Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Importance of Agency and America
2 Nephi 9 is one of the great chapters on the atonement in the Book of Mormon. It is interesting to me that the chapter following this great discourse on the atonement is about this great land of promise in the Americas. Great promises are made to those that keep the commandments and have the Lord as their God. America will be a land of liberty where no king shall rule. This blessing is needed for the gift of agency to be carried out by individuals. America is part of the great plan of God. Marion G. Romney has a wonderful talk on America's promises. Here is the link to the website--http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=6150
Friday, August 20, 2010
Grace
2 Nephi 2:3 is clear that it is only through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, that we can be saved. Couple this with 2 Nephi 25:23 and there is a good synopsis of grace, mercy, and faith in enabling the powers of the atonement to take effect in our lives. Great verse and great sequence throughout chapter 2. It strikes me that 2 Nephi 2:3 says, "I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer...". Because of His loving kindness unto the children of men, I can be redeemed, bought back with a price. He has paid that price.
It gives me hope as I contemplate my weaknesses. There are many that are recurring that I battle with over and over again. It seems hopeless. I have to trust that He really will take my sin away. Ether 12:27 has been a beacon to me before and it is now also. If I continually turn to Him, I know eventually I can overcome these weaknesses with His grace and mercy.
It gives me hope as I contemplate my weaknesses. There are many that are recurring that I battle with over and over again. It seems hopeless. I have to trust that He really will take my sin away. Ether 12:27 has been a beacon to me before and it is now also. If I continually turn to Him, I know eventually I can overcome these weaknesses with His grace and mercy.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Lord's Timing
1 Nephi 18:21
It is interesting to me that Nephi prays to the Lord after he was loosed from the bands. From the context of the verse, it appears he prayed for the winds and storm to cease. He did not pray for it to cease when they all felt they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea (1 Nephi 18:13-15, 21) but after they loosed him. I believe Nephi had spiritual sight and sense enough to see the judgments of God. Sometimes we are in tough predicaments with groups of people; families, businesses, communities, and countries. We ought to step back and look at those things that are passing upon us through the eternal lenses of Heavenly Father. His perspective is eternal welfare (Moses 1:39). We have a lot of economic problems as a country and as a world economy. It is fitting and proper…for much of these problems come from natural consequences. People are starting to kneel down and look up to heaven. I know it has helped me seek the Lord too.
It is interesting that in verse 22 that Nephi starts to guide the ship. The wicked stepped down and allowed a spiritually guided individual to take the reigns. Our country has done this with some recent elections. Hopefully they are turning to spiritually lead individuals and not just someone from a different party. Recent problems have been a great blessing to our political process.
We are in dangerous straits right now. California voted yes on Proposition 8 last year but now it has been overturned. Proposition 8 was a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as between man and woman. It is likely this case will go to the Supreme Court. I believe we have a liberal majority right now which could threaten our religious freedom more than it has already. Our temples may be in jeopardy of performing their proper functions. It is truly the days foreseen by the prophets.
God is aware and will continually allow men to exercise agency, but we know that after our testimony will come the testimony of earthquakes, thundering, lightning, tempests, and waves heaving themselves beyond their bounds (D&C 88:89-90). Through the voice of these things, which shows the importance of voicing our testimonies through all we say and do that the people will be left with no excuse as the voice of these other things continues to come forward.
It is interesting to me that Nephi prays to the Lord after he was loosed from the bands. From the context of the verse, it appears he prayed for the winds and storm to cease. He did not pray for it to cease when they all felt they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea (1 Nephi 18:13-15, 21) but after they loosed him. I believe Nephi had spiritual sight and sense enough to see the judgments of God. Sometimes we are in tough predicaments with groups of people; families, businesses, communities, and countries. We ought to step back and look at those things that are passing upon us through the eternal lenses of Heavenly Father. His perspective is eternal welfare (Moses 1:39). We have a lot of economic problems as a country and as a world economy. It is fitting and proper…for much of these problems come from natural consequences. People are starting to kneel down and look up to heaven. I know it has helped me seek the Lord too.
