Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols
It was a neat experience for me this week in institute to begin to explore the parable of the good Samaritan in an out of the ordinary manner. After reading through the Ensign article "The Good Samaritan: Forgotten Symbols" several new interesting ideas came into my mind. First of all because of the high risk of being attacked by robbers while traveling in the ancient world, people would have rarely traveled alone, as the characters in the parable of the good Samaritan do. This for me is symbolic of the principle that salvation is something personal. Just as the "man" came down from Jerusalem (what could be considered the presence of God) we too travel to our earthly experience to be tried and proven alone. Just as the other characters acted and made decisions alone, so must we use are agency personally. But it is important to know that just as the "man" needed the good sameritan, so we must have faith in the Lord's aid to carry our burdens and ultimatlly pay the debt for those times in our lives when we fall into "thieves".
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Protect Our Children
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
It is apparent that there is a special place in the Lord's heart for our little children. Both in the New Testament and Book of Mormon, Christ called the little ones to come unto him and told us to all become like them.
I believe there are many ways in which to offend one of the little ones. Besides the obvious cases of abuse, I feel that failure to properly train our children is also an offense to the Lord.
It is important for us to do all that we can and sacrifice our whole lives to rearing our children and showing them the right way to go.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
It is apparent that there is a special place in the Lord's heart for our little children. Both in the New Testament and Book of Mormon, Christ called the little ones to come unto him and told us to all become like them.
I believe there are many ways in which to offend one of the little ones. Besides the obvious cases of abuse, I feel that failure to properly train our children is also an offense to the Lord.
It is important for us to do all that we can and sacrifice our whole lives to rearing our children and showing them the right way to go.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Bread of Life
John 6:
33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
48 I am that bread of life.
I was struck again by the parallel Christ dictated between Himself and this life sustaining sustenance. What power there is in this passage! The Lord states that He came down from heaven to GIVE life, to offer up Himself as ransom and to spiritually “feed” the faithful unto eternal life. It is interesting to view the distinction the Savior makes between the bread of life and the living water (early self referred to, in the story of the woman at the well). It is inferred that first one must believe and then they shall never thirst. Secondly it is inferred that one must come unto Him and he shall never hunger.
This second reference implies complete dedication and a devotion of ones will. “He that cometh to me shall never hunger” is a statement implicating an action of drawing close ones life to that of the Saviors. Just as bread takes careful and time consuming preparation; from the planting of the wheat, to the eventual harvest and then to the watchful cooking of the prepared dough, we too must make our lives a carefully watched time consuming dedication. Christ promises the faithful that if they come unto Him they will never hunger; for His bread is eternal and His atonement infinite.
33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
48 I am that bread of life.
I was struck again by the parallel Christ dictated between Himself and this life sustaining sustenance. What power there is in this passage! The Lord states that He came down from heaven to GIVE life, to offer up Himself as ransom and to spiritually “feed” the faithful unto eternal life. It is interesting to view the distinction the Savior makes between the bread of life and the living water (early self referred to, in the story of the woman at the well). It is inferred that first one must believe and then they shall never thirst. Secondly it is inferred that one must come unto Him and he shall never hunger.
This second reference implies complete dedication and a devotion of ones will. “He that cometh to me shall never hunger” is a statement implicating an action of drawing close ones life to that of the Saviors. Just as bread takes careful and time consuming preparation; from the planting of the wheat, to the eventual harvest and then to the watchful cooking of the prepared dough, we too must make our lives a carefully watched time consuming dedication. Christ promises the faithful that if they come unto Him they will never hunger; for His bread is eternal and His atonement infinite.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
In a "Desert Place"
I was just reflecting on the feeding of the 5000 in Luke 9:10-17.
In verse 12 it says, "for we are here in a desert place."
I was struck for a minute because I don't believe I really ever made that connection. When Christ, the Twelve, and the multitude were in the desert, He believed that it was right to feed them. I was thinking spiritually and wondering if too many times we find ourselves in desert places and yet we only think about getting food and water for ourselves. I think it very interesting that even though they were all in the desert, Christ saw fit to feed them all. When we are in spiritual desert places, when our testimony seems dormant, when we just can't get much out of our scripture reading, we should do as Christ did and try to feed others who need it just as badly as we do. I think that just as the apostles' faith was strengthed because Christ fed the 5000, our faith, testimony, and love for others will grow if we try to feed others even if it is with our little simple testimonies. I mean, Jesus did feed the 5000 with only 2 fishes and 5 loaves.
The simple statement of principle: When we are spiritually thirsty, try giving others a drink first and our thirst will disappear.
Breanna Plooster
In verse 12 it says, "for we are here in a desert place."
I was struck for a minute because I don't believe I really ever made that connection. When Christ, the Twelve, and the multitude were in the desert, He believed that it was right to feed them. I was thinking spiritually and wondering if too many times we find ourselves in desert places and yet we only think about getting food and water for ourselves. I think it very interesting that even though they were all in the desert, Christ saw fit to feed them all. When we are in spiritual desert places, when our testimony seems dormant, when we just can't get much out of our scripture reading, we should do as Christ did and try to feed others who need it just as badly as we do. I think that just as the apostles' faith was strengthed because Christ fed the 5000, our faith, testimony, and love for others will grow if we try to feed others even if it is with our little simple testimonies. I mean, Jesus did feed the 5000 with only 2 fishes and 5 loaves.
