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...
Monday, April 25, 2016
April week 4 Linds
Mark 16:6-7 It is interesting that all of the people (or most of them) including Mary Magdalene, the disciples, were first told that Christ was risen. They still had to choose whether to believe it or not.
John 20:3-9 Peter runs to see if Christ is alive. I love his fervor
Mark 16:11 many "believed not"
John 20:14-16 Apparently Christ had cast Devils out of Mary Magdalene- she loved him more than others because He had healed her! We should not be afraid to seek Christ for healing when we need it- it is what brings us closer to Him.
Wed 4/27
Mark 16:14 even many of the disciples did not believe that Christ was come.
Luke 24:29 Christ gives them the Priesthood here? Interesting that He didn't give it to them before He left- the Priesthood is literally the power to act in His name.
John 20:29 Christ gives them a blessing of peace.
John 20:25 Thomas does not believe until He sees Christ jOhn 20:26-29 I love this description of Thomas seeing Christ and feeling His wounds- it is beautiful. What would it feel like to see Christ? It still takes faith to believe even when Christ is in our midst (that's why Christ says he is blessed for believing) but it takes even more faith to believe when we do not see. Comforting that even the apostles sometimes struggled with faith.
April Week 3 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture:
Thursday 4/21
John 19:41 "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid." This was just a reminder that Jesus was the first to ever resurrect. It had never been done before. It was an act of love on his part for everyone.
Matt 28:6 "He is not here: for he is risen." This is the news that should be shared with all. He is risen! ...and so shall all rise again. There is purpose to life, there is a reason to live, there is hope.
Mark 16:6 "...Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen" I love this; Christ is not associated with fear but with faith and with hope and with love. Looking to Christ cultivates those things. If I want to let go of fear more in my life, I can learn more about Christ and seek to follow after him. It will replace the fear with faith and hope. Also, it is interesting how the disciples of Christ did not believe the women that Christ had risen or the fact that Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus risen. I think that women have great faith. Faith precedes miracles and signs. How important it to treat women with the respect that they deserve and to draw on the faith that they have to increase one's own faith.
Thursday 4/21
John 19:41 "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid." This was just a reminder that Jesus was the first to ever resurrect. It had never been done before. It was an act of love on his part for everyone.
Matt 28:6 "He is not here: for he is risen." This is the news that should be shared with all. He is risen! ...and so shall all rise again. There is purpose to life, there is a reason to live, there is hope.
Mark 16:6 "...Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen" I love this; Christ is not associated with fear but with faith and with hope and with love. Looking to Christ cultivates those things. If I want to let go of fear more in my life, I can learn more about Christ and seek to follow after him. It will replace the fear with faith and hope. Also, it is interesting how the disciples of Christ did not believe the women that Christ had risen or the fact that Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus risen. I think that women have great faith. Faith precedes miracles and signs. How important it to treat women with the respect that they deserve and to draw on the faith that they have to increase one's own faith.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
April Week 2 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture: Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
Thursday 4/14
Luke 23:28, JST31 "Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children...This he spake, signifying the scattering of Israel, and the desolation of the heathen, or in other words, the Gentiles." Jesus said for the women not to worry for there was nothing they could do for him. The Atonement needed to happen. What they needed to focus on was making sure that they had their lives in order. That is good advice. I can't worry about others, as much as I can work on myself and making better decisions and living in a right way. That is what I have control over. The example of that will encourage and help others to do the same. The Atonement of the Savior allows for me to do something about my station in life.
Matt 27:42-43 "He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God." This is so ironic. They thought that it was all about saving oneself. The true way to save oneself is to lose oneself in the service of others so really the Savior was saving himself because he was performing the Atonement to save others. Service, love, kindness, charity are all required in this.
Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The Savior didn't get angry from their words; it didn't matter what they thought of him. Do I care what others think, say about, or do to me or do I have a forgiving heart and realize that their actions don't have to have an effect on me? This is important I think to realize that the best reaction is to forgive. It doesn't mean condone or put up with abuse or injustice but forgiveness is always required.
Thursday 4/14
Luke 23:28, JST31 "Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children...This he spake, signifying the scattering of Israel, and the desolation of the heathen, or in other words, the Gentiles." Jesus said for the women not to worry for there was nothing they could do for him. The Atonement needed to happen. What they needed to focus on was making sure that they had their lives in order. That is good advice. I can't worry about others, as much as I can work on myself and making better decisions and living in a right way. That is what I have control over. The example of that will encourage and help others to do the same. The Atonement of the Savior allows for me to do something about my station in life.
Matt 27:42-43 "He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God." This is so ironic. They thought that it was all about saving oneself. The true way to save oneself is to lose oneself in the service of others so really the Savior was saving himself because he was performing the Atonement to save others. Service, love, kindness, charity are all required in this.
Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The Savior didn't get angry from their words; it didn't matter what they thought of him. Do I care what others think, say about, or do to me or do I have a forgiving heart and realize that their actions don't have to have an effect on me? This is important I think to realize that the best reaction is to forgive. It doesn't mean condone or put up with abuse or injustice but forgiveness is always required.
Monday, April 18, 2016
April week 3- Linds
Mon 4/18
Matt 27:12 Jesus was accused falsely many times and never acted defensively
Matt 27:4-5 Judas realizing his fault and hangs himself. Sad ending, it's always interesting that Satan really deserts people in the end. In the long run, making good decisions and following Christ will always leave us happier. And choosing Satan will always leave us empty and miserable.
Tues 4/19
Mark 15:32 how often do we have this mindset of "show me and I will believe." These people obviously had no intention of believing Christ. If they saw a sign, they still would not believe. Jesus could have showed them a sign (just like He can show us when we plead for one), but He knows it would be detrimental to our progress because we are here to "walk by faith."
Luke 23:39 you would think the thief being crucified alongside Jesus would be humbled but he is not. Contrast him to the other thief in 40-41 that has been humbled and understands his own sin and consequence for them.
John 19:19 Pilate knows the Christ is the King of the Jews
3 Nephi 8:21-22 "22 And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land." Why are these symbols significant? Christ is the source of all light in the world (literal and figurative). Whether we follow him or recognize Him or not, He still is the source of all that is good. Sinning and following Satan or giving in to him will always bring darkness. When have I seen this in my life? Satan tries to make us confused and feel darkness. When I sin I feel that. This is also evident in the temple- when I attend the temple regularly, I feel enlightened, calm, peaceful, and the world seems brighter.