It is interesting that in verse 22 that Nephi starts to guide the ship. The wicked stepped down and allowed a spiritually guided individual to take the reigns. Our country has done this with some recent elections. Hopefully they are turning to spiritually lead individuals and not just someone from a different party. Recent problems have been a great blessing to our political process.
We are in dangerous straits right now. California voted yes on Proposition 8 last year but now it has been overturned. Proposition 8 was a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as between man and woman. It is likely this case will go to the Supreme Court. I believe we have a liberal majority right now which could threaten our religious freedom more than it has already. Our temples may be in jeopardy of performing their proper functions. It is truly the days foreseen by the prophets.
God is aware and will continually allow men to exercise agency, but we know that after our testimony will come the testimony of earthquakes, thundering, lightning, tempests, and waves heaving themselves beyond their bounds (D&C 88:89-90). Through the voice of these things, which shows the importance of voicing our testimonies through all we say and do that the people will be left with no excuse as the voice of these other things continues to come forward.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Revelation As We Move Forward
1 Nephi 18:1
“…And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.”
I believe the Lord lets us see clearly “from time to time” but He wants us to use our agency to live as He lives. He gives us assurances and allows us to feel His love but I believe it is “from time to time” we receive these things and feel strong guidance to do or not to do certain things. Mortality is a test. It would not be difficult if we felt Him telling us “what manner [we] should work” all the time. He gently guides us as we stay close to Him, moving forward in faith.
Earlier Nephi had an experience that exemplified this principle. 1 Nephi 4:6-7 describes Nephi entering the city of Jerusalem to fulfill the commandment of the Lord. He knew the end objective but he did not know exactly how to proceed. He knew they were to acquire the brass plates and bring them back with them to his father but he did not know how and those things he had already tried had failed. It says, “[he] was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do. Nevertheless I went forth, and as [he] came near unto the house of Laban…”
Interesting, he felt somewhat guided by the Spirit but he was required to move forward with that knowledge he had already receive and then he had faith God would deliver him and prepare a way for him (1 Nephi 3:7).
In the path of righteousness, moving forward with trust in Heavenly Father, He does protect, comfort, guide, direct, and warn us. I have felt these blessings!
One key ingredient is we keep doing the things we know we should do. These things would include scripture study and pondering, sincere prayer, serving those around us, keep the commandments, and remaining true to all other commandments He has given us. Because “from time to time” He has already given us guidance and if we are not following what He has already given us, why would He give us more?
We can never become complacent in the path of discipleship. He will always require more of us in time. Otherwise, we would cease to become more like Him and that defeats the purpose of our mortal existence in this estate.
“Line upon line, precept upon precept” He gives us more. He also does not require us to move “faster than we have strength.” So we can trust Him.
“…And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.”
I believe the Lord lets us see clearly “from time to time” but He wants us to use our agency to live as He lives. He gives us assurances and allows us to feel His love but I believe it is “from time to time” we receive these things and feel strong guidance to do or not to do certain things. Mortality is a test. It would not be difficult if we felt Him telling us “what manner [we] should work” all the time. He gently guides us as we stay close to Him, moving forward in faith.
Earlier Nephi had an experience that exemplified this principle. 1 Nephi 4:6-7 describes Nephi entering the city of Jerusalem to fulfill the commandment of the Lord. He knew the end objective but he did not know exactly how to proceed. He knew they were to acquire the brass plates and bring them back with them to his father but he did not know how and those things he had already tried had failed. It says, “[he] was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do. Nevertheless I went forth, and as [he] came near unto the house of Laban…”
Interesting, he felt somewhat guided by the Spirit but he was required to move forward with that knowledge he had already receive and then he had faith God would deliver him and prepare a way for him (1 Nephi 3:7).
In the path of righteousness, moving forward with trust in Heavenly Father, He does protect, comfort, guide, direct, and warn us. I have felt these blessings!