The simple statement of principle: When we are spiritually thirsty, try giving others a drink first and our thirst will disappear.
Breanna Plooster
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Judgment
Matthew 7
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
John 8
15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
John 8
15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
Many people justify what Jesus said here to judge others. It is important to remember what Christ says in Matt. 7:2. The judgments that we place on others will come back to us.
If Christ judges no man after the flesh, it is my feeling that we should withhold judgment unless we are absolutely justified and know the whole story as it is difficult to understand the whole story and what is in the hearts of others.
Many people justify what Jesus said here to judge others. It is important to remember what Christ says in Matt. 7:2. The judgments that we place on others will come back to us.
If Christ judges no man after the flesh, it is my feeling that we should withhold judgment unless we are absolutely justified and know the whole story as it is difficult to understand the whole story and what is in the hearts of others.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
"Thou canst make me clean."
I was unable to attend Tuesday night's class and I am sure a good follow up discussion regarding conference weekend. During my readings the last 2 weeks I have studied again a scriptural story I have read probably a dozen or so times; the healing of the leper in Mathew's account (Matt. 8:1-4). This time, however, its personal application filled me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my Savior Jesus Christ. The scripture passage reads:
1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
The faith of this humble leper was truly amazing. He trusted in the healing power of the Savior and knew that if it was the will of the Lord he would instantly be made clean. During this time period a leper was banned from society and forced to live in a community of other inflicted persons. It was usual for a leper to ring a bell to warn others of his coming. This particular leper would have followed similar attempts to warn others so as to not make "unclean" those who passed near. His act of humble faith (that of coming to and trusting in the Lord) led to his immediate and whole cleansing.
I am in awe of the love and compassion the Savior must have had for this man; the same love he has for all who humbly come to Him to be made clean. The Masters response to the leper's appeal ..."I will"... reflects the ready desire of the Savior to heal all through His infinite atonement. The word "immediately" also catches my attention. It seems often that I become frustrated with the fact that I am not perfect now and that I must continually struggle forward. The atonement's effects however are immediate upon grounds of true and faithful repentance. As I do fully repent I am made clean immediately. I stand all amazed at the Savior's love and mercy. I do know that He lives and stands ready to make all clean again. I love Him, want to serve Him and hope to aid in furthering His effort to heal all the "sick and afflicted" souls of men.
1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
The faith of this humble leper was truly amazing. He trusted in the healing power of the Savior and knew that if it was the will of the Lord he would instantly be made clean. During this time period a leper was banned from society and forced to live in a community of other inflicted persons. It was usual for a leper to ring a bell to warn others of his coming. This particular leper would have followed similar attempts to warn others so as to not make "unclean" those who passed near. His act of humble faith (that of coming to and trusting in the Lord) led to his immediate and whole cleansing.
I am in awe of the love and compassion the Savior must have had for this man; the same love he has for all who humbly come to Him to be made clean. The Masters response to the leper's appeal ..."I will"... reflects the ready desire of the Savior to heal all through His infinite atonement. The word "immediately" also catches my attention. It seems often that I become frustrated with the fact that I am not perfect now and that I must continually struggle forward. The atonement's effects however are immediate upon grounds of true and faithful repentance. As I do fully repent I am made clean immediately. I stand all amazed at the Savior's love and mercy. I do know that He lives and stands ready to make all clean again. I love Him, want to serve Him and hope to aid in furthering His effort to heal all the "sick and afflicted" souls of men.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Conference Traditions
In my family, we have always had a tradition for all of the "men" in the family to go out for ice cream following the priesthood session of conference. It has always been a great opportunity for us to discuss the things we have learned. It was also a great family bonding opportunity for me, my brothers, and my dad.
Gladly Received
In Matthew 8:40 it says that the people recieved Jesus "gladly". And, I couldn't help think about General Conference and how some people, and even sometimes me, grumble at the things the prophets ask of us...I do family home evening, but I really hate it because I would rather be sleeping, things like that. For some of the simplest commandments, I grumble and groan, and follow them grudgingly. I want to change that and be like the people who "gladly" received Jesus. I am sure that many of the people did not know Jesus personally and did not know exactly what He was going to teach them, but they were glad that He was there and received His words gladly. I do not know President Monson personally and I certainly do not know everything that he is going to say, but I am sure that when I sustain him as President of this Church I need to follow his counsel and commandments willingly, with a glad heart.
I've decided that I need an attitude change and I am sure that with this dedication to follow the prophet's counsel gladly, I will develop a greater love and respect for the counsel given. So, the simple statement of principle is: Receive gladly the words of the prophets, both living and from the scriptures.
Breanna Plooster
I've decided that I need an attitude change and I am sure that with this dedication to follow the prophet's counsel gladly, I will develop a greater love and respect for the counsel given. So, the simple statement of principle is: Receive gladly the words of the prophets, both living and from the scriptures.
Breanna Plooster
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