We overcome the adversary through a strong testimony.
Revelations 12:
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
How great and glorious the day shall be when the adversary shall be bound and have no more influence over the hearts of the children of men. We must understand however, that unlike a criminal who is taken into custody and is stripped of his weapons and personal means of communication with his exterior support system, the devil will retain his means of temptation and persuasion. He shall be bound and rendered of no effect because our hearts will be completely converted to the Savior and His gospel plan. There will be no room for lust, pride, greed or contention. We will become impervious to the blows of Satan thus rendering his attacks useless and frustrating his plans.
"As you fortify your own personal testimony, you will have power to make correct choices so that you can stand unwaveringly against the pressures of an increasingly vicious world. Your testimony will be fortified as you exercise faith in Jesus Christ, in His teachings, and in His limitless power to accomplish what He has promised." (Richard G. Scott, “The Power of a Strong Testimony,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 87)
Q: How strong is my testimony? How often and in what ways do I bear it?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Revelation 1-7
Chastening equals love.
Revelations 3:
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Most of us are familiar with the picture of the Savior standing by a door with no handle on the outside. In my mind, I always pictured him knocking during a sad time, or during a time when I would be seeking specifically for His help. However, this passage sheds new light on the a fore mentioned picture for me. When we begin to go astray, the knocking may be upside our head and the voice may be saying "Snap out of it! What do you think you're doing? You know better than that." We need to be open to the idea that no matter how long we are members of the church, we are still susceptible to the natural man and at times fall prey to its influence. At these times, the Lord will bring us back into His fold, by chastening and disciplining if necessary.
"The Lord chastens so that we will remember Him (see Hel. 12:3), trying our patience and our faith until we, too, learn that “none could deliver [us] but the Lord [our] God.” (Mosiah 23:23.)" (Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Out of Obscurity’,” Ensign, Nov 1984, 8)
Q: What means does the Lord use to chasten me(financial, familial, physical etc.)?
Revelations 3:
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Most of us are familiar with the picture of the Savior standing by a door with no handle on the outside. In my mind, I always pictured him knocking during a sad time, or during a time when I would be seeking specifically for His help. However, this passage sheds new light on the a fore mentioned picture for me. When we begin to go astray, the knocking may be upside our head and the voice may be saying "Snap out of it! What do you think you're doing? You know better than that." We need to be open to the idea that no matter how long we are members of the church, we are still susceptible to the natural man and at times fall prey to its influence. At these times, the Lord will bring us back into His fold, by chastening and disciplining if necessary.
"The Lord chastens so that we will remember Him (see Hel. 12:3), trying our patience and our faith until we, too, learn that “none could deliver [us] but the Lord [our] God.” (Mosiah 23:23.)" (Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Out of Obscurity’,” Ensign, Nov 1984, 8)
Q: What means does the Lord use to chasten me(financial, familial, physical etc.)?
1st John
We all sin and need the help of our Savior.
1st John 1:
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
There are things in our life that need correcting that for one reason or another we choose to leave alone. Whether it is a sin we enjoy committing, a good act that seems to hard to complete, or some addiction we are too ashamed to confess, we all fall short of the glory of God. There are some personal faults that I truly would like to believe are better left alone; somethings that I want to believe will resolve themselves or simply be swept under the rug at Judgment Day. Such is not the case. We must remember that our Savior and our Father know all. Our Redeemer has already felt the weight and pain inflicted by those sins. We do Him and ourselves a great disservice by no confessing them to our Father in Heaven and asking for His help. He will guide us through the steps of repentance.
Once in a while those steps will lead to the bishop's door. Do not be afraid. Your bishop loves you. Your parents love you. Your spouse loves you. Everyone who truly loves you wants to see you succeed and do well. Most of all, they want to be with you forever in the presence of God. This can only happen when their is a complete absence of sin and complete presence of righteous desires.
Take comfort in the words of Pres. Uchtdorf, "Through the merciful process of true repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our sins can be forgiven and we will “not perish, but have everlasting life.”(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “A Matter of a Few Degrees,” Ensign, May 2008, 57–60, emphasis added by author).
Q: What do I hold on to or avoid doing that is keeping my from the presence of the Spirit and my Lord?
