Tues 10/26
"Am I Good Enough? Will I Make It?" J. Devn Cornish
-Everyone's career has challenging and discouraging moments. It is not uncommon!
"We torture ourselves needlessly by competing and comparing. We falsely judge our self-worth by the things we do or don’t have and by the opinions of others. If we must compare, let us compare how we were in the past to how we are today—and even to how we want to be in the future."
How am I doing compared to how I was a few years ago? What do I understand and know about myself that I didn't know then?
"The only opinion of us that matters is what our Heavenly Father thinks of us. Please sincerely ask Him what He thinks of you. He will love and correct but never discourage us; that is Satan’s trick."
Am I asking Heavenly Father what He thinks of me daily in prayer?
-all the Lord expects of us is to try. But we have to really try.
Jeffery R. Holland: "However many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made … , I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.” -- the Atonement reaches me and helps me to overcome all things. Do I have faith in this? How is my faith manifest? How can I choose faith and hope instead of discouragement?
"...because of the Savior’s Atonement, we can repent and be fully forgiven, as soon as our repentance is sincere."
"What we cannot do is rationalize rather than repent. It will not work to justify ourselves in our sins by saying, “God knows it’s just too hard for me, so He accepts me like I am.”
Do I justify my shortcomings by saying, "this is how my family is?" Or do I sincerely try to give it up unto God and do so joyfully?
Mon 10/31
John 8:29 Christ does things that please Heavenly Father
Mosiah 15:7 Christ's will was swallowed up in the will of the Father
John 17:23 Goal is to become unified with the Father. Do I pray like that? With the intent to become unified with Christ and God? How can I change my perspective so that I am more unified with the Father?
2 Ne 32:9 Pray unto the Father before I perform any thing and he will consecrate them to my good. How can I utilize this idea in my daily life? How can I consecrate my classes and work to God?
Mon 11/7
Nephi 2-3. Difference between Laman/Lemuel and Nephi/Sam/Lehi is attitude. NSL are obedient and have faith. That faith is reflected in their attitude "I will go and do," (3:7), "he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanders them" (3:7), "it is wisdom that we should obtain these records" (3:20), "soften my heart that I did believe" (2:16), "cry unto the Lord" (2:16), "he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, therefor ehe did as the Lord commanded him" (2:3)
LL had a bad attitude, complained, and doubted the ability of the Lord to help them in their lives: "they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them" (2:12) "neither did they believe" (2:13), "it is a hard thing" (3:5), "speak many hard words unto us" (3:28), "How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands?" (3:31). Their actions are governed by fear, doubt, and so they murmur, complain, react with anger, and even violence.
How often am I like LL and how often am I like NSL? It reminds me of the talk by Russell M. Nelson about Joy and Spiritual survival - our happiness has nothing to do with the circumstances of our lives but with our focus in our lives. NSL were focused on the Savior and being obedient, and so they were joyful even though they experienced the same hardship as LL. How does obedience to Christ and His commandments a source of joy in my life? How often do I complain, drag my feet, and react with fear and doubt when things don't go my way? That is LL/Satan's way.
Tues 11/8
1 Ne 5:21-22 It wasn't until after NLS got the plates from Laban that they really understood why they were supposed to do so; sometimes we are asked to do things that we don't fully understand, but as we act in faith we will be able to understand that "it was wisdom in the Lord" (5:22) When have I not understood completely why I needed to do something or why something happened and then understood later? I don't think I understood fully how serving a mission would help me until the end of my mission. In addition, everyone goes into marriage somewhat blind as to what will happen, but then it slowly is apparent why marriage is ordained of God and how it can make us become better people. I also feel like this with grad school - why the timing? Hopefully one day it will also be "wisdom in the Lord." Interesting that they had to search the plates to understand their great worth. How often do not put in the effort to understand the will of God and then complain? Do we really search to understand?
1 Ne 4:6 "I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." This should be my approach for missionary work. Sometimes I try to think hard of people that might be receptive (a good practice) but I should also be open to the idea that people that don't appear to be "ready" may be just as ready as anyone else. How can I recognize and rely on the Spirit more fully in my life?
Wed 11/9
6:4 "fullness of intent" of the scriptures= to come unto God. This is the full purpose of life. Politics are not the biggest thing. God is the biggest thing, and my personal integrity to Him.
7:12-13 "How is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Where let us be faithful to him." What a wonderful scripture of hope! The "word of the Lord will be fulfilled." Period. There are not ands, ifs or buts in that statement. Do I have faith in that? How does it affect my daily attitude towards myself, others, media, politics, and all of the other influences in the world? Lately I have been feeling that I need to cut down on some of the media influences in my life. Particularly Facebook. There are too many opinions, to emotional and to inflammatory. It is good to be informed, but much of the information we are bombarded with is not encouraging of what God is trying to communicate with me here - that God will trump all negative in our lives and all we have to do is have faith in Him, follow Christ's example. Hardly to do to perfection, but really simplifies our life and priorities. Literally nothing else matters. What am I doing in this respect today? How can I be kind to someone else today?