Thurs 4/21
John 19:26-27 interesting that Christ tells his disciple to adopt his mother as their mother - why would he do this? To teach us that we are all family and should treat each other as such.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
April Week 1 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture:
Monday 4/4
John 17:3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." What does it mean to know God?...when I know someone, really know them I have an appreciation and understanding for them. I know if their strengths and weaknesses and their motivations. Most above all, I have a love for them. To know God to me is to love him and really understand him and ulitmately become like him. God wants me to become like him and it is only through Jesus that that is possible. That is why it is so important to come to know the Savior as he provides the way to be able to come to know the Father.
Matt 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." What does it mean to watch? To be observant but I think mean more so to ponder and apply and remember the words of Christ and learn from the experience. Prayer is powerful and it takes consistent, focused, diligent effort to perform. Also, it is a reminder of how the body tends to be lazy and self-discipline is important to seek. The things of God don't come easily and need to be worked for.
Matt 26:42 "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." I don't think the Savior had realized the weight/burden of the suffering that he would experience. Nor can I comprehend it but the submissiveness, love, respect of the Son to the Father. I think he gathered additional strength for knowing that Heavenly Father wanted this, not that the Savior had to suffer but that this act would allow for as many of his children to return to his presence as so desired. How can I follow the Savior and be more submissive to my Father in Heaven?
Tuesday 4/5
President Henry B. Eyring Prophecy and Personal Revelation
"In general conference twice a year, we are blessed with the opportunity to hear the word of the Lord for us from His servants. That is a privilege beyond price. But the value of that opportunity depends on whether we receive the words under the influence of the same Spirit by which they were given to those servants. Just as they receive guidance from heaven, so must we. And that requires of us the same spiritual effort...if you want to get revelation, do your homework." President Monson said the following: "I encourage you to read the talks once again and to ponder the messages contained therein. I have found in my own life that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them in greater depth." I need to make a goal of reading and studying (marking up) the may edition of the Ensign to seek to know what the Lord wants for me and to receive the answers to my questions in life. I almost want to download all of the talks and listen to at least one each day. What more can I do? How can I desire to do this more?
Wednesday 4/6
Luke 22:44 "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and he sweat as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." How can I come to better understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ? It is the most important event of this world. Bruce R. McConkie The Purifying Power of Gethsemane "We know that in some way, incomprehensible to us, his suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains and penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name." I know that Christ suffered for me and I want to utilize the Atonement to show my appreciation and love to him. It really is not comprehensible; I feel like I don't get how it happened or the magnitude of it all and that I easily forget. "May I invite you to join with me in gaining a sound and sure knowledge of the Atonement." I want to better understand the Atonement. I want to better understand the love of the Savior for me. I need to study more and pray more and show my faith more so that that the Lord may bless me with that knowledge and understanding.
Monday 4/4
John 17:3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." What does it mean to know God?...when I know someone, really know them I have an appreciation and understanding for them. I know if their strengths and weaknesses and their motivations. Most above all, I have a love for them. To know God to me is to love him and really understand him and ulitmately become like him. God wants me to become like him and it is only through Jesus that that is possible. That is why it is so important to come to know the Savior as he provides the way to be able to come to know the Father.
Matt 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." What does it mean to watch? To be observant but I think mean more so to ponder and apply and remember the words of Christ and learn from the experience. Prayer is powerful and it takes consistent, focused, diligent effort to perform. Also, it is a reminder of how the body tends to be lazy and self-discipline is important to seek. The things of God don't come easily and need to be worked for.
Matt 26:42 "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." I don't think the Savior had realized the weight/burden of the suffering that he would experience. Nor can I comprehend it but the submissiveness, love, respect of the Son to the Father. I think he gathered additional strength for knowing that Heavenly Father wanted this, not that the Savior had to suffer but that this act would allow for as many of his children to return to his presence as so desired. How can I follow the Savior and be more submissive to my Father in Heaven?
Tuesday 4/5
President Henry B. Eyring Prophecy and Personal Revelation
"In general conference twice a year, we are blessed with the opportunity to hear the word of the Lord for us from His servants. That is a privilege beyond price. But the value of that opportunity depends on whether we receive the words under the influence of the same Spirit by which they were given to those servants. Just as they receive guidance from heaven, so must we. And that requires of us the same spiritual effort...if you want to get revelation, do your homework." President Monson said the following: "I encourage you to read the talks once again and to ponder the messages contained therein. I have found in my own life that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them in greater depth." I need to make a goal of reading and studying (marking up) the may edition of the Ensign to seek to know what the Lord wants for me and to receive the answers to my questions in life. I almost want to download all of the talks and listen to at least one each day. What more can I do? How can I desire to do this more?
Wednesday 4/6
Luke 22:44 "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and he sweat as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." How can I come to better understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ? It is the most important event of this world. Bruce R. McConkie The Purifying Power of Gethsemane "We know that in some way, incomprehensible to us, his suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains and penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name." I know that Christ suffered for me and I want to utilize the Atonement to show my appreciation and love to him. It really is not comprehensible; I feel like I don't get how it happened or the magnitude of it all and that I easily forget. "May I invite you to join with me in gaining a sound and sure knowledge of the Atonement." I want to better understand the Atonement. I want to better understand the love of the Savior for me. I need to study more and pray more and show my faith more so that that the Lord may bless me with that knowledge and understanding.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
April week 2 Linds
Tues 4/12
The Holy Ghost- Robert D. Hales, GC April 2016
-in important decisions, Lord expects us to "use our agency, study it out in our mind according to gospel principles, and bring a decision to Him in prayer." How do the principles of agency and prayer/seeking revelation work together in my life? What else can I do to seek out the answers to my questions on my own? How does faith play into all of this?
"The Holy Ghost is not given to control us." I love this idea and this truth that God wants us to use our agency and act in faith. Sometimes I wish I could have bigger answers but part of our existence is learning to trust what we have and trust in God as we follow Him.
-Satan will try to counterfeit the Holy Ghost but we are promised we will be able to discern if we obey the commandments and keep our covenants.- a great promise!
Blessings of Holy Ghost: "personal revelation and constant flow of daily guidance, caution, encouragement, strength, spiritual cleansing, comfort, and peace that have come to our family through the Holy Ghost"-- How do I see these blessings in my life daily? I definitely do. Ability to see His guidance in my life daily!