1st John 1:
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
There are things in our life that need correcting that for one reason or another we choose to leave alone. Whether it is a sin we enjoy committing, a good act that seems to hard to complete, or some addiction we are too ashamed to confess, we all fall short of the glory of God. There are some personal faults that I truly would like to believe are better left alone; somethings that I want to believe will resolve themselves or simply be swept under the rug at Judgment Day. Such is not the case. We must remember that our Savior and our Father know all. Our Redeemer has already felt the weight and pain inflicted by those sins. We do Him and ourselves a great disservice by no confessing them to our Father in Heaven and asking for His help. He will guide us through the steps of repentance.
Once in a while those steps will lead to the bishop's door. Do not be afraid. Your bishop loves you. Your parents love you. Your spouse loves you. Everyone who truly loves you wants to see you succeed and do well. Most of all, they want to be with you forever in the presence of God. This can only happen when their is a complete absence of sin and complete presence of righteous desires.
Take comfort in the words of Pres. Uchtdorf, "Through the merciful process of true repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our sins can be forgiven and we will “not perish, but have everlasting life.”(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “A Matter of a Few Degrees,” Ensign, May 2008, 57–60, emphasis added by author).
Q: What do I hold on to or avoid doing that is keeping my from the presence of the Spirit and my Lord?
Hebrews
We must pass through trials to become perfect.
Hebrews 5:
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
What do you think of when you envision heaven? Too much I picture a place of clouds and angels playing harps where there is no strife and no trouble. With this picture in mind I ask myself, if that's what heaven is like, why does life have to be so hard here? Why can't it be easier. The bottom line is because in order to have full access to the atonement we must sacrifice. We must be presented with choices and decide what we truly desire in this life and in the life which will continue on after we have passed through the veil. The greater happiness and glory we desire in the eternities, the more we must be willing to sacrifice and prove to the Lord that even in times of trouble, we will not abandon nor forsake him.
In 1936, at the height of the Great Depression in the United States, when people were struggling to make ends meet, Elder John A. Widtsoe admonished the Saints to pay their tithing because of the spiritual blessings they would receive. He said: “Obedience to the law of tithing … brings a deep, inward joy … that can be won in no other way. … The principles of truth become clearer. … Prayer becomes easier. … The spiritual sense is sharpened [and] … man becomes more like his Father in Heaven.”(“Tithing Testimonies of Our Leaders,” Deseret News, May 16, 1936, Church Section, 5)
In times of trial, choosing to obey will always bring those promised blessing.
Q: When has being obedient helped you grow closer to the Lord or to your family?
Hebrews 5:
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
What do you think of when you envision heaven? Too much I picture a place of clouds and angels playing harps where there is no strife and no trouble. With this picture in mind I ask myself, if that's what heaven is like, why does life have to be so hard here? Why can't it be easier. The bottom line is because in order to have full access to the atonement we must sacrifice. We must be presented with choices and decide what we truly desire in this life and in the life which will continue on after we have passed through the veil. The greater happiness and glory we desire in the eternities, the more we must be willing to sacrifice and prove to the Lord that even in times of trouble, we will not abandon nor forsake him.
In 1936, at the height of the Great Depression in the United States, when people were struggling to make ends meet, Elder John A. Widtsoe admonished the Saints to pay their tithing because of the spiritual blessings they would receive. He said: “Obedience to the law of tithing … brings a deep, inward joy … that can be won in no other way. … The principles of truth become clearer. … Prayer becomes easier. … The spiritual sense is sharpened [and] … man becomes more like his Father in Heaven.”(“Tithing Testimonies of Our Leaders,” Deseret News, May 16, 1936, Church Section, 5)
In times of trial, choosing to obey will always bring those promised blessing.
Q: When has being obedient helped you grow closer to the Lord or to your family?
Philemon
We should be grateful for those around us who do good.
Philemon 1:
4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
How often do we see those around us doing good and become jealous? How often do we feel like punching the guy in the face when he comes up, and, smiling, asks us "How are you doing today?" Personally I far too often envy the public recognition I feel others are receiving for their good acts. This leads to complaining and murmuring, "If only I were a little better looking or a little funnier... then they'd see how great I am. Yep, then they'd see how much good I'd do in the world." If we do not give of the little we have the Lord will never amplify us to bless others on a grander scale. If all we can do is smile, or hold open a door, or cook a meal for someone in need, let us be pleased with our efforts and seek for ways to expand the depth and breadth of our talents. Meanwhile, let us be grateful for those who use their talents to serve and not for self-aggrandizement.
"Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings." (Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Joy in the Journey,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87)
Philemon 1:
4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
How often do we see those around us doing good and become jealous? How often do we feel like punching the guy in the face when he comes up, and, smiling, asks us "How are you doing today?" Personally I far too often envy the public recognition I feel others are receiving for their good acts. This leads to complaining and murmuring, "If only I were a little better looking or a little funnier... then they'd see how great I am. Yep, then they'd see how much good I'd do in the world." If we do not give of the little we have the Lord will never amplify us to bless others on a grander scale. If all we can do is smile, or hold open a door, or cook a meal for someone in need, let us be pleased with our efforts and seek for ways to expand the depth and breadth of our talents. Meanwhile, let us be grateful for those who use their talents to serve and not for self-aggrandizement.
"Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings." (Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Joy in the Journey,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87)
Philippians - Thessalonians
We must make good choices independently.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
God works with us on a very personal level. While it is true that He blesses us often through other people we come in contact with we must remember to put our trust in Him primarily and not in His messengers. I was recently listening to a book on tape called "Chaos". Towards the end, the main character Jason states "God uses everyone he has, good and bad, to achieve his purposes." If we base our decisions and testimonies on other, they will lead us astray. God is faithful and does not change. We must develop a personal relationship with Him. If we do, we will never be let down or disappointed.
Elder Nelson: "It seems almost beyond comprehension to think that He paid this enormous price for each of us. And yet, as far as we are concerned individually, unless you and I do our part, we will not gain full benefit from the Atonement. It is that covenant relationship—that mutual trust—that makes His atonement such a personal gift. It brings us protection, perennial hope, and the promise of joy." (Russell M. Nelson, “Standards of the Lord’s Standard-Bearers,” Ensign, Aug 1991, 5)
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
God works with us on a very personal level. While it is true that He blesses us often through other people we come in contact with we must remember to put our trust in Him primarily and not in His messengers. I was recently listening to a book on tape called "Chaos". Towards the end, the main character Jason states "God uses everyone he has, good and bad, to achieve his purposes." If we base our decisions and testimonies on other, they will lead us astray. God is faithful and does not change. We must develop a personal relationship with Him. If we do, we will never be let down or disappointed.
Elder Nelson: "It seems almost beyond comprehension to think that He paid this enormous price for each of us. And yet, as far as we are concerned individually, unless you and I do our part, we will not gain full benefit from the Atonement. It is that covenant relationship—that mutual trust—that makes His atonement such a personal gift. It brings us protection, perennial hope, and the promise of joy." (Russell M. Nelson, “Standards of the Lord’s Standard-Bearers,” Ensign, Aug 1991, 5)
Galatians/Ephesians
It is easy to know when we are following the spirit.
Galatians 5:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
We all too often torture ourselves as to whether or not we are truly following the Spirit. We doubt if we truly are doing the Lord's will and fulfilling the great plans he has for us in this life. I love this particular scripture because it shows us what we can expect to find when we are living by the spirit. We can expect our lives to be filled with love, joy, and primarily PEACE. We may go through hard times, but if we can sit down at the end of the day and feel at peace with our Maker, then we will know we are living by the Spirit.
Said President Monson "Let us ask ourselves the questions: “Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?” What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace—to have inspired gratitude in another human being." (Thomas S. Monson, “May We So Live,” Ensign, Aug 2008, 4–9)
Q: When do I feel most at peace with myself?
Galatians 5:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
We all too often torture ourselves as to whether or not we are truly following the Spirit. We doubt if we truly are doing the Lord's will and fulfilling the great plans he has for us in this life. I love this particular scripture because it shows us what we can expect to find when we are living by the spirit. We can expect our lives to be filled with love, joy, and primarily PEACE. We may go through hard times, but if we can sit down at the end of the day and feel at peace with our Maker, then we will know we are living by the Spirit.