Sat 11/12
1 Ne 8:7 Even after following Christ, we will pass through "dark and dreary waste" like Lehi did in vision.
8:15-16 "come unto me" Lehi acts almost like a mediator between the people and the Father, almost kind of like Christ. He leads his family to taste of the love of Christ. How has my own father led me to Christ? How does Samuel do so in our home? How can we lead our children unto Christ?i
8:23 How does the mist of darkness influence me? --Confusing right/wrong. Media, worldly beliefs, putting to much emphasis on my appearance or other worldly things all can confuse us. How do we navigate the mist of darkness in our lives?
8:21 "press forward," 8:24 "clinging to the rod of iron," 8:30 "continually holding" --steady and consistent effort of making these things spiritual habits. 8:33 "heed them not (mockers)"
8:28 Beware of being ashamed because others mock you. Expect this. Why am I surprised when this happens in my interactions with other people?
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
October Week 3 Linds
Mon 10/17
Lehi, Helaman's son as a great missionary
Hel 5:17-18 had power and authority given them to speak. Had what they were to speak given to them. How did they qualify for this blessing? Hel 5:14-16 Diligence, persistence, hard work (went to all the cities to preach and to everyone, did not give up). Also, they listened and obeyed the words which their father Helaman taught them (Hel 5:10-13)
Hel 5:19 were "convincing" (didn't rely on their own powers but God helped them convince people)
Hel 5:21-24 Does not mean that they didn't have opposition; they were thrown into prison for many days without food or water. If they were selfishly minded, they would think this is a punishment or "Why me?" (and they possibly were a little discouraged v. 24 until God encircled them about with fire). Many times, our trials give God an opportunity to show forth His power. How would this perspective change my own attitude in the midst of trials? How am I allowing God to work miracles in my trials?
Alma 5:41 Interesting that the people in the prison/the people Lehi and Nephew were teaching were the same people that had been taught by Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom. This did not deter them from teaching them; remember that multiple exposures to the gospel will be successful and it is only in their time that they will understand the truth!
Tues 10/18
Alma the Younger, as a missionary
Alma 5- not afraid to ask uncomfortable questions to help me repent
Alma 5:46 Alma paid the price: "fasted and prayed many days that I might know of myself."
Thurs 10/20 Amulek, as a missionary
Alma 8:30 "filled with the Holy Ghost"- chose to be bold but were blessed with the Holy Ghost.
Alma 8:31 "power given to them...but did not exercise their power until they were thrown in dungeons, etc that they might show forth God's power." Humility. Alma and Amulek were humble enough to not take advantage of the blessings God had given them. Were always focused on glorifying God!
Alma 10:4-11 Amulek shares his personal story of conversion; listened and obey the voice of the Lord and accepted Alma into his home. Sometimes be valiant may not be being "the leader" but rather "the follower" (again, humility. Amulek wasn't asking why he wasn't chosen as the leader, but rather he was willing to follow Alma and be his companion).
Alma 10:12-13 Amulek is bold in his conversations with people.
Alma 14:9-10 Amulek has compassion and feels for the people he is teaching. How can I develop this compassion about the people around me every day? Pray for it. Remember that everyone is a child of God. I have felt that this week as I have tried to focus on missionary work. I have felt prompted to get more of my attention in conversations to my classmates or people I meet randomly. I have felt that they are important and sometimes I don't give my attention because I don't have time for them or don't think our relationship/friendship will last. That is not how missionary work is. We have to care about everyone!
Alma 14:14-23 Endures mockery of his prison guards and physical and emotional suffering. Is willing and humble enough to not fight back or doubt in God's power or presence. Will I be deterred in my missionary efforts if I experience setbacks or if God doesn't immediately show forth His power?
Lehi, Helaman's son as a great missionary
Hel 5:17-18 had power and authority given them to speak. Had what they were to speak given to them. How did they qualify for this blessing? Hel 5:14-16 Diligence, persistence, hard work (went to all the cities to preach and to everyone, did not give up). Also, they listened and obeyed the words which their father Helaman taught them (Hel 5:10-13)
Hel 5:19 were "convincing" (didn't rely on their own powers but God helped them convince people)
Hel 5:21-24 Does not mean that they didn't have opposition; they were thrown into prison for many days without food or water. If they were selfishly minded, they would think this is a punishment or "Why me?" (and they possibly were a little discouraged v. 24 until God encircled them about with fire). Many times, our trials give God an opportunity to show forth His power. How would this perspective change my own attitude in the midst of trials? How am I allowing God to work miracles in my trials?
Alma 5:41 Interesting that the people in the prison/the people Lehi and Nephew were teaching were the same people that had been taught by Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom. This did not deter them from teaching them; remember that multiple exposures to the gospel will be successful and it is only in their time that they will understand the truth!
Tues 10/18
Alma the Younger, as a missionary
Alma 5- not afraid to ask uncomfortable questions to help me repent
Alma 5:46 Alma paid the price: "fasted and prayed many days that I might know of myself."
