there is more to confess, that “secret” comes clearly to my memory. In essence, the Holy Ghost is whispering, “You honestly asked if there was more, and here it is.
True worship begins when our heart is broken and we ask. What is our heart condition today? Paradoxically, in order to have a healed and faithful heart, we must first allow it to break before the Lord. “Ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit,”7 the Lord declares. The result of sacrificing our heart, or our will, to the Lord is that we receive the spiritual guidance we need.
With a growing understanding of the Lord’s grace and mercy, we will find that our self-willed hearts begin to crack and break in gratitude. Then we reach for Him, yearning to yoke ourselves to the Only Begotten Son of God. In our brokenhearted reaching and yoking, we receive new hope and fresh guidance through the Holy Ghost.
I hope that I can do better about following those feelings of striving to do better that come from the Holy Ghost.
I say this in His Holy name Jesus Christ. Amen.
2 Nephi 32:
1 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?
4 Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.
5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.
She explains:
When we open ourselves to the Spirit, we learn God’s way and feel His will. It is instructive for me to ask Heavenly Father, “Father, is there more?” When we are yielded and still, our minds can be directed to something more we may need to change—something that is limiting our capacity to receive spiritual guidance or even healing and help.
For example, perhaps I have a carefully guarded resentment toward someone. When I ask if there is more to confess, that “secret” comes clearly to my memory. In essence, the Holy Ghost is whispering, “You honestly asked if there was more, and here it is.
True worship begins when our heart is broken and we ask. What is our heart condition today? Paradoxically, in order to have a healed and faithful heart, we must first allow it to break before the Lord. “Ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit,”7 the Lord declares. The result of sacrificing our heart, or our will, to the Lord is that we receive the spiritual guidance we need.
With a growing understanding of the Lord’s grace and mercy, we will find that our self-willed hearts begin to crack and break in gratitude. Then we reach for Him, yearning to yoke ourselves to the Only Begotten Son of God. In our brokenhearted reaching and yoking, we receive new hope and fresh guidance through the Holy Ghost.
I hope that I can do better about following those feelings of striving to do better that come from the Holy Ghost.
I say this in His Holy name Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
He is Just
As I read Nephi's feelings and thoughts towards his people being lost and slain I am impressed by how he deals with his hurt and sadness. He says " thy ways are just". I desire to be like Nephi.
2 Nephi 26: 7 O the pain, and the anguish of my soul for the loss of the slain of my people! For I, Nephi, have seen it, and it well nigh consumeth me before the presence of the Lord; but I must cry unto my God: Thy ways are just.
Nephi trusts in the Lord's dealings with His children so much that he knows that the Lord knows what He is doing.
I have been working on getting to that point in my own life. As I can see a longevity of the Lord directing me and others for good even through trials, I trust in whatever His work and dealings with me are. I know that God loves all of His children more than my mortal mind can comprehend.
One scripture I pondered a couple of weeks ago has added to my faith regarding this principle of trust in God.
3 Nephi 14:
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
When I read this scripture and consider how much I love my children, and my love is imperfect....I then can see how He whom is almighty and perfectly loving will be able to help my children, me and all of us on earth more than we can understand.
I am thankful even for the hardships that He allows us to have because many times they are part of His gifts to us. I know that the gifts that we ask for are nothing compared to the gifts He gives that we do not even realize He has given us.
I do know like Nephi that He is just and I desire and will accept whatever He will or wants to give me because I love Him and I am in awe at the gift that He gave me in His Son and the chance for us all to repent.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
2 Nephi 26: 7 O the pain, and the anguish of my soul for the loss of the slain of my people! For I, Nephi, have seen it, and it well nigh consumeth me before the presence of the Lord; but I must cry unto my God: Thy ways are just.
Nephi trusts in the Lord's dealings with His children so much that he knows that the Lord knows what He is doing.
I have been working on getting to that point in my own life. As I can see a longevity of the Lord directing me and others for good even through trials, I trust in whatever His work and dealings with me are. I know that God loves all of His children more than my mortal mind can comprehend.
One scripture I pondered a couple of weeks ago has added to my faith regarding this principle of trust in God.
3 Nephi 14:
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
When I read this scripture and consider how much I love my children, and my love is imperfect....I then can see how He whom is almighty and perfectly loving will be able to help my children, me and all of us on earth more than we can understand.
I am thankful even for the hardships that He allows us to have because many times they are part of His gifts to us. I know that the gifts that we ask for are nothing compared to the gifts He gives that we do not even realize He has given us.