Said President Monson "Let us ask ourselves the questions: “Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?” What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace—to have inspired gratitude in another human being." (Thomas S. Monson, “May We So Live,” Ensign, Aug 2008, 4–9)
Q: When do I feel most at peace with myself?
2nd Corinthians
Personal Weakness helps us rely on Christ
2nd Corinthians 12:
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
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.
11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
For a while we have been living in an age of ease. Even though the economic climate has caused a shift in the ease, we still live in the most physically privileged age of all time. Due to advances in technology and the prosperity of our country we have become, to one degree or another, saviors to ourselves. If we become sick, we go to the doctor or to the store and buy medicine. If we feel mental distress, there are legions of therapists at the ready to aid us. If we feel hungry we go to the store and pick whatever we like from cuisine that spans the globe. I fear that all to easily the days of the apostle of old are gone from our minds and we do not go the Lord first recognizing Him as the maker and ruler of all that is or ever was or ever will be in and on this earth.
Said Elder Oaks, 'Through the prophet Moroni, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility: “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” I believe this relationship identifies materialism as a peculiar Mormon weakness, a classic example of how Satan can persuade some to drive a legitimate strength to such excess that it becomes a disabling weakness." (Dallin H. Oaks, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct 1994, 11)
Q:What are my weaknesses? How can I use them to draw near to and serve the Lord?
2nd Corinthians 12:
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
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.
11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
For a while we have been living in an age of ease. Even though the economic climate has caused a shift in the ease, we still live in the most physically privileged age of all time. Due to advances in technology and the prosperity of our country we have become, to one degree or another, saviors to ourselves. If we become sick, we go to the doctor or to the store and buy medicine. If we feel mental distress, there are legions of therapists at the ready to aid us. If we feel hungry we go to the store and pick whatever we like from cuisine that spans the globe. I fear that all to easily the days of the apostle of old are gone from our minds and we do not go the Lord first recognizing Him as the maker and ruler of all that is or ever was or ever will be in and on this earth.
Said Elder Oaks, 'Through the prophet Moroni, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility: “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” I believe this relationship identifies materialism as a peculiar Mormon weakness, a classic example of how Satan can persuade some to drive a legitimate strength to such excess that it becomes a disabling weakness." (Dallin H. Oaks, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct 1994, 11)
Q:What are my weaknesses? How can I use them to draw near to and serve the Lord?
1st Corinthians
There is no such thing as free agency.
1st Corinthians 6:
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Heavenly Father paid a very high price so that you and I might be able to return to Him someday. In the pre-mortal life he sacrificed one third of His children. In this life he delivered His only sinless child to be mocked, tortured, and killed so that He might bring us back to Him. So, our actions do not affect us alone. We do not have free agency, we have moral agency. We can choose to be happy and follow the Lord or to be miserable and follow the devil.
Said President Uchtdorf, “God has granted us agency. I believe that moral agency is one of the greatest gifts of God unto His children, next to life itself.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Developing Christlike Attributes,” Ensign, Oct 2008, 4–9)
Q: What is your attitude towards your own agency?
1st Corinthians 6:
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Heavenly Father paid a very high price so that you and I might be able to return to Him someday. In the pre-mortal life he sacrificed one third of His children. In this life he delivered His only sinless child to be mocked, tortured, and killed so that He might bring us back to Him. So, our actions do not affect us alone. We do not have free agency, we have moral agency. We can choose to be happy and follow the Lord or to be miserable and follow the devil.
Said President Uchtdorf, “God has granted us agency. I believe that moral agency is one of the greatest gifts of God unto His children, next to life itself.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Developing Christlike Attributes,” Ensign, Oct 2008, 4–9)
Q: What is your attitude towards your own agency?
Romans
If we are not ashamed of Christ, he will deliver us from evil and lead us into life eternal.
Romans 1:
15 So, as much as in me is, I am aready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not aashamed of the bgospel of Christ: for it is the cpower of God unto dsalvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the arighteousness of God revealed bfrom faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by cfaith
Romans was a difficult book for me to choose a favorite statement from. However, I believe that the above three verses are the thesis statement for the rest of the book. Paul speaks of being willing to give everything he has to the work of our Father and His Son. He promises to not be ashamed of it and to live by faith. Then the rest of the book speaks of the blessing of peace and glory and honor that come from being a true witness of Christ. He speaks of the need for patience in fulfilling such a mission and the blessing that come from patience. He explains the need for faithful representatives by explaining that others cannot build faith unless they hear the word of God and he beseeches us to be “living sacrifices”. We are surrounded by more and more evil that would try to intimidate us into being ashamed of our testimonies. However, defending truth and righteous is the only way to attain true happiness, regardless of what the louder voices in the world may say.