Wed 4/13
Refuge from the Storm
-Their story is my story, Mormons were refugees! And so was Jesus.
-part of the invitation to not turn away the naked and feed the hungry refers to these millions of refugees!
"The possibilities for us to lend a hand and be a friend are endless." Look for these opportunities.
-increase your world awareness (read the news instead of Facebook)
-Being a refugee does not define them but our response to them will define us. What am I doing to help them?
Mark 14:61-62 Christ was able to keep His calm in the midst of numerous false accusations.
Matthew 26:75 Peter denies Christ thrice presumably because he cares too much about what other people think. How often am I in this situation & maybe don't stand up for my belief of Christ when the opportunity arises? How often do I keep my mouth shut or try to get along with others instead of testify of Christ? Peter's response that he "wept bitterly" shows how even the best of people have faults and fail to live up to their own intentions (reminds me of Elder Holland's talk). It is very hopeful for us that Peter was still a good man and was able to be a disciple even with his weakness.
Elder Holland: Satan wants us to be miserable and discouraged because he can't improve and he is miserable. He hates it when we progress and make good decisions. The beautiful thing about the Atonement and plan is that we get credit for trying and we have "help from heaven on high"
"The Lord blesses those who want to improve, who accept the need for commandments and try to keep them, who cherish Christlike virtues and strive to the best of their ability to acquire them."
-the foundation stone of our daily life should be that God loves me with all His heart, might, mind, and strength.
-through the Atonement, we can escape the consequences of sin and stupidity
"If we give our heart to God, if we love the Lord Jesus Christ, if we do the best we can to live the gospel, then tomorrow--and every other day--is ultimately going to be magnificent, even if we don’t always recognize it as such. Why? Because our Heavenly Father wants it to be! He wants to bless us." Love this. It is a beautiful promise and the source of our optimism! I love it. Treat every day as if it is magnificent because it is, with the eternal perspective of the truths of the gospel and the Atonement. Be optimistic! Helaman 5:12- we will experience Satan's storms but they will not bring us down.
Friday, April 8, 2016
April Week 1 Linds
Ponderize: John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.""
Mon 4/4
Jeffry R. Holland GC talk (April 2016 Sunday afternoon session)
-We get credit just for trying. Satan wants us to give up, to feel overcome by our weakness and inability to be perfect in all the things that we know/feel. Knowing the Gospel and applying the Gospel are two different things; we can not become overwhelmed when our own expectations for ourselves prove to be too high, or when we can't apply all the things we know/feel.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf GC talk (April 2016 Priesthood session)
Abraham Lincoln- "Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
-Happiness is a decision not a circumstance or feeling (just like love)!
Tues 4/5
Mon 4/4
Jeffry R. Holland GC talk (April 2016 Sunday afternoon session)
-We get credit just for trying. Satan wants us to give up, to feel overcome by our weakness and inability to be perfect in all the things that we know/feel. Knowing the Gospel and applying the Gospel are two different things; we can not become overwhelmed when our own expectations for ourselves prove to be too high, or when we can't apply all the things we know/feel.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf GC talk (April 2016 Priesthood session)
Abraham Lincoln- "Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
-Happiness is a decision not a circumstance or feeling (just like love)!
Tues 4/5
John 13:6-8 Peter doesn't want Christ to wash his feet but Christ exclaims, "If I wash there not, thou hast no part in me." --How does repentance and healing make us more unified with Christ? Are there times when I am like Peter and don't want to inconvenience the Savior by my problems? He wants to heal me, help me, and it's essential that I turn to Him because that makes me "part of Him."
John 13:14-17 none of us are too high and mighty to exclude ourselves from serving others (washing others' feet)-> He gives us a recipe for happiness. He says, "Happy are Ye if ye do them." The key to happiness is service. How can I serve better those around me- coworkers, roommates, and most importantly, Samuel? The Savior promises that as we serve others in profound ways (washing someone else's feet is not just ordinary service- it is service that could only be done with humility and debasing oneself) we will be happy.
John 13:34-35 "this shall all men know that Ye are my disciples, if he have love one to another"--> the crowning characteristic of whether we are a disciple or not is if we have love for each other. How can I show this love to those around me? Pray for this. It is more important than anything else. How do I feel love from the Savior? From the apostles and prophets on the earth? They are willing to sacrifice for me and I can feel their genuine love for me when they speak and share their messages.
Wed 4/6
John 14:26 Comforter will come and teach me and bring all things to my remembrance that God has said.
John 14:27 "27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Learn to recognize peace and when it comes from God--> it will not replicate the type of peace the world gives. What type of peace does the world give? Freedom, yoga-type peace (which is good) but how does it compare to the peace that comes when I partake of the Sacrament? Attend the temple? Serve someone else? Make the right decision?
John 14:18 "I will not leave you comfort less, I will come to you."--> if I feel comfortless, then I need to wait it out; He promised to not leave us comfortless so it is just a matter of waiting and recognizing the Holy Ghost in my life. Luke 22:31 Christ's relationship with Peter. Even Peter had good intentions and eventually had to face his own inadequacy and failure to always live up to his righteous intentions.
John 15:10 keeping the commandments helps us to "abide in His love" (I feel like this has connection to the Holy Ghost)
Thurs 4/7
John 16:21-22 the price for joy- we may feel sorrow, but the joy will overcome the sorrow if we live righteously and wait log enough :)
Matt 26:41 "spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak"--> even the apostles experienced the consequences of strong intentions and weak follow through. It's ok! Just like Jeffery R Holland said, you get credit for trying.
Matt 26:39 Christ expresses His own desire (cup pass) but then submits His will to God's "but thy will be done." He is the perfect example of how we should pray.
Fri 4/8
2 Nephi 9:21-22 Christ's mission and purpose is to "save all men if they will hearken to His voice"; Christ spent His whole life serving others, healing others, and helping others. He did not spend any of His time doing selfish things to make himself look better. Is my attitude in all that I do (job, personal relationships, friendships, life) to serve others and help them? Conversely, do I utilize the Atonement and Christ's power to heal me every day?