One key ingredient is we keep doing the things we know we should do. These things would include scripture study and pondering, sincere prayer, serving those around us, keep the commandments, and remaining true to all other commandments He has given us. Because “from time to time” He has already given us guidance and if we are not following what He has already given us, why would He give us more?
We can never become complacent in the path of discipleship. He will always require more of us in time. Otherwise, we would cease to become more like Him and that defeats the purpose of our mortal existence in this estate.
“Line upon line, precept upon precept” He gives us more. He also does not require us to move “faster than we have strength.” So we can trust Him.
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Atonement is Real!
Sin is REAL sin. Christ REALLY suffered for REAL sin. Satan would have us think that He suffered for petty things where we maybe made a choice that wasn't quite the best, but that His suffering was not for when we actively rebel against Him. Sin is when we have right and wrong before us and we knowingly choose evil. We reject Him and His ways, just like Alma the younger. Alma actively rebelled against the church. But, even Alma, was forgiven and became a great prophet amongst his people.
Mosiah 3 and 4 just filled me with light and gratitude for the Savior. The atonement is real. The Book of Mormon is so plain and clear about the power of the atonement. I feel so much gratitude and it fills my heart as I think about the darkness and emptiness I have felt in sin and then the marvelous light He feels me with after repentance. Then I think of His atonement covering those I love and my heart leaps for joy! The atonement is joy and light. Repentance is joy and light!
Mosiah 3 and 4 just filled me with light and gratitude for the Savior. The atonement is real. The Book of Mormon is so plain and clear about the power of the atonement. I feel so much gratitude and it fills my heart as I think about the darkness and emptiness I have felt in sin and then the marvelous light He feels me with after repentance. Then I think of His atonement covering those I love and my heart leaps for joy! The atonement is joy and light. Repentance is joy and light!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Still, small voice or thunderings
1 Nephi 17:45
“…he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.”
I am thinking of my own life and if I am seeking to draw near unto the Lord in complete humility. If I am obedient to His will and seeking more commandments and more guidance then I believe I will feel His words. If I am content (not wanting more) with what I’ve been given, then it will be difficult to hear and feel more of His words. We have never arrived. We can always be of more service in the kingdom. The second part of the scripture talks about the second call, “like unto the voice of thunder.” That reminded me of D&C 88:88-90. If we do not hear the still, small voice, then cometh the judgments of God to wake us up in remembrance of Him.
“…he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.”
I am thinking of my own life and if I am seeking to draw near unto the Lord in complete humility. If I am obedient to His will and seeking more commandments and more guidance then I believe I will feel His words. If I am content (not wanting more) with what I’ve been given, then it will be difficult to hear and feel more of His words. We have never arrived. We can always be of more service in the kingdom. The second part of the scripture talks about the second call, “like unto the voice of thunder.” That reminded me of D&C 88:88-90. If we do not hear the still, small voice, then cometh the judgments of God to wake us up in remembrance of Him.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Revelation in the Path of Discipleship
1 Nephi 17:1-6
I have been pondering these verses and comparing their journey from Jerusalem to our journey from fence into the chaplaincy. We felt to sell the business and move forward, willing to leave Middleton. Nephi’s family was in the wilderness for 8 years. We have been in school for two years. Nephi landed in Bountiful. It looked like it could have been their promised land but the Lord wanted them to keep going. I am wondering if the military is our final destination or not. Do we go into the chaplaincy in hospitals, universities, or get a doctorate and teach. Into my mind came many pieces of guidance and the interview we had with Elder Robert S. Woods. He counseled me to become an expert on the Trinity. Maybe I am to enter the world of academia. Teach at one of the universities. I am not sure. But we move forward, “not knowing beforehand the things which [we] should do” (1 Nephi 4:6).