Said President Hinckely in addressing new converts, “We rejoice with you in the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many blessings in store for you. We know at times it can be terribly lonely. It can be disappointing. It can be frightening. We of this Church are far more different from the world than we are prone to think we are. But the gospel is nothing to be ashamed of. It is something to be proud of.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Perfect Brightness of Hope: To New Members of the Church,” Ensign, Oct 2006, 2–5)
Q: Are there certain situations (i.e when I am at a certain place or with a certain person) where I feel ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Romans 1:
15 So, as much as in me is, I am aready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not aashamed of the bgospel of Christ: for it is the cpower of God unto dsalvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the arighteousness of God revealed bfrom faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by cfaith
Romans was a difficult book for me to choose a favorite statement from. However, I believe that the above three verses are the thesis statement for the rest of the book. Paul speaks of being willing to give everything he has to the work of our Father and His Son. He promises to not be ashamed of it and to live by faith. Then the rest of the book speaks of the blessing of peace and glory and honor that come from being a true witness of Christ. He speaks of the need for patience in fulfilling such a mission and the blessing that come from patience. He explains the need for faithful representatives by explaining that others cannot build faith unless they hear the word of God and he beseeches us to be “living sacrifices”. We are surrounded by more and more evil that would try to intimidate us into being ashamed of our testimonies. However, defending truth and righteous is the only way to attain true happiness, regardless of what the louder voices in the world may say.
Said President Hinckely in addressing new converts, “We rejoice with you in the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many blessings in store for you. We know at times it can be terribly lonely. It can be disappointing. It can be frightening. We of this Church are far more different from the world than we are prone to think we are. But the gospel is nothing to be ashamed of. It is something to be proud of.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Perfect Brightness of Hope: To New Members of the Church,” Ensign, Oct 2006, 2–5)
Q: Are there certain situations (i.e when I am at a certain place or with a certain person) where I feel ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Acts 12-28
This statement actually comes straight from the verse itself: It is more blessed to give than it is to receive.
Acts 20:35
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to agive than to receive.
The times that I have been truly happy in my life have been the times that I have been able to reach out and give something to someone who truly needed it. It is well and good to bestow gifts and compliments among our friends and those who are doing well along the pathway of life. However, we have been told that the Pharisees and Sadducees would do the same. Our measure of true Christianity is the sincerity and frequency with which we reach out to those who are suffering and give a gift, be it tangible or not. We must give compliments and encouragement to those lacking in self image, self respect, and self assurance. We must give guidance and support to those who feel lost or helpless to change. We must give money, means, and effort to those who struggle as single parents, widows, or elderly to survive on a daily basis. And why are we more blessed when we do this? I think President Hinckley’s quote sheds some light on the subject.
We cannot hope to influence others in the direction of virtue unless we live lives of virtue. The example of our living will carry a greater influence than will all the preaching in which we might indulge. We cannot expect to lift others unless we stand on higher ground ourselves. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “In Opposition to Evil,” Ensign, Sep 2004, 2–6)
Q: What more can I give to the cause of Christ(Remember Mosiah 2:17)?
Acts 20:35
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to agive than to receive.
The times that I have been truly happy in my life have been the times that I have been able to reach out and give something to someone who truly needed it. It is well and good to bestow gifts and compliments among our friends and those who are doing well along the pathway of life. However, we have been told that the Pharisees and Sadducees would do the same. Our measure of true Christianity is the sincerity and frequency with which we reach out to those who are suffering and give a gift, be it tangible or not. We must give compliments and encouragement to those lacking in self image, self respect, and self assurance. We must give guidance and support to those who feel lost or helpless to change. We must give money, means, and effort to those who struggle as single parents, widows, or elderly to survive on a daily basis. And why are we more blessed when we do this? I think President Hinckley’s quote sheds some light on the subject.
