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, March 28, 2016
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.
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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.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
March Week 2 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture: Hebrews 10:35-36 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Monday 3/7
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence
"'it isn't over until its over.' It is a reminder that the fight goes on. Unfortunately we must not think Satan is defeated with that first strong breakthrough which so dramatically brought the light and moved us forward." I really like this line..."the Fight goes on". A good reminder to always be looking/seeking the Lord and recognize that the adversary wants me to fail and is always seeking ways to do it. This phrase "calling upon God" was used by both Joseph Smith and Moses when they were being overcome by the power of Satan. They were strengthened and the power was given to command Satan to leave. This is key in the fight against the adversary-to always be vigilant in prayer.
"The reminder is that we cannot sign on for a battle of such eternal significance and everlasting consequence with knowing it will be a fight--a good fight and a winning fight, but a fight nevertheless." I really like this, that good things are always worth fighting for and there always seems to be a fight to reach them.
"With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts. Certainly don't give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. Face your doubts. Master your fears. 'Cast not away therefore your confidence.' Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you." This is a great litmus test! If it was right before because you sought it and received an answer, it is still right now. This gives me great conviction to move forward with faith.
Tuesday 3/8
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence Continued...
"God will teach us in a reasonable way and in a revelatory way--mind and heart combined--by the Holy Ghost." I love this. Satan can't counterfeit this. He may pretend to touch our emotions or send thoughts in our minds but he can't do both in bringing the peace and calm and clarity that the Lord can through the Holy Ghost.
"You will need information too, but in matters of great consequence it is not likely to come unless you want it urgently, faithfully, humbly. Moroni calls it seeking 'with real intent.' If you seek that way and stay in that mode, not much that the adversary can counter with will dissuade you from a righteous path."
"...in the process of revelation and making important decisions, fear plays a destructive, sometimes paralyzing role...after you have gotten the message, after you have paid the price to feel His love and hear the word of the Lord, go forward. Don't fear, don't vacillate, don't quibble, don't whine." This is a great reminder of the destructive power of fear. I love these words, move forward, don't hesitate...there is a power in it.
"If God has told you something is right, if something is indeed true for you, He will provide the way for you to accomplish it." This is true, I know it!
Wednesday 3/9
Mark 10:43-45, "...whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant to all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." The key is to follow after the Savior...to think more of others, to teach and serve than to seek my own self interests.
Mark 10:47-52 "he began to cry out, and say, Jesus...have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal...thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." A blind man is made whole because he didn't give up; he was persistent and he believed that he could be healed and did everything that he could in order for it to happen. Even more so, he was made whole more than healed. What does being made whole mean? To be strengthened spiritually besides physically more to receive a gift of God?
Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." The Savior is there, seeking those that are lost. I am lost; I can't return to my Heavenly Father without the Savior. Do I listen for him calling me? And do I listen? He will save if I come unto him.
Thursday 3/10
Luke 19:26 JST "For I say unto you, That unto every one who occupieth, shall be given; and from him who occupieth not, even that he hath received shall be taken away from him." 'Occupy' means to be engaged, active, progressing, working hard etc... As I am trying to do my best and to improve in developing talents and increasing my station in life I will be blessed for my efforts. The Lord is happy and pleased when I use my time for learning and growth, not for those things which waste time or don't improve my life or others. What things in my life do I feel are time wasters and don't help me to increase? In today's world, media uses up a lot of our time. Are my uses of media acceptable?
Mark 14:7 "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always." Seek the Lord always, first and foremost and then serve your fellowman as you are able. The key is to seek the Lord first. How am I doing with this? Do I want to study and pray first and then everything else comes? I know when this happens how everything else seems to fall into place. Seek the Lord first!
Friday 3/11
John 12:19 "The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him." Such an interesting phrase. The Pharisees were extremely jealous of Jesus. He was taking away their influence and power. How am I like the Pharisees? Do I envy the successes of others or am I happy and supportive of them?