If we are keeping the commandments and following in the direction we feel He has counseled us to go then we can press forward with faith and trust in Him that He will provide for us (see 1 Nep. 17:3; 3:7; 7:12). Of course, sometimes we are moving forward not knowing exactly what He wants us to do but we are using our agency to build our families and Zion. In this path, we can be assured He will guide us down the path He would have us go. We felt that course correction and then the option to follow His new direction or not when I went to DyC 126. He will never take away our agency, even though there are certain things He would prefer that we do. There comes a point in our lives where He does not just want us to be duty bound but do things because that is who we are and we want to build others, the kingdom, and share the gospel with as many as possible.
I have been pondering these verses and comparing their journey from Jerusalem to our journey from fence into the chaplaincy. We felt to sell the business and move forward, willing to leave Middleton. Nephi’s family was in the wilderness for 8 years. We have been in school for two years. Nephi landed in Bountiful. It looked like it could have been their promised land but the Lord wanted them to keep going. I am wondering if the military is our final destination or not. Do we go into the chaplaincy in hospitals, universities, or get a doctorate and teach. Into my mind came many pieces of guidance and the interview we had with Elder Robert S. Woods. He counseled me to become an expert on the Trinity. Maybe I am to enter the world of academia. Teach at one of the universities. I am not sure. But we move forward, “not knowing beforehand the things which [we] should do” (1 Nephi 4:6).
If we are keeping the commandments and following in the direction we feel He has counseled us to go then we can press forward with faith and trust in Him that He will provide for us (see 1 Nep. 17:3; 3:7; 7:12). Of course, sometimes we are moving forward not knowing exactly what He wants us to do but we are using our agency to build our families and Zion. In this path, we can be assured He will guide us down the path He would have us go. We felt that course correction and then the option to follow His new direction or not when I went to DyC 126. He will never take away our agency, even though there are certain things He would prefer that we do. There comes a point in our lives where He does not just want us to be duty bound but do things because that is who we are and we want to build others, the kingdom, and share the gospel with as many as possible.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Revelation, God giving us the reigns
Monday, August 02, 2010
Yesterday after everyone left, Jeff and ShaRee stuck around and we talked for quite a while. Part of the conversation led us to talk about the chaplaincy and revelation. I rehearsed to them what I thought about revelation. I really think that God wants us to make our own decisions and “do many things of our own free will and bring to pass much righteousness” (see D&C 58:26-28). “not knowing beforehand the things which [we] should do” (1 Nephi 4:6). We have been discussing two philosophies we see amongst strong LDS families. One is to stay amongst the saints, build strong families, learn the basics and live simply etc. The other is to build strong families out in the stakes of Zion, outside of the Mormon belt of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, etc. Uncle Ralph’s family is a good example of that.
Anyways, I told them how we felt we were following the pattern of living in rural Idaho. Learning the basics and teaching our children how to work, play, live by faith, etc. We were living the simple life doing fence and then the Spirit said, “try this route instead.” Now we feel the need to get out of Idaho and build the stakes of Zion in another state or country with the military.
After I sold the business, I came across D&C 126. I felt strongly the Lord was saying we didn’t need to go through with the chaplaincy. As we pondered this and then fasted and prayed we still felt fine about doing the chaplaincy. We came to the conclusion that the Lord wanted us to move away from fencing and staying in the path we were in. I felt like the Lord was directing us to get into the other stakes of Zion but then He wanted us to make the decision ourselves. There is a path of duty but He really wants us to do it, not out of duty, but because we are using our agency to magnify who we are and do many things to serve and bless the lives of others. The line from my patriarchal blessing comes to mind, “Only by the exercise of agency can we magnify our souls.” I love that line. God gives us direction but He wants us to become as He is. If He is holding our hand (telling us every little step to take) every step of the way then we are not progressing, we are still dependent upon Him. We need to recognize our dependence upon Him and upon the atoning blood of our Savior, but at the same time we ought to develop and become more like Him. I do not believe He continues to ask His Father everything He should be doing in the worlds He has created.
God gives us the reigns. Just as one gives a good horse more and more reign to use his freedom to move around, so the Lord works with us. If we are going somewhere we should not, then He takes the reigns and lets us know.