Thurs 10/20 Amulek, as a missionary
Alma 8:30 "filled with the Holy Ghost"- chose to be bold but were blessed with the Holy Ghost.
Alma 8:31 "power given to them...but did not exercise their power until they were thrown in dungeons, etc that they might show forth God's power." Humility. Alma and Amulek were humble enough to not take advantage of the blessings God had given them. Were always focused on glorifying God!
Alma 10:4-11 Amulek shares his personal story of conversion; listened and obey the voice of the Lord and accepted Alma into his home. Sometimes be valiant may not be being "the leader" but rather "the follower" (again, humility. Amulek wasn't asking why he wasn't chosen as the leader, but rather he was willing to follow Alma and be his companion).
Alma 10:12-13 Amulek is bold in his conversations with people.
Alma 14:9-10 Amulek has compassion and feels for the people he is teaching. How can I develop this compassion about the people around me every day? Pray for it. Remember that everyone is a child of God. I have felt that this week as I have tried to focus on missionary work. I have felt prompted to get more of my attention in conversations to my classmates or people I meet randomly. I have felt that they are important and sometimes I don't give my attention because I don't have time for them or don't think our relationship/friendship will last. That is not how missionary work is. We have to care about everyone!
Alma 14:14-23 Endures mockery of his prison guards and physical and emotional suffering. Is willing and humble enough to not fight back or doubt in God's power or presence. Will I be deterred in my missionary efforts if I experience setbacks or if God doesn't immediately show forth His power?
Monday, October 10, 2016
October Week 1 - Samuel
Monday 10/3
Mosiah 21:14 "And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions."
Mosiah 21:35 "There were desirous to be baptized as a witness and a testimony that they were willing to serve God with all their hearts..."
Tuesday 10/4
Mosiah 23:5 "they were industrious, and did labor exceedingly."
Mosiah 23:7 "Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another; therefore I say unto you it is not expedient that ye should have a king."
Mosiah 23:9-10 "...which caused me sore repentance; "Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and had made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth."
Mosiah 23:14 "And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments."
Mosiah 23:21-22 "...the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. "Nevertheless--whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day."
Mosiah 23:27 "...they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them."
Mosiah 21:14 "And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions."
Mosiah 21:35 "There were desirous to be baptized as a witness and a testimony that they were willing to serve God with all their hearts..."
Tuesday 10/4
Mosiah 23:5 "they were industrious, and did labor exceedingly."
Mosiah 23:7 "Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another; therefore I say unto you it is not expedient that ye should have a king."
Mosiah 23:9-10 "...which caused me sore repentance; "Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and had made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth."
Mosiah 23:14 "And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments."
Mosiah 23:21-22 "...the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. "Nevertheless--whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day."
Mosiah 23:27 "...they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them."
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Oct Week 1 Linds
Mon 10/4
FTSOY- Repentance is a change of mind or a turning of the heart.
Tues 10/5
"Healing, happiness and peace come to marriage and family when we say, 'I'm sorry,' and try to do better."
-repentance & forgiveness is even more relevant in family life, as our relationships are close and our faults apparent
"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to 're-turn' toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments."
-Sometimes we feel pain, discomfort, and anger and are so
Repentance (Mormon Message Video, Boyd K. Packer)
-Peace follows repentance. Guilt can be wiped out when we repent sincerely.
"He who has repented of His sins, the same is forgiven, and I remember them no more."- the power of the Atonement.
Atonement (Mormon Message video)
-natures can be changed, power to endure trial can be increased
"We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. He sees us as glorious beings we are capable of becoming. The gospel is a gospel of transformation." (Joseph B Wirthlin)
------The need for repentance can cause me to get weighed down, frustrated that I struggle with the same things or the same sins, etc but this perspective is the one God has of me. It is a long process to become better, and that is why we have a long time! Instead of grateful that God doesn't give up on me and then don't give up on myself or others.
Alma 5:33 "And he giveth and invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them. Repent, and I will receive you." Satan is the one that convinces us that we are beyond reach, or that God is "mad" at us (makes us "mad" at ourselves)
Wed 10/7
Mark 3:22 "all sins which men committed, if they repent, shall be forgiven them"
JST Matt 3:25 "bring forth fruits meet for repentance" to me, this means that we try to correct our wrongs and do good things to make up for the bad things.
Helaman 15:7 faith and repentance bring a change of heart (change of mind)
Alma 42:22 punishment affixed, and so is repentance, which "mercy claimeth" otherwise we are subject to the full demands of justice. How does mercy claim repentance? How are the two principles related? When we are repentant, we are still not worthy but gain access to the Savior's grace and mercy. Beautiful!
Alma 42:23 mercy claimeth the penitent; mercy cometh because of the Atonement. The Atonement is what allows mercy to happen and for us to change. It is contingent on the condition of our hearts ("penitent") How am I penitent? How am I not penitent? To me, this has everything to do with pride. If I feel prideful and upset, I don't feel penitent.
