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.
Friday, August 20, 2010
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.
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