Fri 4/8
2 Nephi 9:21-22 Christ's mission and purpose is to "save all men if they will hearken to His voice"; Christ spent His whole life serving others, healing others, and helping others. He did not spend any of His time doing selfish things to make himself look better. Is my attitude in all that I do (job, personal relationships, friendships, life) to serve others and help them? Conversely, do I utilize the Atonement and Christ's power to heal me every day?
Monday, April 4, 2016
March week 5- Linds
Ponderize: Don't be a "blind guide that strains at a gnat and swallows a camel." Matt 23:24
Mon 3/28
Mon 3/28
Matthew 22:36-40 what is the greatest commandment in the law? To love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Why does the Savior make the distinction of loving him with heart, soul, and mind? What is the significance of those three aspects of love and why does He choose to use that description?
And With All Thy Mind (John W. Welch) BYU Speech
And With All Thy Mind (John W. Welch) BYU Speech
Heart=feelings. If you want to be close someone, you have to share positive and negative things with each other just like you would with the Savior.
Mind= way of thinking, perception of things
1. It is possible to get near to God with intelligence (should not abandon critical thinking or seeking learning as long as we put God first)
2. It is commanded to love God with your mind- we should approach it like one
3. With ALL thy mind- "The gospel is not a cafeteria plan. We can’t just pick and choose the parts we like." Minds must bend as well as knees
"Forget your best idea.” Clinging to it will often block the flow of even greater creativity and more expansive inspiration."-- you sometimes have to give up aspects of yourself, ideas
4. Many ways to love- appreciate and recognize his beauty in all things/creations; magnifying our callings by problem solving and using our mental talents to serve others; remember people's names; making a mental practice out of scripture study (asking questions, actually studying); asking good questions and skillful analysis of the gospel and our lives;
5. with all thy MIND- ask for His help in intellectual/professional pursuits; God inspires us but only after we study it out in our mind first;
6. It is first commandment
7. It is possible to break this commandment- we break this commandment when we make rationalizations, cyclical negative thinking, when we let negative thoughts govern our lives and take over. "We must feel godly sorrow for our mental sins. Like Zeezrom, we must suffer spiritual migraines over our intellectual mistakes. In many ways, their effects on ourselves an on others are the hardest to undo, but through the Atonement, the human intellect can be transformed into an instrument for loving God."-- really interesting concept. When I have negative thoughts and allow them to take over, I am not using my mind to love God. My love for God is also manifest in my ability to control thoughts, overcome doubts and fears, and to not listen to the ideas of the world or Satan.
5. with all thy MIND- ask for His help in intellectual/professional pursuits; God inspires us but only after we study it out in our mind first;
6. It is first commandment
7. It is possible to break this commandment- we break this commandment when we make rationalizations, cyclical negative thinking, when we let negative thoughts govern our lives and take over. "We must feel godly sorrow for our mental sins. Like Zeezrom, we must suffer spiritual migraines over our intellectual mistakes. In many ways, their effects on ourselves an on others are the hardest to undo, but through the Atonement, the human intellect can be transformed into an instrument for loving God."-- really interesting concept. When I have negative thoughts and allow them to take over, I am not using my mind to love God. My love for God is also manifest in my ability to control thoughts, overcome doubts and fears, and to not listen to the ideas of the world or Satan.
Tues 3/29
Mark 12:33 to love God and your neighbor is "more than whole burnt offerings and sacrifices"- this shows how complete this commandment is (and hard to achieve). To offer myself, will, selfish desires is and will feel painful or difficult at times but that is the way it is supposed to be. Don't give up and ask for His help.
Matthew 23:24 "blind guides that strain at a gnat and swallow a camel"; Pharisees omit the weightier things of the Gospel like becoming a kind person. How often do I pick apart others or myself for small things while omitting the bigger things of the Gospel, like developing Christlike attributes? Satan wants us to do this. We are all like the Pharisees because we all sin in some way and so are all hypocrites! The difference is in recognizing and focusing on our weakness and turning to the Lord to repent. Am I actively doing this?
Matthew 23:26 clean the inside before you clean the outside-cleansing comes from the inside-out, not from the outside-in. Do I care about what the appearance of things are? Do I strive to make things good from the inside-out? Am I honest and open with the world about my shortcomings and mistakes? Or do I seek to cover them up? Not that you need to publicize/broadcast mistakes, but you do need to let them humble you.
Wed 3/30
Mark 12:44 widow's mite- "For all the did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had even all her living" God does not care how much we cast in, He cares how much of ourselves we are sacrificing. Am I sacrificing of my abundance or of myself? How do I sacrifice more of my living?
Matthew 24:25 there will be many false prophets, false Christs that shall "deceive the very elect", "wars and rumors of wards, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet"
v. 8"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and these shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."
Mark 13:33 "take heed and be prepared" (Luke 21: 36) "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that y e may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." -->another reason to be consistent in daily habits. They keep us worthy and change who we are so that when He comes again, we will be found worthy.
JSM 1:10 "the love of many shall wax cold" Interesting that our own ability to be loving and warm is a sign that we are following Christ. Nurture and feed our own ability and desire to love. Confront temptations to not love and to be "cold" because they are not from Heavenly Father.
Wed 3/30
Mark 12:44 widow's mite- "For all the did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had even all her living" God does not care how much we cast in, He cares how much of ourselves we are sacrificing. Am I sacrificing of my abundance or of myself? How do I sacrifice more of my living?
Matthew 24:25 there will be many false prophets, false Christs that shall "deceive the very elect", "wars and rumors of wards, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet"
v. 8"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and these shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."
Mark 13:33 "take heed and be prepared" (Luke 21: 36) "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that y e may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." -->another reason to be consistent in daily habits. They keep us worthy and change who we are so that when He comes again, we will be found worthy.
JSM 1:10 "the love of many shall wax cold" Interesting that our own ability to be loving and warm is a sign that we are following Christ. Nurture and feed our own ability and desire to love. Confront temptations to not love and to be "cold" because they are not from Heavenly Father.
Thurs 3/31
Matthew 25:1-13 ten Virgins- all brought their lamps but only some were full. Importance of always being ready (daily spiritual habits)
D&C 45:57 how do we fill our lamps? What qualities dos the virgins fulfill?