Alma 26:22 Interesting that "bring forth good works [or fruits]" is always paired with repentance. How do my actions influence my heart/level of penitent? How do they manifest my penitence? When I try to act with charity and be kind, etc, my heart changes along with my actions.
FTSOY- Repentance is a change of mind or a turning of the heart.
Tues 10/5
"Healing, happiness and peace come to marriage and family when we say, 'I'm sorry,' and try to do better."
-repentance & forgiveness is even more relevant in family life, as our relationships are close and our faults apparent
"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to 're-turn' toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments."
-Sometimes we feel pain, discomfort, and anger and are so
Repentance (Mormon Message Video, Boyd K. Packer)
-Peace follows repentance. Guilt can be wiped out when we repent sincerely.
"He who has repented of His sins, the same is forgiven, and I remember them no more."- the power of the Atonement.
Atonement (Mormon Message video)
-natures can be changed, power to endure trial can be increased
"We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. He sees us as glorious beings we are capable of becoming. The gospel is a gospel of transformation." (Joseph B Wirthlin)
------The need for repentance can cause me to get weighed down, frustrated that I struggle with the same things or the same sins, etc but this perspective is the one God has of me. It is a long process to become better, and that is why we have a long time! Instead of grateful that God doesn't give up on me and then don't give up on myself or others.
Alma 5:33 "And he giveth and invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them. Repent, and I will receive you." Satan is the one that convinces us that we are beyond reach, or that God is "mad" at us (makes us "mad" at ourselves)
Wed 10/7
Mark 3:22 "all sins which men committed, if they repent, shall be forgiven them"
JST Matt 3:25 "bring forth fruits meet for repentance" to me, this means that we try to correct our wrongs and do good things to make up for the bad things.
Helaman 15:7 faith and repentance bring a change of heart (change of mind)
Alma 42:22 punishment affixed, and so is repentance, which "mercy claimeth" otherwise we are subject to the full demands of justice. How does mercy claim repentance? How are the two principles related? When we are repentant, we are still not worthy but gain access to the Savior's grace and mercy. Beautiful!
Alma 42:23 mercy claimeth the penitent; mercy cometh because of the Atonement. The Atonement is what allows mercy to happen and for us to change. It is contingent on the condition of our hearts ("penitent") How am I penitent? How am I not penitent? To me, this has everything to do with pride. If I feel prideful and upset, I don't feel penitent.
Alma 26:22 Interesting that "bring forth good works [or fruits]" is always paired with repentance. How do my actions influence my heart/level of penitent? How do they manifest my penitence? When I try to act with charity and be kind, etc, my heart changes along with my actions.
Sept Week 4 Linds
Goal: develop a "bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ"
Topic: Faith
Sun 9/25/16
James 2:18 We work works by faith
BD "Faith is confidence or trust in Jesus Christ that leads us to obey Him." My confidence and trust in the future should be in Jesus Christ, not myself or my own talents. That source will always fail because I am a fallen individual. But when I put my trust and confidence in Christ and choose to act without doubting Him, that is when He can do His power and I can live peacefully.
"Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ."- obedience and faith are linked. Obedience is the works of faith.
Heb 11:1 "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." So interesting, these words: substance and evidence do not suggest a fleeting hope of things. They suggest that it is tangible, real, and something that helps you understand that which you can not see.
Alma 32:21 Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things, it is to hope for that which we can not see. We can expect that we will never have doubts or confusions in life, they are part of not having a "perfect knowledge of things," but we do need to persist in our hope to action
Ether 12:6 "no witness until after the trial of [my] faith" expect there to be a trial of my faith (possibly many times); choose to persist in my faith and then a witness is promised. This reminds me of the devotional "https://devotional.byuh.edu/node/332 Bread or Stones" and talks about how God is a "fourth watch God" and sometimes our faith must go through many trials before we understand His will. Also reminds me of the talk last night by Pres. Uchtdorf- you must keep knocking until the fourth floor, last door, sometimes before you get an answer.
How is my confidence linked to my faith in Jesus Christ? How can I place my confidence in Him instead of in myself? How am I manifesting/strengthenging my faith by my obedience? How is my faith being tested right now and how can I choose to follow and obey Christ in spite of that testing? When and how have I received witnesses in the past after trials of my faith?
Mon 9/26/16
Alma 32:40-43 Miracles can not produce faith- there is no "easy way out" to develop faith besides hard work and "nourishing the word" until it brings forth fruit. The way to develop faith is always diligence and patience. *There is no short-cut to faith, so put in the effort and my faith will be strengthened.
Ether 12:12 very interesting scriptures- even God works according to our faith. How does that work? He is all the power in the world, and yet faith is the avenue by which we use our agency to follow Christ. We must choose faith and act in faith in order for God to be able to work miracles (His respect for our agency)
Moroni 10:22 "despair cometh because of iniquity" How am I despair a byproduct of iniquity? It is almost as if God is saying that it is a commandment to choose faith. If we don't choose this faith, despair will come as a byproduct.