I do know like Nephi that He is just and I desire and will accept whatever He will or wants to give me because I love Him and I am in awe at the gift that He gave me in His Son and the chance for us all to repent.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Might, Mind and Strength
2 Nephi 2:25 speaks about worshiping Christ with ALL YOUR MIGHT, MIND , STRENGTH and WHOLE SOUL......
29 And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.
How does one do that? I believe a few verses earlier he gave specific intruction on how one can do so.....
26 And we TALK of Christ, we REJOICE in Christ, we PREACH of Christ, we PROPHESY of Christ, AND we WRITE according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
Truly I rejoice daily in the joy that I know that my Savior Jesus Christ has defeated my enemy and that I and we all can receive His power that creates more joy and happiness than anything; as we keep our covenants to Him. I promise that if you talk about what He does for you daily, you will also be preaching of Him and as you preach of Him , He will give you personal instruction for your lives which is prophesy for yourself. Once you receive these things, you will write them because you know you must share the gift that you have been given with the future generations.
I know these things from personal experience and I am thankful from the depth of my soul for all He teaches me.
I say this in His Holy Name Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
He makes you safe
I love Isaiah and truly I wish that I had all day to ponder, search, and study the mutiple meanings of his words.
This sings true to my feelings.
Those who do not understand the power of God will seek for safety in other groups, peoples or governments. If you know God, you would know that He is the only one that we need to trust in. Those who do trust in Him do not worry upon the matters of the world. Do not be afraid of the things that the world is afraid of, but fear that you are not pleasing your God. If you fear that you are not pleasing Him- then you will be safe, but if you do not care how He feels about you then He will become the thing that hurts you. The stumbling stone. He will take care for those whom He has made promises to do so, and those whom love Him.
2 Nephi 18:12,13,14 - Isaiah 8
Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. 13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
I desire more than anything to be a profitable servant unto Him. To make His heart to rejoice and to be a instrument to Him in His work to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
This sings true to my feelings.
Those who do not understand the power of God will seek for safety in other groups, peoples or governments. If you know God, you would know that He is the only one that we need to trust in. Those who do trust in Him do not worry upon the matters of the world. Do not be afraid of the things that the world is afraid of, but fear that you are not pleasing your God. If you fear that you are not pleasing Him- then you will be safe, but if you do not care how He feels about you then He will become the thing that hurts you. The stumbling stone. He will take care for those whom He has made promises to do so, and those whom love Him.
2 Nephi 18:12,13,14 - Isaiah 8
Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. 13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
I desire more than anything to be a profitable servant unto Him. To make His heart to rejoice and to be a instrument to Him in His work to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Jealous
In 2 Nephi 5 we witness Laman and Lemuel being so angry at their brother Nephi that Nephi was warned by the Lord to depart from them.
2 Nephi 5: 3 Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people.
The feelings of Laman and Lemuel were rooted in pride and jealousy. I can imagine it might be difficult to have a younger sibling that was blessed with the faith of Nephi and yet, not have that faith yourself? Or perhaps it was only the power to lead that they were seeking? Giving them the benefit of the doubt -perhaps Laman and Lemuel wondered why their faith was not as strong as Nephi's towards their father - the prophet - and his instructions? Instead of praying as Nephi to receive their own witness and to strengthen their faith - they became jealous and prideful.
From the Laborers in the Vineyard by Jeffery R. Holland, April 2012 we read:
" Brothers and sisters there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us to not be hurt- and certainly to not feel envious when good fortune comes to another. We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest, the most talented, most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race that we are really in is the race against sin and surely envy is one of the most universal of those."
There have been moments in my life when I have wished for a certain calling not because I wanted any title but because I have wanted to serve the Lord in the way that I thought that I could be of service. In this way I envied a calling that someone else had. I am very thankful that as I prayed to overcome that feeling of wishing that I had something that I didn't- He would sent me experiences that allowed me to know that I was exactly where HE wanted me which is ultimately my strongest desire. I was even given the chance to teach in the capacity that I had hoped for on occasion and boy was I thankful that the Lord knows best, because I was able to see why that calling was not my greatest strength!!!
I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love that we are led in the church by a prophet of God that is the closest representative of the Savior on the earth that we have. I feel my prayers being answered daily. My God supports and sustains me in my trials. For all of these things I am eternally grateful.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ- whom I love - Amen.
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