We cannot hope to influence others in the direction of virtue unless we live lives of virtue. The example of our living will carry a greater influence than will all the preaching in which we might indulge. We cannot expect to lift others unless we stand on higher ground ourselves. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “In Opposition to Evil,” Ensign, Sep 2004, 2–6)
Q: What more can I give to the cause of Christ(Remember Mosiah 2:17)?
Acts 4-11
The Lord wants us moving in the right direction before he gives us specific answers to our prayers.
Acts 9: 6
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, awhat wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and [then] it shall be told thee what thou must do.
I believe that the Lord often wants to measure our determination and conviction before he will reveal certain things unto us. I also believe that He asks certain things of us so that we personally will be aware of our conviction and commitment to Him. As with Paul, we must be moving in the right direction (reading our scriptures, praying daily, fasting often, serving others) before we find out our specific mission. Often times we feel lost and I often wonder if it is because, much like Lehi and his family to the liahona, we have not been sufficiently obedient or persistent in doing the right.
President Monson is quoted as saying, “There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.” (Patience, Ensign, Nov. 1995)
Q: What daily activities do we need to be more faithful or have more patience in fulfilling in order to merit specific help from the Lord?
Acts 9: 6
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, awhat wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and [then] it shall be told thee what thou must do.
I believe that the Lord often wants to measure our determination and conviction before he will reveal certain things unto us. I also believe that He asks certain things of us so that we personally will be aware of our conviction and commitment to Him. As with Paul, we must be moving in the right direction (reading our scriptures, praying daily, fasting often, serving others) before we find out our specific mission. Often times we feel lost and I often wonder if it is because, much like Lehi and his family to the liahona, we have not been sufficiently obedient or persistent in doing the right.
President Monson is quoted as saying, “There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.” (Patience, Ensign, Nov. 1995)
Q: What daily activities do we need to be more faithful or have more patience in fulfilling in order to merit specific help from the Lord?
Acts 1-3
A sincere testimony of Jesus Chris changes everything about us.
Acts 2:
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized…
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
When we gain a true testimony of Christ, we have a deep desire to become like him. We know that he, being a god and having power over life and death, served everyone around him. No one was above or below him. He loved all as he loved himself and he strove to serve His father in heaven by serving us. Once we understand these things, we will strive daily to serve the Lord by serving and aiding those around us.
Said Elder L. Tom Perry in his article “Called to Serve” of the May 1991 Ensign, “The discipline contained in daily obedience and clean living and wholesome lives builds an armor around you of protection and safety from the temptations that beset you as you proceed through mortality.”
Q: How can we apply examples of Christ’s mortal ministry into our daily lives in a way that will consciously help build our “armor”?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Simple Statement of Principle: Heed the prophecies of the scriptures and our modern-day prophets and apostles.
Revelations
1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
I really like this scripture, even though it's simple. It prequels what I think is one of the most difficult passages of scripture in the whole canon, but its advice is reall simple. The time is at hand, the time is now, and we need to listen to the words of prophecy and act accordingly. On Sunday, we had a lot of lessons about sustaining our testimonies and making sure that we're spiritually "in shape." This scripture helps me to remember that I need to listen to the prophets and their counsel for me.
Earl C. Tingey said, "I give thanks for modern-day prophets and apostles who have had and still have the vision to construct and extend into the future." I have a testimony that the apostles and the prophets of ancient scripture and modern-day can communicate what the Lord needs us to hear.
Revelations
1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
I really like this scripture, even though it's simple. It prequels what I think is one of the most difficult passages of scripture in the whole canon, but its advice is reall simple. The time is at hand, the time is now, and we need to listen to the words of prophecy and act accordingly. On Sunday, we had a lot of lessons about sustaining our testimonies and making sure that we're spiritually "in shape." This scripture helps me to remember that I need to listen to the prophets and their counsel for me.
Earl C. Tingey said, "I give thanks for modern-day prophets and apostles who have had and still have the vision to construct and extend into the future." I have a testimony that the apostles and the prophets of ancient scripture and modern-day can communicate what the Lord needs us to hear.