Tues 9/27/16
Dieter F. Uchtdorf Women's Conf "So many of us give up on the first or second knock." - It takes persistent, diligence to build and gain faith. Don't give up as we are in the process of building it.
Matt 9:22 Faith is the power that "makes us whole" - how is faith related to the Atonement and healing? It takes faith to persist in seeking Christ. By faith, I can overcome weakness as I seek after Christ and act in faith.
Matt 17:20 faith even as a grain of mustard seed (small effort on our part) can do great things. What great things has faith made happen in my life?-- life as a missionary, opportunities provided me through my job, friendships, finding and marrying Samuel, having a life that I love, being financially stable and getting financial blessings with scholarships, etc.
Eph 2:8 By faith we qualify for grace. Grace is what saves us. Maybe that is why our faith is so minuscule (mustard seed) compared to the blessing we receive through grace and God's power (moving mountains). Grace is what makes that gap. 2 Nephi 25:23 "by grace we are saved after all we can do" (that is what God asks us to do to access the Atonement)
What is "all [I] can do?" --> striving every day to be perfected in Him, following the commandments, trying each day to follow the Savior and be His disciple.
Wed 9/28/16
Gospel Principle Manual- "Faith in Jesus Christ"
"Faith is a principle of action and power that motivates our day-to-day activities."
"To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such trust in Him that we obey whatever He commands."
-we increase our faith in Christ het same way we do any other skill, work and practice at it. Spend time in the scriptures and exercising our spiritual muscles of obedience to His commandments.
Alma 34:17-26 Faith is the power by which we can pray to God about our heart's desires and all the things we deal with every day.
"Faith involves doing all we can to bring about the things we hope and pray for." - we can't expect help when we don't do our part, and all we can do. Our prayers should instead be to help us be consistent and to do our part, not for His help when we haven't done all we can.
Fri 9/29/16
Faith is Not by Chance but by Choice- Neil L. Anderson GC Oct 2015
"How does the Savior see my faith?"
"Although your beginning fire of faith may be small, righteous choices bring greater confidence in God, and your faith grows. The difficulties of mortality blow against you, and evil forces lurk in the darkness, hoping to extinguish your faith. But as you continue to make good choices, trust in God, and follow His Son, the Lord sends increased light and knowledge, and your faith becomes settled and unwavering.Although your beginning fire of faith may be small, righteous choices bring greater confidence in God, and your faith grows. The difficulties of mortality blow against you, and evil forces lurk in the darkness, hoping to extinguish your faith. But as you continue to make good choices, trust in God, and follow His Son, the Lord sends increased light and knowledge, and your faith becomes settled and unwavering." - obedience helps us to build our faith in Him; righteousness increases our ability to act in faith.
"My dear friends, your faith did not begin at birth, and it will not end at death. Faith is a choice. Strengthen your faith, and live to be deserving of the Savior’s approving words: “Great is thy faith."
-faith is the power that helps us get through the most difficult of challenges; we are never alone.
Topic: Faith
Sun 9/25/16
James 2:18 We work works by faith
BD "Faith is confidence or trust in Jesus Christ that leads us to obey Him." My confidence and trust in the future should be in Jesus Christ, not myself or my own talents. That source will always fail because I am a fallen individual. But when I put my trust and confidence in Christ and choose to act without doubting Him, that is when He can do His power and I can live peacefully.
"Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ."- obedience and faith are linked. Obedience is the works of faith.
Heb 11:1 "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." So interesting, these words: substance and evidence do not suggest a fleeting hope of things. They suggest that it is tangible, real, and something that helps you understand that which you can not see.
Alma 32:21 Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things, it is to hope for that which we can not see. We can expect that we will never have doubts or confusions in life, they are part of not having a "perfect knowledge of things," but we do need to persist in our hope to action
Ether 12:6 "no witness until after the trial of [my] faith" expect there to be a trial of my faith (possibly many times); choose to persist in my faith and then a witness is promised. This reminds me of the devotional "https://devotional.byuh.edu/node/332 Bread or Stones" and talks about how God is a "fourth watch God" and sometimes our faith must go through many trials before we understand His will. Also reminds me of the talk last night by Pres. Uchtdorf- you must keep knocking until the fourth floor, last door, sometimes before you get an answer.
How is my confidence linked to my faith in Jesus Christ? How can I place my confidence in Him instead of in myself? How am I manifesting/strengthenging my faith by my obedience? How is my faith being tested right now and how can I choose to follow and obey Christ in spite of that testing? When and how have I received witnesses in the past after trials of my faith?
Mon 9/26/16
Alma 32:40-43 Miracles can not produce faith- there is no "easy way out" to develop faith besides hard work and "nourishing the word" until it brings forth fruit. The way to develop faith is always diligence and patience. *There is no short-cut to faith, so put in the effort and my faith will be strengthened.