1. Wise
2. Received the truth
3. Have taken the HOly spirit to be their guide
4. Not been deceived
Matthew 25:14-21 stewardship- God wants to see if we use our talents/gifts/everything He has given us to build up the kingdom and multiple our talents- this is an expectation; He expects us to use our agency and o
Matthew 25:29 we are expected to do more with out abundance
Matthew 25:24 really interesting that the man with one talent presumably had little motivation to do anything with his talent because he was comparing to other people and that comparison led him to a false judgement of God- that he was "a hard man". This led him to be bitter and to fear. I never realized that these are the results of comparing to others! When we compare, we not only make false judgements about ourselves and others, but also about God and His mercy. This is really detrimental because it keeps us from doing anything with what we already Have been given!! I see this in my own life quite a bit actually. How can I decrease the opportunity for comparison? What are my weaknesses in this area and how can I combat them? (Family- focus on doing something for others instead of expecting them to do something to me)
Matthew 25:31-46 "inasmuch as Ye do it not unto the least of these my brothers, Ye do it not unto me." How treatment of the "least of these" is how we treat the Savior. What else can I do to visit the sick and afflicted? To be more outward-focused? To be kinder to the homeless and to those around me? I should put some granola bars in my car and give them to people?
Fri 4/1
Fri 4/1
Russel M Nelson "A Plea to my Sisters"
-Be a woman that can make important things happen by my faith. What can I do to show and strengthen my faith?
Sat 4/2
GC
Sun 4/4
GC
March Week 5 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture:
Monday 3/28
John 14:6 "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Jesus is the Savior of the world. No man can reach heaven by his own accord, only through following the Savior.
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments." v.21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." What a wonderful blessing! He will manifest himself unto me as I keep his commandments. Those manifestations come often through the Holy Ghost or even tender mercies (little miracles each day). It would be worth trying to count the number of blessings I receive in one day to recognize how he has manifested himself unto me.
John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." I love how he is described as a comforter. He teaches all things. When I have a striking idea, something that I haven't thought before...chances are that it came through the Holy Ghost. He speaks in the mind (clarity and striking thoughts) and in the heart (peace and comfort-something the adversary cannot replicate).
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." God is with me. I need not be afraid. He is there to comfort, strengthen, mourn with, lift up, carry my burdens...The peace he brings is eternal...totally enveloping. I have no need to worry or be afraid. He is there always. I love these sweet words. Oh, how I love my Savior, my Heavenly Father, and the Holy Ghost.
Tuesday 3/29
Matt 26:30 "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." I love this! Music was important to the Savior, especially during the Passover. Hymns are sung in many important ceremonies and meetings. Why? It brings a calm, clearing atmosphere to focus on the meeting and prepare to feel the Holy Ghost. If I want to create a spiritual atmosphere why not also include hymns?
John 15:4-5 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." It is only through Christ that I can make something of myself. The Savior invites me to include him in my life to the greatest extent possible. Abide in him! Seek him, follow him, do what he does, let him carry him and strengthen me, etc... The enabling power comes from him. I am nothing without him. How can I better seek and remember and abide in Christ? What things distance me away from him?
John 15:12-13 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." So interesting that this is one of the last things that Christ told his disciples before going into the Garden of Gethsemane. It is all about love. How can I love others and myself as Christ loves me?
Friday 4/1
John 15:19 "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." The right way is the unpopular way. The way to God is the road less traveled.
John 16:13-14 "...he will guide you into all truth...he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me..." I love the attributes of the Holy Ghost. How can I better invite the Holy Ghost in my life? Do I pray for it everyday? Do I strive to be honest and true and treat others with respect? Do I try to serve?
Dennis C. Gaunt Recognizing Satan's Counterfeits
"The best defense we have against being fooled by Satan's counterfeits is to be as familiar as possible with truths of the gospel." Another reason why scripture study is so vitally important and a needful activity for everyday. It will protect against the counterfeits of Satan or my eyes can better perceive and understand the flatteries of Satan. "When the world presents us with an idea, philosophy, or opinion that seems to appeal solely to our vanity or pride or that simply sounds too good to be true, that ought to be a warning to us immediately." Living in this world was not meant to be easy. It was meant to be worth it. Working hard is a key ingredient. How am I doing with those things that are most important to me? Do I work hard to accomplish them or care about or serve them/it? That will help to keep me away from the evils of Satan. "When we have the Spirit with us, we will see and hear 'things as they really are'" The Spirit will help me to see what is right and what is wrong. Trust in this!
Monday 3/28
John 14:6 "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Jesus is the Savior of the world. No man can reach heaven by his own accord, only through following the Savior.
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments." v.21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." What a wonderful blessing! He will manifest himself unto me as I keep his commandments. Those manifestations come often through the Holy Ghost or even tender mercies (little miracles each day). It would be worth trying to count the number of blessings I receive in one day to recognize how he has manifested himself unto me.
John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." I love how he is described as a comforter. He teaches all things. When I have a striking idea, something that I haven't thought before...chances are that it came through the Holy Ghost. He speaks in the mind (clarity and striking thoughts) and in the heart (peace and comfort-something the adversary cannot replicate).
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." God is with me. I need not be afraid. He is there to comfort, strengthen, mourn with, lift up, carry my burdens...The peace he brings is eternal...totally enveloping. I have no need to worry or be afraid. He is there always. I love these sweet words. Oh, how I love my Savior, my Heavenly Father, and the Holy Ghost.
Tuesday 3/29
Matt 26:30 "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." I love this! Music was important to the Savior, especially during the Passover. Hymns are sung in many important ceremonies and meetings. Why? It brings a calm, clearing atmosphere to focus on the meeting and prepare to feel the Holy Ghost. If I want to create a spiritual atmosphere why not also include hymns?
John 15:4-5 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." It is only through Christ that I can make something of myself. The Savior invites me to include him in my life to the greatest extent possible. Abide in him! Seek him, follow him, do what he does, let him carry him and strengthen me, etc... The enabling power comes from him. I am nothing without him. How can I better seek and remember and abide in Christ? What things distance me away from him?
John 15:12-13 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." So interesting that this is one of the last things that Christ told his disciples before going into the Garden of Gethsemane. It is all about love. How can I love others and myself as Christ loves me?
Friday 4/1
John 15:19 "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." The right way is the unpopular way. The way to God is the road less traveled.
John 16:13-14 "...he will guide you into all truth...he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me..." I love the attributes of the Holy Ghost. How can I better invite the Holy Ghost in my life? Do I pray for it everyday? Do I strive to be honest and true and treat others with respect? Do I try to serve?