Be Ye Doers of the word
James 1:21-25, 27
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
27 Pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Verse 22 really stands out to me. I like how it says you deceive yourself when you are a hearer of the word and not a doer. God knows our hearts and knows when we are trying to live a lie or not. When we live as hypocrites we are really only deceiving ourselves. The footnote on the word "doers" refers to "Commitment;" "Duty;" and "Good Works." I honestly believe we have the "duty" to "commit" our lives to "good works." I also really like verse 27 because it discusses the importance of good works but does not end there. It also reminds us we have to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Even if we fill our lives with service, if we are not keeping the other commandments, we cannot progress. The same can be said if we keep all the commandments but fail to reach outside ourselves and help others. Service and keeping our lives clean go hand in hand when trying to be doers of the word.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
27 Pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Verse 22 really stands out to me. I like how it says you deceive yourself when you are a hearer of the word and not a doer. God knows our hearts and knows when we are trying to live a lie or not. When we live as hypocrites we are really only deceiving ourselves. The footnote on the word "doers" refers to "Commitment;" "Duty;" and "Good Works." I honestly believe we have the "duty" to "commit" our lives to "good works." I also really like verse 27 because it discusses the importance of good works but does not end there. It also reminds us we have to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Even if we fill our lives with service, if we are not keeping the other commandments, we cannot progress. The same can be said if we keep all the commandments but fail to reach outside ourselves and help others. Service and keeping our lives clean go hand in hand when trying to be doers of the word.
There are wonderful promises to "Him that overcometh"
Revelations chapters 2 and 3 are full of blessings to "Him that overcometh."
CH. 2
vs. 7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
vs. 11 He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
vs. 17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
vs. 26-28 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.
CH. 3
vs. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
vs. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
vs. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
I know that if we can overcometh and endure to the end we will be able to receive these wonderful promises and blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for us.
CH. 2
vs. 7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
vs. 11 He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
vs. 17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
vs. 26-28 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.
CH. 3
vs. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
vs. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
vs. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
I know that if we can overcometh and endure to the end we will be able to receive these wonderful promises and blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for us.
Rejoice and be glad with exceeding joy!
1 Peter 4:13-14
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you...
This verses reminded me of the song We Are All Enlisted
"We are all enlisted til the conflict is o're; Happy are we! Happy are we! Soldiers in the army, there's a bright crown in store; we shall win and wear it by and by. Haste to the battle, quick to the field; Truth is our helmet, buckler, and shield. Stand by our colors; proudly they wave! We're joyfully, joyfully marching to our home."
I love how both these verses and this hymn remind us how blessed and happy we should be fighting on the Lord's side and in His battle. Even though it may be tough and hard at times and there will be conflict, we need to always be happy and find joy by remembering whose side we are on!
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you...
This verses reminded me of the song We Are All Enlisted
"We are all enlisted til the conflict is o're; Happy are we! Happy are we! Soldiers in the army, there's a bright crown in store; we shall win and wear it by and by. Haste to the battle, quick to the field; Truth is our helmet, buckler, and shield. Stand by our colors; proudly they wave! We're joyfully, joyfully marching to our home."
I love how both these verses and this hymn remind us how blessed and happy we should be fighting on the Lord's side and in His battle. Even though it may be tough and hard at times and there will be conflict, we need to always be happy and find joy by remembering whose side we are on!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
If any man love the world, the love of the Father is NOT in him
1 John 2:15-17
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We cannot live double lives! "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6: 24)
We can live IN the world but should never live OF the world! As soon as we decide to live of the world we are no longer serving God. Even though many people think they can have one foot on the world's side and the other foot on God's side, this is not true. I really like how in verse 17 of 1 John it says those that doeth the will of God will abide forever. The world will not be there to back us up in the end, only God will, IF we choose to live our lives following Him.
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We cannot live double lives! "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6: 24)
We can live IN the world but should never live OF the world! As soon as we decide to live of the world we are no longer serving God. Even though many people think they can have one foot on the world's side and the other foot on God's side, this is not true. I really like how in verse 17 of 1 John it says those that doeth the will of God will abide forever. The world will not be there to back us up in the end, only God will, IF we choose to live our lives following Him.
Him that knoweth and doeth it not, to him it is sin
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
This verse reminds me of Doctrine and Covenants 82:3
3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.