Ether 12:12 very interesting scriptures- even God works according to our faith. How does that work? He is all the power in the world, and yet faith is the avenue by which we use our agency to follow Christ. We must choose faith and act in faith in order for God to be able to work miracles (His respect for our agency)
Moroni 10:22 "despair cometh because of iniquity" How am I despair a byproduct of iniquity? It is almost as if God is saying that it is a commandment to choose faith. If we don't choose this faith, despair will come as a byproduct.
Tues 9/27/16
Dieter F. Uchtdorf Women's Conf "So many of us give up on the first or second knock." - It takes persistent, diligence to build and gain faith. Don't give up as we are in the process of building it.
Matt 9:22 Faith is the power that "makes us whole" - how is faith related to the Atonement and healing? It takes faith to persist in seeking Christ. By faith, I can overcome weakness as I seek after Christ and act in faith.
Matt 17:20 faith even as a grain of mustard seed (small effort on our part) can do great things. What great things has faith made happen in my life?-- life as a missionary, opportunities provided me through my job, friendships, finding and marrying Samuel, having a life that I love, being financially stable and getting financial blessings with scholarships, etc.
Eph 2:8 By faith we qualify for grace. Grace is what saves us. Maybe that is why our faith is so minuscule (mustard seed) compared to the blessing we receive through grace and God's power (moving mountains). Grace is what makes that gap. 2 Nephi 25:23 "by grace we are saved after all we can do" (that is what God asks us to do to access the Atonement)
What is "all [I] can do?" --> striving every day to be perfected in Him, following the commandments, trying each day to follow the Savior and be His disciple.
Wed 9/28/16
Gospel Principle Manual- "Faith in Jesus Christ"
"Faith is a principle of action and power that motivates our day-to-day activities."
"To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such trust in Him that we obey whatever He commands."
-we increase our faith in Christ het same way we do any other skill, work and practice at it. Spend time in the scriptures and exercising our spiritual muscles of obedience to His commandments.
Alma 34:17-26 Faith is the power by which we can pray to God about our heart's desires and all the things we deal with every day.
"Faith involves doing all we can to bring about the things we hope and pray for." - we can't expect help when we don't do our part, and all we can do. Our prayers should instead be to help us be consistent and to do our part, not for His help when we haven't done all we can.
Fri 9/29/16
Faith is Not by Chance but by Choice- Neil L. Anderson GC Oct 2015
"How does the Savior see my faith?"
"Although your beginning fire of faith may be small, righteous choices bring greater confidence in God, and your faith grows. The difficulties of mortality blow against you, and evil forces lurk in the darkness, hoping to extinguish your faith. But as you continue to make good choices, trust in God, and follow His Son, the Lord sends increased light and knowledge, and your faith becomes settled and unwavering.Although your beginning fire of faith may be small, righteous choices bring greater confidence in God, and your faith grows. The difficulties of mortality blow against you, and evil forces lurk in the darkness, hoping to extinguish your faith. But as you continue to make good choices, trust in God, and follow His Son, the Lord sends increased light and knowledge, and your faith becomes settled and unwavering." - obedience helps us to build our faith in Him; righteousness increases our ability to act in faith.
"My dear friends, your faith did not begin at birth, and it will not end at death. Faith is a choice. Strengthen your faith, and live to be deserving of the Savior’s approving words: “Great is thy faith."
-faith is the power that helps us get through the most difficult of challenges; we are never alone.
Monday, October 3, 2016
September Week 4 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture:
Monday 9/26
Mosiah 8:20 "O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people..." I like how the Lord suffers. I feel that he feels what I feel and knows what I am going through. He knows how to empathize. ...";yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!" It is soooo easy to forget the Lord and to trust in my own strength. Why?
Mosiah 8:21 "Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd, and scattereth, and are driven, and are devoured by the beasts of the forest." It is interesting how the shepherd leads his sheep. Christ is out in front leading and guiding and loving. How do I flee from the Savior and get lost and scattered by the things of the world? The shepherd knows the way and is calling after me. It takes decision on my part to listen and obey.
Tuesday 9/27
Mosiah 10:13 "...Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord--therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them,". Nephi was favored because he followed, he did what the Lord asked him to do and the Lord then listened to the pleas and prayers of Nephi. What commandments am I not faithful in keeping?
Mosiah 10:14 "...they understood not the dealings of the Lord." Laman and Lemuel did not know the Lord. It is in following after the Lord that we come to know him. Communication with him helps me to get to know him more just as communication with my Linds brings me closer to her.
Mosiah 11:5 "...lifted up in the pride of their hearts". King Noah and his people developed great pride or enmity towards God. They thought of their own needs/desires than of others. Selfishness, boasting are all forms of pride. How do I show my pride? Pride is never good.
Wednesday 9/28
Mosiah 13:12 "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of things which are in heaven above, which are in the earth beneath, or which are in the water under the earth." What are my graven images? Anything that I put before the Lord... vs. 24"Thou shalt not covet..." I thinking even comparing myself to others is a form of coveting...