Dennis C. Gaunt Recognizing Satan's Counterfeits
"The best defense we have against being fooled by Satan's counterfeits is to be as familiar as possible with truths of the gospel." Another reason why scripture study is so vitally important and a needful activity for everyday. It will protect against the counterfeits of Satan or my eyes can better perceive and understand the flatteries of Satan. "When the world presents us with an idea, philosophy, or opinion that seems to appeal solely to our vanity or pride or that simply sounds too good to be true, that ought to be a warning to us immediately." Living in this world was not meant to be easy. It was meant to be worth it. Working hard is a key ingredient. How am I doing with those things that are most important to me? Do I work hard to accomplish them or care about or serve them/it? That will help to keep me away from the evils of Satan. "When we have the Spirit with us, we will see and hear 'things as they really are'" The Spirit will help me to see what is right and what is wrong. Trust in this!
Monday, March 28, 2016
March Week 4 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture-
Monday 3/21
Luke 9:24-25 "For whosoever will save his life, must be willing to lose it for my sake; and whosoever will be willing to lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and yet he receive him not whom God hath ordained, and he lose his own soul, and he himself be a castaway?" A soul is more precious than the world. Who I am is more important than my accomplishments. Christ has a direct relation with the redemption of our souls. What does it mean for me to be willing to use my life for his sake?
John 12:40 "He have blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; and they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." The temptations of the adversary can influence me to not seek after Christ. Christ can heal me and will if I come unto him. How do I keep from being blind and having a hardened heart? Seek Christ. I need to be healed...I have so many weaknesses and shortcomings and don't have the strength to overcome them but Christ does and will if I seek him.
John 12:43 "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Do I seek the acceptance and praise of others? Is what others think more important than what God thinks of me? I hope I don't. The praise of others is so temporary and fleeting...it doesn't satisfy. When I feel the Holy Ghost, it feels my heart and mind with calm and peace, much more permanent and constant. Seeking God (my creator) over men helps me to see my divine potential and worth and is empowering.
Tuesday 3/22
Matt 24:44 "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
Mark 13:33 "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."
Luke 21:36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
The Savior counsels to watch and pray always and be ready/prepared for the time of his coming. How can I better be prepared so that I won't fear his coming? So interesting the power of prayer. My thought is that it increases my faith, which in turn causes me to want to change and to look to God. This helps me to let go of fear and trust in God, the source of all power, good, righteousness, etc... I wonder what watching means? To be aware, observant...?
Luke 21:34 "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Surfeiting means procrastination. Are there any sins that I have procrastinated repenting of? Is there something that I am putting off that I should be working on right now? Now is the time to set my house in order and to let go of the world more, look to God and seek him.
Mark 13:10 "And the gospel must first be published among all nations." I love this! Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to receive all that he has. It must come to all nations before the end. How can I be more involved in this great work? I want to be a better example and to not have a filter when talking about the gospel. The more people that embrace and live the gospel before the end, the better.
Wednesday 3/23
Luke 12:35 "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately." Loins being girded means to be protected/prepared and I really like this part: lights burning. It takes work to get the light going, fuel to maintain a good strong flame, and vigilance to make sure the light stays strong and doesn't go out. It takes action to be ready for the Savior to come again. Am I ready for the Savior to return again? What do I lack yet that would keep me from being ready?
D&C 45:56-57 "...And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have take the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived--verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day." A good indicator to whether I am in the right way or not is if I feel the Holy Ghost in my life, teaching me and I heeding the counsel and direction given. Do I have noise that shuts out the Holy Ghost? Do I have times of quiet and contemplation?
Matt 25:13-30 Parable of the Talents-interesting how the Lord wants me to be active and be engaged in bettering myself. The word talents in the topical guide referred to the value of work. How is my approach to work going? Am I engaged and working hard and developing or do I waste more time than I should?
Thursday 3/24
Matt 25:40 "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." I feel like in reading this that the Savior would like for me to fill my life with service. Service to others is a form of love. In showing love to others I am showing that I love the Savior and what he has done for me.
John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." How can I better love and serve others. I think that includes myself and God. Do I show love to my Heavenly Father everyday, to myself everyday, to others everyday? I don't think that being selfish or focusing on myself is self-love. Taking care of myself to be able to better serve others is self-love because it is focused on others and not myself. Interesting dichotomy. This is following after the Savior, looking to serve others. What goals can I set to better follow after him?
Monday 3/21
Luke 9:24-25 "For whosoever will save his life, must be willing to lose it for my sake; and whosoever will be willing to lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and yet he receive him not whom God hath ordained, and he lose his own soul, and he himself be a castaway?" A soul is more precious than the world. Who I am is more important than my accomplishments. Christ has a direct relation with the redemption of our souls. What does it mean for me to be willing to use my life for his sake?
John 12:40 "He have blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; and they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." The temptations of the adversary can influence me to not seek after Christ. Christ can heal me and will if I come unto him. How do I keep from being blind and having a hardened heart? Seek Christ. I need to be healed...I have so many weaknesses and shortcomings and don't have the strength to overcome them but Christ does and will if I seek him.
John 12:43 "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Do I seek the acceptance and praise of others? Is what others think more important than what God thinks of me? I hope I don't. The praise of others is so temporary and fleeting...it doesn't satisfy. When I feel the Holy Ghost, it feels my heart and mind with calm and peace, much more permanent and constant. Seeking God (my creator) over men helps me to see my divine potential and worth and is empowering.
Tuesday 3/22
Matt 24:44 "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
Mark 13:33 "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."
Luke 21:36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
The Savior counsels to watch and pray always and be ready/prepared for the time of his coming. How can I better be prepared so that I won't fear his coming? So interesting the power of prayer. My thought is that it increases my faith, which in turn causes me to want to change and to look to God. This helps me to let go of fear and trust in God, the source of all power, good, righteousness, etc... I wonder what watching means? To be aware, observant...?
Luke 21:34 "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Surfeiting means procrastination. Are there any sins that I have procrastinated repenting of? Is there something that I am putting off that I should be working on right now? Now is the time to set my house in order and to let go of the world more, look to God and seek him.
Mark 13:10 "And the gospel must first be published among all nations." I love this! Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to receive all that he has. It must come to all nations before the end. How can I be more involved in this great work? I want to be a better example and to not have a filter when talking about the gospel. The more people that embrace and live the gospel before the end, the better.