In regard to this scripture Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, "I hope we feel the cutting edge of the word required. It is used instead of the milder expected. Neither does the Lord say, “It would be nice if …” The word is required..." (Ensign 1996, June)
This is a very powerful quote. It helps remind me just how important it is to never give into temptation. We have a higher standard we must always live by and the Lord requires us to live by it. We must never forget this.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
This verse reminds me of Doctrine and Covenants 82:3
3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.
In regard to this scripture Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, "I hope we feel the cutting edge of the word required. It is used instead of the milder expected. Neither does the Lord say, “It would be nice if …” The word is required..." (Ensign 1996, June)
This is a very powerful quote. It helps remind me just how important it is to never give into temptation. We have a higher standard we must always live by and the Lord requires us to live by it. We must never forget this.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Be Humble and He Shall Lift You Up
James 4: 10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Humility is talked about often and is very important in our gospel. This verse reminded me of the quote "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees." -William Cowper
It is so important we win the battle with Satan! The Savior is there to help us win this battle but we must let Him. I really like the part in this verse where it says He will lift us up. I always take comfort in knowing He is there to give us strength and help us anytime we need help. All we need to do to qualify for this help is humble ourselves. Although this is not an easy task, it is doable! I take comfort knowing He is there to help me and is wanting, willing, and waiting to lift me up!
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Humility is talked about often and is very important in our gospel. This verse reminded me of the quote "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees." -William Cowper
It is so important we win the battle with Satan! The Savior is there to help us win this battle but we must let Him. I really like the part in this verse where it says He will lift us up. I always take comfort in knowing He is there to give us strength and help us anytime we need help. All we need to do to qualify for this help is humble ourselves. Although this is not an easy task, it is doable! I take comfort knowing He is there to help me and is wanting, willing, and waiting to lift me up!
Simple Statement of Principle: Heavenly Father is not a fan of hypocrites.
Titus 1: 15-16
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
I had a very interesting experience with this scripture this weekend. Yesterday, I went to the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference. When I came back to my car, there was a postcard of anti-Mormon literature tucked under my windshield proclaiming this scripture. On the anti-Mormon literature, the basic message was that because Mormons believe that they can do good works and they can repent, they are going to hell because according to Titus, all men are inherently defiled and to deny that is enough to send us to hell. This definitely struck me as odd logic, because I understood it to mean that if works count for nothing, then as long as a murderer and a priest confess that Christ's atonement saves them, they have the same fate even if the murderer has not gone through the process of repentance. Very strange. Anyway, this post is not to Bible bash, but after I read the postcard, I went to the scriptures. These verses appear when Paul is discussing the qualifications for a bishop, saying that he needs to be "blameless, not self-willed, not angry, etc." Because of that context, I believe that the scripture talks about how one cannot profess to be a believer in God and not take upon righteous characteristics, because that is not allowing the power of the gospel to change one's heart. David A. Bednar, in his talk "Clean Hands and Pure Heart," writes, "Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin." I have a testimony that our works do have merit and that as we continuously try to become more like Christ we can become, through repentance, more pure in heart.
Titus 1: 15-16
15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
I had a very interesting experience with this scripture this weekend. Yesterday, I went to the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference. When I came back to my car, there was a postcard of anti-Mormon literature tucked under my windshield proclaiming this scripture. On the anti-Mormon literature, the basic message was that because Mormons believe that they can do good works and they can repent, they are going to hell because according to Titus, all men are inherently defiled and to deny that is enough to send us to hell. This definitely struck me as odd logic, because I understood it to mean that if works count for nothing, then as long as a murderer and a priest confess that Christ's atonement saves them, they have the same fate even if the murderer has not gone through the process of repentance. Very strange. Anyway, this post is not to Bible bash, but after I read the postcard, I went to the scriptures. These verses appear when Paul is discussing the qualifications for a bishop, saying that he needs to be "blameless, not self-willed, not angry, etc." Because of that context, I believe that the scripture talks about how one cannot profess to be a believer in God and not take upon righteous characteristics, because that is not allowing the power of the gospel to change one's heart. David A. Bednar, in his talk "Clean Hands and Pure Heart," writes, "Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin." I have a testimony that our works do have merit and that as we continuously try to become more like Christ we can become, through repentance, more pure in heart.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)