Mosiah 13:28 "And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish..." This is what is most important, I can never return to my father's presence by my own shear strength and intellect. Only in and through the Holy Messiah can I have the chance. I am powerless alone.
Thursday 9/29
Mosiah 14:4-6 "Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
"All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all."
I just feel the love of God from these verses. I know that the Savior is our Redeemer. I know that he can heal me and strengthen me and his act was the ultimate act of love for all if they will keep the commandments and follow the prophets.
Mosiah 15:11 "...whosoever has heard the words of the prophets...all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins...these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God"
Friday 9/30
Mosiah 16:9 "He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." So interesting how Christ is the life. Without the Atonement, we would all die and not be redeemed. Through him, we will all live again. Christ doesn't change and the way to follow after him doesn't change either but it allows one to progress, to grow, to increase, to increase. The way of discipleship is an endless pursuit but one that is worth it.
Mosiah 16:13 "And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved?" The invitation to come unto Christ is always there. He is the only way back to our Heavenly Father.
Saturday 10/1
Mosiah 18:16 The people of Alma were "...filled with the grace of God." This happened because they were "desirous to enter into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light." The Lord blesses the righteous desires and changes of heart of his people.
Mosiah 18:23 "...Every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God." This keeps one humble and realize the grace and goodness of God and that the tender mercies that he bestows on those who seek him.
Monday 9/26
Mosiah 8:20 "O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people..." I like how the Lord suffers. I feel that he feels what I feel and knows what I am going through. He knows how to empathize. ...";yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!" It is soooo easy to forget the Lord and to trust in my own strength. Why?
Mosiah 8:21 "Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd, and scattereth, and are driven, and are devoured by the beasts of the forest." It is interesting how the shepherd leads his sheep. Christ is out in front leading and guiding and loving. How do I flee from the Savior and get lost and scattered by the things of the world? The shepherd knows the way and is calling after me. It takes decision on my part to listen and obey.
Tuesday 9/27
Mosiah 10:13 "...Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord--therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them,". Nephi was favored because he followed, he did what the Lord asked him to do and the Lord then listened to the pleas and prayers of Nephi. What commandments am I not faithful in keeping?
Mosiah 10:14 "...they understood not the dealings of the Lord." Laman and Lemuel did not know the Lord. It is in following after the Lord that we come to know him. Communication with him helps me to get to know him more just as communication with my Linds brings me closer to her.
Mosiah 11:5 "...lifted up in the pride of their hearts". King Noah and his people developed great pride or enmity towards God. They thought of their own needs/desires than of others. Selfishness, boasting are all forms of pride. How do I show my pride? Pride is never good.
Wednesday 9/28
Mosiah 13:12 "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of things which are in heaven above, which are in the earth beneath, or which are in the water under the earth." What are my graven images? Anything that I put before the Lord... vs. 24"Thou shalt not covet..." I thinking even comparing myself to others is a form of coveting...
Mosiah 13:28 "And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish..." This is what is most important, I can never return to my father's presence by my own shear strength and intellect. Only in and through the Holy Messiah can I have the chance. I am powerless alone.
Thursday 9/29
Mosiah 14:4-6 "Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
"All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all."
I just feel the love of God from these verses. I know that the Savior is our Redeemer. I know that he can heal me and strengthen me and his act was the ultimate act of love for all if they will keep the commandments and follow the prophets.
Mosiah 15:11 "...whosoever has heard the words of the prophets...all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins...these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God"
Friday 9/30
Mosiah 16:9 "He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." So interesting how Christ is the life. Without the Atonement, we would all die and not be redeemed. Through him, we will all live again. Christ doesn't change and the way to follow after him doesn't change either but it allows one to progress, to grow, to increase, to increase. The way of discipleship is an endless pursuit but one that is worth it.
Mosiah 16:13 "And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved?" The invitation to come unto Christ is always there. He is the only way back to our Heavenly Father.
Saturday 10/1
Mosiah 18:16 The people of Alma were "...filled with the grace of God." This happened because they were "desirous to enter into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light." The Lord blesses the righteous desires and changes of heart of his people.
Mosiah 18:23 "...Every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God." This keeps one humble and realize the grace and goodness of God and that the tender mercies that he bestows on those who seek him.
Monday, May 9, 2016
April Week 4 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture:
Monday 4/25
Luke 24:32 "...did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" A sure way of knowing if thoughts and feelings and teachings and scriptures come from God is if there is a peaceful, warm feeling inside of me.
Luke 24:46-47 "...Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations" Christ had to suffer and die for me and for all that there may be a way to return back to God's presence and to be able to change and become better. He did his part and it is my part to repent and believe and to share this with all others. How can I improve in sharing the gospel?
John 20:21 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" Because Christ is not with me all of the time, the Holy Ghost was sent to be with me, to be my support and comforter and teacher and inspiration, just as Christ was. This shows the great love of Christ for me and for all that he would send a comforter when I ascended up to heaven. How can I better create an environment where the spirit can deliver and teach me? One way is to go forward in faith.