When I explained these thoughts in our conversation last night, I felt the Spirit very strong. I felt a confirming influence that these thoughts were from God.
Yesterday after everyone left, Jeff and ShaRee stuck around and we talked for quite a while. Part of the conversation led us to talk about the chaplaincy and revelation. I rehearsed to them what I thought about revelation. I really think that God wants us to make our own decisions and “do many things of our own free will and bring to pass much righteousness” (see D&C 58:26-28). “not knowing beforehand the things which [we] should do” (1 Nephi 4:6). We have been discussing two philosophies we see amongst strong LDS families. One is to stay amongst the saints, build strong families, learn the basics and live simply etc. The other is to build strong families out in the stakes of Zion, outside of the Mormon belt of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, etc. Uncle Ralph’s family is a good example of that.
Anyways, I told them how we felt we were following the pattern of living in rural Idaho. Learning the basics and teaching our children how to work, play, live by faith, etc. We were living the simple life doing fence and then the Spirit said, “try this route instead.” Now we feel the need to get out of Idaho and build the stakes of Zion in another state or country with the military.
After I sold the business, I came across D&C 126. I felt strongly the Lord was saying we didn’t need to go through with the chaplaincy. As we pondered this and then fasted and prayed we still felt fine about doing the chaplaincy. We came to the conclusion that the Lord wanted us to move away from fencing and staying in the path we were in. I felt like the Lord was directing us to get into the other stakes of Zion but then He wanted us to make the decision ourselves. There is a path of duty but He really wants us to do it, not out of duty, but because we are using our agency to magnify who we are and do many things to serve and bless the lives of others. The line from my patriarchal blessing comes to mind, “Only by the exercise of agency can we magnify our souls.” I love that line. God gives us direction but He wants us to become as He is. If He is holding our hand (telling us every little step to take) every step of the way then we are not progressing, we are still dependent upon Him. We need to recognize our dependence upon Him and upon the atoning blood of our Savior, but at the same time we ought to develop and become more like Him. I do not believe He continues to ask His Father everything He should be doing in the worlds He has created.
God gives us the reigns. Just as one gives a good horse more and more reign to use his freedom to move around, so the Lord works with us. If we are going somewhere we should not, then He takes the reigns and lets us know.
When I explained these thoughts in our conversation last night, I felt the Spirit very strong. I felt a confirming influence that these thoughts were from God.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Moses 4:21--We shall overcome through Christ Jesus
I woke up this morning early to my son looking for his pillow. I could not sleep after that event and finally got out of bed and got ready. I sat in my bed trying to go back to sleep but my mind was racing. I was thinking about this battle that we are in with the powers of darkness. The powers of light and darkness are both assembled as well as they ever have been. Pres. Ezra Taft Benson once said:
"In all ages prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it—this is a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us. Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been so well organized. Now is the great day of the devil’s power. But now is also the great day of the Lord’s power, with the greatest number of priesthood holders on the earth.
Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle—and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions?"
Ezra Taft Benson, “In His Steps,” Ensign, Sep 1988, 2
I was pondering the tremendous battle ahead for my children and also the battle that continues for myself. The Spirit will be defense and our offense.
As I sat here studying and went to Moses 4:21. It struck me that mortality is described very well here: The Lord is speaking to Satan and he says, "he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." To me it says that as we overcome Satan and "bruise [his] head" we will also get some bumps and bruises, but it will be on our heal not our head. We have Jesus Christ on our side. He is our advocate and our Savior. Through Him we overcome. We must never give up! In Christ Jesus we can and will overcome for His blood has paid the price of justice. They are real bruises we will get on our heals, but, in the end, we stomp on Satan's head and give him a fatal blow. I am so grateful this is true for sometimes this world and its filth and degradation seem like they will be too much. But there is no fear with Jesus Christ as our guide and help. What a blessing to have the Holy Ghost there with us, a member of the Godhead.