Wednesday 3/23
Luke 12:35 "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately." Loins being girded means to be protected/prepared and I really like this part: lights burning. It takes work to get the light going, fuel to maintain a good strong flame, and vigilance to make sure the light stays strong and doesn't go out. It takes action to be ready for the Savior to come again. Am I ready for the Savior to return again? What do I lack yet that would keep me from being ready?
D&C 45:56-57 "...And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have take the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived--verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day." A good indicator to whether I am in the right way or not is if I feel the Holy Ghost in my life, teaching me and I heeding the counsel and direction given. Do I have noise that shuts out the Holy Ghost? Do I have times of quiet and contemplation?
Matt 25:13-30 Parable of the Talents-interesting how the Lord wants me to be active and be engaged in bettering myself. The word talents in the topical guide referred to the value of work. How is my approach to work going? Am I engaged and working hard and developing or do I waste more time than I should?
Thursday 3/24
Matt 25:40 "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." I feel like in reading this that the Savior would like for me to fill my life with service. Service to others is a form of love. In showing love to others I am showing that I love the Savior and what he has done for me.
John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." How can I better love and serve others. I think that includes myself and God. Do I show love to my Heavenly Father everyday, to myself everyday, to others everyday? I don't think that being selfish or focusing on myself is self-love. Taking care of myself to be able to better serve others is self-love because it is focused on others and not myself. Interesting dichotomy. This is following after the Savior, looking to serve others. What goals can I set to better follow after him?
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
March Week 4- Linds
Ponderize scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not, charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not bheave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things"
Tues 3/22
You are Not alone in the work (Henry B. Eyring GC 2015) "Any calling we receive in the Lord’s kingdom requires more than our human judgment and our personal powers."--> importance of relying on the Lord and recognizing my own imperfections and limitations in all callings.
Tues 3/22
You are Not alone in the work (Henry B. Eyring GC 2015) "Any calling we receive in the Lord’s kingdom requires more than our human judgment and our personal powers."--> importance of relying on the Lord and recognizing my own imperfections and limitations in all callings.
Matthew 25:23 "he who is faithful in these things shall be faithful in things later"-->we show our faithfulness and accountability in the small things. We can fully trust the Lord, but can He trust us with spiritual experiences, duties, callings, relationships? What am I doing in the small things to show that He can trust me in the big things?
Matthew 21:12-16 Jesus casts our money changers from the temple- He heals the people there. It is significant how many times Christ heals people. He spends the majority of His time and energy healing. Do I do the same in my interactions with coworkers, friends, strangers, family members? Do I seek to uplift and inspire instead of to argue and debate? Also, how can I make my experience in the temple more of one of healing and cleansing? And my sacrament experience? Am I aware of what I need healing from?
Matthew 21:21 "If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done."
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
-Power of faith is only limited by our own doubt. Interesting how He says ALL THINGS whatsoever we ask in faith we shall receive. Do I pray with this type of attitude, let go of fears after, and go to work? Really believing that He will answer my prayers means letting go of fears and worries after I pray about them and doing all I can to work and overcome them
Thurs 3/24
Matt 21:33-46 Pharisees act out of fear. They do not have the protection of truth. They are scared of the people and of God. When we live righteously we don't have to fear others, God, or anything!
Matt 22:4 Parable of the wedding- God says, "Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage." God has literally prepared all the blessings we could ever want for us, all that He asks of us is that we come unto Him and take Him up in the invitation. Interesting also the reference to "marriage garment." How do my covenants prepare me to live in His presence? What is my view of the garment? It is a protection for me and also a reminder of my covenants.
Matt 22:30 the only binding marriage is one bound in the temple
Luke 20:34-36??? It says that people of the world marry and children of the resurrection do not? Confusing.
.
Monday, March 21, 2016
March Week 3 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Thursday 3/17
Matt 23:3, 5 "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not...But all their works they do for to be seen of men:" This is a word of caution...what motivates me to do what I do? To be praised and seen of men or to praise and glorify God? Why do I serve? The best way is out of love...for others, a passion for the work, because I love the Lord. Prayer is a good place to start to cultivate this motivation more prominently.
Matt 23:25 "...for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess...cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." If I want to see change, I need to be that change...change comes from within and as I work on myself, it will show outwardly. I really like this idea.
Mark 12:43-44 "...This poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." How much am I willing to give to the Lord? All that I have (which is really his)? Do I put the Lord first in my life? This widow did, even over her own want for food and needs for survival. Do I have the faith that the Lord will bless me or that I am so grateful for him that I am willing to give? I would be good to try to give a little more, serve a little more, be willing to go farther for the Lord.
Friday, March 18, 2016
March Week 3- Linds
Ponderize-
Tues 3/15
Be Not Afraid, Only Believe (Dieter F. Uchtdorf GC 2015)
Do we stand loyal to God?
Do we practice what we preach, or are we Sunday Christians only?
Do our daily actions reflect clearly what we claim to believe?
"[Satan] slyly suggests that the doubter, teh skeptic, the cynic is sophisticated and intelligent, while those who have faith in God and His miracles are naive, blind, or brain-washed. Satan will advocate that it is cool to doubt spiritual gifts and the teachings of true prophets."
"...we believe in God because of things we know with our heart and mind, not because of things we do not know."--> How do I feel the answers to my prayers or concerns in my heart and mind? How do spiritual confirmations manifest themselves in my heart? In my mind? feelings vs. thoughts
"If we can put the burden of proof on God, we think we can excuse ourselves from taking God's commandments seriously and from taking responsibility for our relationship with our Heavenly Father...there is nothing noble or impressive about being cynical. Skepticism is easy-- anyone can do it. It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedications, and courage." What kind of person do I want to be?
Wed 3/16
Agency and Love in Marriage (Lynn G. Robins October 2000 Ensign)
President Spencer W. Kimball explains difference between attraction and real love. Whereas physical attraction alone is "purely grandular," real love is "faith, confidence, understanding, and partnership. It is devotion and companionship, parenthood, common ideals and standards. It is cleanliness of life and sacrifice and unselfishness. This kind of love never tires nor wanes." How can I make sure I am feeding this aspect of my relationship? What else can I do to build these qualities in my relationship? How can I be more unselfish and sacrifice more?