John 20:29 "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." Faith is key to receiving the blessings of God. Faith is not having a perfect knowledge of things, yet believing in things not seen but things that are true. If I truly have faith, I will act and not just say that I believe. In what areas of my life do I not have faith and want a sign? How can I increase my faith in Christ?
Tuesday 4/26
John 20:31 "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." The scriptures testify of Christ; their main purpose is to help me to believe in Christ to the point that I will go forward and live. Interesting that Christ brings life.
John 21:15-17 "...lovest thou me?...Feed my lambs...feed my sheep..." Missionary work is vital. If I love the Lord he wants me to love others too and to share the gospel with them. My sheep means those who will listen and follow. It is a continuous process and not everyone will listen but all should be warned and those who listen should be continually fed.
Matt 28:19-20 Jesus commands his apostles to preach to all the world. "I am with you alway..." I love this promise. He will always be there.
Mark 16:20 "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following." We are never alone. The Lord will always be with me. He is working along side of me.
Luke 24:53 "And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God." How is my temple worship? Do I go often? Do I give thanks to God for his blessings upon me? I want to do this more, show my gratitude for his blessings and love and mercy and kindness.
Wednesday 4/27
Acts 2:17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh..." I feel like the Lord is anxious to bless me and all. The only thing that I need to do is create an atmosphere with the Spirit can dwell. I don't have to be perfect, just trying.
Acts 2;21 "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." What does calling on the name of the Lord mean? I think it means prayer of course but much more...acting in faith, showing the Lord that I want an answer/help/guidance and that I want to follow him.
Acts 2:42-47 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers...all that believed were together, and had all things common...continually daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." There is so much in these verses of how to follow Christ and live righteously with my family...attending church and partaking of the sacrament consistently, praying continually, fellowshipping others and looking to others as equals (not having pride), attending the temple often and being grateful for all the blessings that God has been and more. The promise is that I will be saved. I feel that these should be essential items in my life. self-evaluation of myself-I need to be more grateful and to recognize how the Lord is blessing me daily, how my future wife is blessing me and good to me daily, how others service and kindness, the beauty around me, and opportunities I have, etc...
Monday 4/25
Luke 24:32 "...did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" A sure way of knowing if thoughts and feelings and teachings and scriptures come from God is if there is a peaceful, warm feeling inside of me.
Luke 24:46-47 "...Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations" Christ had to suffer and die for me and for all that there may be a way to return back to God's presence and to be able to change and become better. He did his part and it is my part to repent and believe and to share this with all others. How can I improve in sharing the gospel?
John 20:21 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" Because Christ is not with me all of the time, the Holy Ghost was sent to be with me, to be my support and comforter and teacher and inspiration, just as Christ was. This shows the great love of Christ for me and for all that he would send a comforter when I ascended up to heaven. How can I better create an environment where the spirit can deliver and teach me? One way is to go forward in faith.
John 20:29 "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." Faith is key to receiving the blessings of God. Faith is not having a perfect knowledge of things, yet believing in things not seen but things that are true. If I truly have faith, I will act and not just say that I believe. In what areas of my life do I not have faith and want a sign? How can I increase my faith in Christ?
Tuesday 4/26
John 20:31 "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." The scriptures testify of Christ; their main purpose is to help me to believe in Christ to the point that I will go forward and live. Interesting that Christ brings life.
John 21:15-17 "...lovest thou me?...Feed my lambs...feed my sheep..." Missionary work is vital. If I love the Lord he wants me to love others too and to share the gospel with them. My sheep means those who will listen and follow. It is a continuous process and not everyone will listen but all should be warned and those who listen should be continually fed.
Matt 28:19-20 Jesus commands his apostles to preach to all the world. "I am with you alway..." I love this promise. He will always be there.
Mark 16:20 "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following." We are never alone. The Lord will always be with me. He is working along side of me.
Luke 24:53 "And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God." How is my temple worship? Do I go often? Do I give thanks to God for his blessings upon me? I want to do this more, show my gratitude for his blessings and love and mercy and kindness.
Wednesday 4/27
Acts 2:17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh..." I feel like the Lord is anxious to bless me and all. The only thing that I need to do is create an atmosphere with the Spirit can dwell. I don't have to be perfect, just trying.
Acts 2;21 "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." What does calling on the name of the Lord mean? I think it means prayer of course but much more...acting in faith, showing the Lord that I want an answer/help/guidance and that I want to follow him.
Acts 2:42-47 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers...all that believed were together, and had all things common...continually daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." There is so much in these verses of how to follow Christ and live righteously with my family...attending church and partaking of the sacrament consistently, praying continually, fellowshipping others and looking to others as equals (not having pride), attending the temple often and being grateful for all the blessings that God has been and more. The promise is that I will be saved. I feel that these should be essential items in my life. self-evaluation of myself-I need to be more grateful and to recognize how the Lord is blessing me daily, how my future wife is blessing me and good to me daily, how others service and kindness, the beauty around me, and opportunities I have, etc...
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