"In all ages prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it—this is a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us. Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been so well organized. Now is the great day of the devil’s power. But now is also the great day of the Lord’s power, with the greatest number of priesthood holders on the earth.
Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle—and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions?"
Ezra Taft Benson, “In His Steps,” Ensign, Sep 1988, 2
I was pondering the tremendous battle ahead for my children and also the battle that continues for myself. The Spirit will be defense and our offense.
As I sat here studying and went to Moses 4:21. It struck me that mortality is described very well here: The Lord is speaking to Satan and he says, "he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." To me it says that as we overcome Satan and "bruise [his] head" we will also get some bumps and bruises, but it will be on our heal not our head. We have Jesus Christ on our side. He is our advocate and our Savior. Through Him we overcome. We must never give up! In Christ Jesus we can and will overcome for His blood has paid the price of justice. They are real bruises we will get on our heals, but, in the end, we stomp on Satan's head and give him a fatal blow. I am so grateful this is true for sometimes this world and its filth and degradation seem like they will be too much. But there is no fear with Jesus Christ as our guide and help. What a blessing to have the Holy Ghost there with us, a member of the Godhead.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Perseverance
1 Nephi 16:18-22
It is interesting to see how Nephi deals with things not going his way. It does not say if he got discouraged. We know the others did, including his father. I imagine v. 19 is describing Nephi also, he was fatigued and hungry. But, he kept moving forward, working to get more food. He made a bow and an arrow. Maybe he only had strength to make one arrow, but he did it with faith and went to his father and priesthood leader for guidance.
I look at my own life. Sometimes I do not remember to just keep going forward doing the best I can. Sometimes I do. Either way, murmuring or working, things work out. Why not keep the faith and be positive and seek the Lord's mercy as Nephi did?! I can look back on my life and see that the Lord has always delivered me...even when it seemed there was no way out of the predicament. Things just work out through the Lord. I am grateful for this wonderful blessing.
It is interesting to see how Nephi deals with things not going his way. It does not say if he got discouraged. We know the others did, including his father. I imagine v. 19 is describing Nephi also, he was fatigued and hungry. But, he kept moving forward, working to get more food. He made a bow and an arrow. Maybe he only had strength to make one arrow, but he did it with faith and went to his father and priesthood leader for guidance.
I look at my own life. Sometimes I do not remember to just keep going forward doing the best I can. Sometimes I do. Either way, murmuring or working, things work out. Why not keep the faith and be positive and seek the Lord's mercy as Nephi did?! I can look back on my life and see that the Lord has always delivered me...even when it seemed there was no way out of the predicament. Things just work out through the Lord. I am grateful for this wonderful blessing.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Opposition
Yesterday evening I had some strong depressed feelings. I was looking at pictures from my mission with the kids and for some reason that spurred those feelings. My mission was very difficult and I regret how I dealt with other elders that were not wanting to work etc. I was dedicated but I think I missed the opportunity to reach out in more love towards everyone, including missionaries. I worked hard but I could have been a better servant. I read in 1 Nephi 15:6 says “after [he] had received strength [he] spake unto [his] brethren…I read Sunday in 1 Kings 19:4 Elijah is fleeing Jezebel, after he called fire from heaven, for she has vowed to take his life. In this verse it sounds to me that Elijah is down or depressed. It reads, “But he himself went a day’s journey in to the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” I think he is tired, worn out in the service of God and his fellow beings. Then the Lord encourages Elijah and he finishes his mission. It is a natural thing to feel down and discouraged in the service of God. It is not an easy work and rarely are our efforts fruit-bearing according to our timing. It takes concerted, diligent effort. After those we work with start to catch the fire of the Spirit the work is not done. Opposition comes and we are called upon to give even more to help them. The work of God is never ending (Moses 1:39). Yesterday evening, as I was pondering my mission, I looked back on my years of college life and family life. It has been a joyous experience, especially since getting sealed to my wife. Our children are wonderful. They come with all the challenges expected, but they bring so much of joy and happiness. I laid down by my 2 year old last night and listened to him chatter to me and grab my hair while he sucked his thumb. I do not believe it gets any better than this.