"The command to [love one another] is a directive, an appeal to the mind to make a conscious choice, involving the mind in reasoning and decision making...this is a command that requires a decision." How does this choice manifest itself in my mind?--> thoughts? integrity?
"suffereth long"--> Is patient and tolerant, does not criticize. Recognizes that spouse is progressing, is patient with imperfections
Can we fall out of kindness?
"seeketh not her own"--> think "we" not "I"
"I love you" is more a promise of commitment than a feeling. Use it that way-- build, not fall into strong marriages and relationships.
Thurs 3/17
Matthew 19:21-22 Am I willing to give away all my possessions? Are there some things that I become attached to? How can I show that my testimony/faith is more important than my riches?
Mark 10:24 "trust" in riches--> what do I put my trust in? God or things? True stability comes from God.
Mark 10:27 "with God all things are possible"--> When we build our relationship and trust on God, all things are possible. There is nothing to fear
Matthew 19:29 "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." --> Idea of compensation: whatever we sacrifice now shall not only be compensated, but we shall be given AN HUNDREDFOLD. In this context, nothing is a sacrifice!
Mark 10:30 "Be he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."
Fri 3/18
Mark 10:37-38 These men want the glory without paying the price. Christ responds that can not sit on his right hand/left at the last day unless they are willing to pay the price of discipleship - to be "servant to all"--> what is my attitude when I have opportunities to serve that may be inconvenient or exhausting to me? My attitude should be "servant to all" no matter what the recipient's reaction/appreciation level is. In addition, how many times do I want the added spirituality, the peace of righteous living, strong faith, answers to my prayers, and strong character without putting forth all of the WORK that is necessary to become so to receive what I want? The Gospel takes work - in every form, whether it be the self-restraint to love when I naturally would not, or the self-restraint to be patient and hold my tongue (not my forte), or the patience to wait for prayers, or the decision to have faith instead of doubt, or the decision to sacrifice when the opportunity arises? Or simply the grit to endure trials or take on challenges? It helps to focus on what these things will make me become if I let them, instead of on what I want. It is always worth the price!
Matthew 20:34 Why did these people "immediately receive sight" whereas other people that Christ healed had to go and wash, etc? Why does God sometimes require effort and patience and other times it is immediate? It's important to realize that answers can come in either way, but it doesn't mean He didn't hear us. It just means there is an added agenda of helping us build faith or patience.
Tues 3/15
Be Not Afraid, Only Believe (Dieter F. Uchtdorf GC 2015)
Do we stand loyal to God?
Do we practice what we preach, or are we Sunday Christians only?
Do our daily actions reflect clearly what we claim to believe?
"[Satan] slyly suggests that the doubter, teh skeptic, the cynic is sophisticated and intelligent, while those who have faith in God and His miracles are naive, blind, or brain-washed. Satan will advocate that it is cool to doubt spiritual gifts and the teachings of true prophets."
"...we believe in God because of things we know with our heart and mind, not because of things we do not know."--> How do I feel the answers to my prayers or concerns in my heart and mind? How do spiritual confirmations manifest themselves in my heart? In my mind? feelings vs. thoughts
"If we can put the burden of proof on God, we think we can excuse ourselves from taking God's commandments seriously and from taking responsibility for our relationship with our Heavenly Father...there is nothing noble or impressive about being cynical. Skepticism is easy-- anyone can do it. It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedications, and courage." What kind of person do I want to be?
Wed 3/16
Agency and Love in Marriage (Lynn G. Robins October 2000 Ensign)
President Spencer W. Kimball explains difference between attraction and real love. Whereas physical attraction alone is "purely grandular," real love is "faith, confidence, understanding, and partnership. It is devotion and companionship, parenthood, common ideals and standards. It is cleanliness of life and sacrifice and unselfishness. This kind of love never tires nor wanes." How can I make sure I am feeding this aspect of my relationship? What else can I do to build these qualities in my relationship? How can I be more unselfish and sacrifice more?
"The command to [love one another] is a directive, an appeal to the mind to make a conscious choice, involving the mind in reasoning and decision making...this is a command that requires a decision." How does this choice manifest itself in my mind?--> thoughts? integrity?
"suffereth long"--> Is patient and tolerant, does not criticize. Recognizes that spouse is progressing, is patient with imperfections
Can we fall out of kindness?
"seeketh not her own"--> think "we" not "I"
"I love you" is more a promise of commitment than a feeling. Use it that way-- build, not fall into strong marriages and relationships.
Thurs 3/17
Matthew 19:21-22 Am I willing to give away all my possessions? Are there some things that I become attached to? How can I show that my testimony/faith is more important than my riches?
Mark 10:24 "trust" in riches--> what do I put my trust in? God or things? True stability comes from God.
Mark 10:27 "with God all things are possible"--> When we build our relationship and trust on God, all things are possible. There is nothing to fear
Matthew 19:29 "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." --> Idea of compensation: whatever we sacrifice now shall not only be compensated, but we shall be given AN HUNDREDFOLD. In this context, nothing is a sacrifice!
Mark 10:30 "Be he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."
Fri 3/18
Mark 10:37-38 These men want the glory without paying the price. Christ responds that can not sit on his right hand/left at the last day unless they are willing to pay the price of discipleship - to be "servant to all"--> what is my attitude when I have opportunities to serve that may be inconvenient or exhausting to me? My attitude should be "servant to all" no matter what the recipient's reaction/appreciation level is. In addition, how many times do I want the added spirituality, the peace of righteous living, strong faith, answers to my prayers, and strong character without putting forth all of the WORK that is necessary to become so to receive what I want? The Gospel takes work - in every form, whether it be the self-restraint to love when I naturally would not, or the self-restraint to be patient and hold my tongue (not my forte), or the patience to wait for prayers, or the decision to have faith instead of doubt, or the decision to sacrifice when the opportunity arises? Or simply the grit to endure trials or take on challenges? It helps to focus on what these things will make me become if I let them, instead of on what I want. It is always worth the price!
Matthew 20:34 Why did these people "immediately receive sight" whereas other people that Christ healed had to go and wash, etc? Why does God sometimes require effort and patience and other times it is immediate? It's important to realize that answers can come in either way, but it doesn't mean He didn't hear us. It just means there is an added agenda of helping us build faith or patience.
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