Another thought I had as I pondered these verses. It is okay to rest. The Lord does not expect us to run faster than we have strength. Nephi said he waited until after he had received strength before he went and kept working with his brethren. Timing is important. Timing for others and timing for ourselves.
Another thought I had as I pondered these verses. It is okay to rest. The Lord does not expect us to run faster than we have strength. Nephi said he waited until after he had received strength before he went and kept working with his brethren. Timing is important. Timing for others and timing for ourselves.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Power vs. Authority
1 Nephi 10:17-19
Great verses to explain how to have power. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost we are commanded to receive the Holy Ghost. If we receive Him, we have power. These verses give great instruction on how to unlock the power of the Holy Ghost and really receive Him and His influence.
Great verses to explain how to have power. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost we are commanded to receive the Holy Ghost. If we receive Him, we have power. These verses give great instruction on how to unlock the power of the Holy Ghost and really receive Him and His influence.
"17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the awords of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a bvision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the cMessiah who should come—I, Nephi, was ddesirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the eHoly Ghost, which is the fgift of God unto gall those who diligently seek him, as well in times of hold as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.
18 For he is the asame yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.
19 For he that diligently aseeketh shall find; and the bmysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the cHoly Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the dcourse of the Lord is one eternal round" (1 Nephi 10:17-19).
In our recent General Conference Pres. Packer taught that the authority of the priesthood has been widely established. Now, we need to unlock the power of the Holy Ghost. He has wonderful insight into the power of the priesthood for he uses that power daily in his own life. Hopefully the link below will send you to the talk or you can look it up. "The Power of the Priesthood," Pres. Packer, April , 2010, General Conference. Found in the May 2010, Ensign.
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-2,00.html
In our recent General Conference Pres. Packer taught that the authority of the priesthood has been widely established. Now, we need to unlock the power of the Holy Ghost. He has wonderful insight into the power of the priesthood for he uses that power daily in his own life. Hopefully the link below will send you to the talk or you can look it up. "The Power of the Priesthood," Pres. Packer, April , 2010, General Conference. Found in the May 2010, Ensign.
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-2,00.html
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Small and Large Plates, 1 Nephi 9
1 Nephi 9
I have decided to do my scripture study and journal on a blog. I hope this will make my study more effective and become a witness for Jesus Christ to my posterity and to anyone else who reads it.
1 N 9:5 Nephi says the Lord has commanded him to "make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose [he] knows not." I have scene the fruits of the writings of the prophets. They have burned a conviction to the divinity of Jesus Christ deep in my mind and heart. I hope my witness will add to their witness.
Here is a great talk from last General Conference about the importance of scriptures. I believe our journals and records may also be viewed as scripture someday. The scriptures are records of the disciples of Jesus, are we not also disciples of Jesus? So "we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and be reconciled to Him" (2 Nephi 25:23).
A great General Conference talk was given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson entitled, "The Blessing of Scripture," May Ensign, from April's General Conference, 2010. Here is the web address:
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-12,00.html
I have decided to do my scripture study and journal on a blog. I hope this will make my study more effective and become a witness for Jesus Christ to my posterity and to anyone else who reads it.
1 N 9:5 Nephi says the Lord has commanded him to "make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose [he] knows not." I have scene the fruits of the writings of the prophets. They have burned a conviction to the divinity of Jesus Christ deep in my mind and heart. I hope my witness will add to their witness.
Here is a great talk from last General Conference about the importance of scriptures. I believe our journals and records may also be viewed as scripture someday. The scriptures are records of the disciples of Jesus, are we not also disciples of Jesus? So "we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and be reconciled to Him" (2 Nephi 25:23).
A great General Conference talk was given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson entitled, "The Blessing of Scripture," May Ensign, from April's General Conference, 2010. Here is the web address:
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-12,00.html
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