Matt 21:13 "...My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them." This is referring to the temple, a place of prayer and healing. I know this to be true and that I can be healed the more that I go. I also wonder if I can apply this to my home and my mind? They can be temples...places of prayer and healing. How can I make sure that my home and my mind are temples?
Luke 19:47 "And he taught daily in the temple." The temple is a place of learning and of teaching. When I go to the temple, do I go seeking to learn and understand and receive answers? They may come more readily if I have that attitude.
Matt 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
Mark 11:23 "..whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed...and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe...he shall have whatsoever he saith...what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Faith cannot coexist with fear. Prayer is the main avenue with God and one of the greatest signs of faith, not to mention one of the greatest growers of faith. The key to faith is to believe or trust that it can come to pass. How can I increase my faith? More sincere prayer and believing that the Lord can and will bless me is a good start.
Saturday 3/12
Matt 22:21 "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." What things are of the world and what things are of God? Interesting how the Savior distinguished a separation. I need to think more about what this means.
Luke 20:38 "For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him." He is living and is moving and speaking and doing. He is there for me and will always be. To me living is progressing. In my life, I need to be striving to always be progressing and he will be there to help me.
Matt 22:37-40 "...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." What is my first priority? What should I do first? Love the Lord-keep his commandments, communicate with him, counsel with him, serve those that he loves...If I keep the Lord as number one in my life then it seems that loving others and myself is a lot easier. How can I do this? Meaningful prayer, scripture study, pondering, attending church, prayer in my heart, talking of Christ, sharing the words of life as Jesus did. Seeking to serve others. How am I doing with this?
Monday 3/7
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence
"'it isn't over until its over.' It is a reminder that the fight goes on. Unfortunately we must not think Satan is defeated with that first strong breakthrough which so dramatically brought the light and moved us forward." I really like this line..."the Fight goes on". A good reminder to always be looking/seeking the Lord and recognize that the adversary wants me to fail and is always seeking ways to do it. This phrase "calling upon God" was used by both Joseph Smith and Moses when they were being overcome by the power of Satan. They were strengthened and the power was given to command Satan to leave. This is key in the fight against the adversary-to always be vigilant in prayer.
"The reminder is that we cannot sign on for a battle of such eternal significance and everlasting consequence with knowing it will be a fight--a good fight and a winning fight, but a fight nevertheless." I really like this, that good things are always worth fighting for and there always seems to be a fight to reach them.
"With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts. Certainly don't give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. Face your doubts. Master your fears. 'Cast not away therefore your confidence.' Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you." This is a great litmus test! If it was right before because you sought it and received an answer, it is still right now. This gives me great conviction to move forward with faith.
Tuesday 3/8
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence Continued...
"God will teach us in a reasonable way and in a revelatory way--mind and heart combined--by the Holy Ghost." I love this. Satan can't counterfeit this. He may pretend to touch our emotions or send thoughts in our minds but he can't do both in bringing the peace and calm and clarity that the Lord can through the Holy Ghost.
"You will need information too, but in matters of great consequence it is not likely to come unless you want it urgently, faithfully, humbly. Moroni calls it seeking 'with real intent.' If you seek that way and stay in that mode, not much that the adversary can counter with will dissuade you from a righteous path."
"...in the process of revelation and making important decisions, fear plays a destructive, sometimes paralyzing role...after you have gotten the message, after you have paid the price to feel His love and hear the word of the Lord, go forward. Don't fear, don't vacillate, don't quibble, don't whine." This is a great reminder of the destructive power of fear. I love these words, move forward, don't hesitate...there is a power in it.
"If God has told you something is right, if something is indeed true for you, He will provide the way for you to accomplish it." This is true, I know it!
Wednesday 3/9
Mark 10:43-45, "...whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant to all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." The key is to follow after the Savior...to think more of others, to teach and serve than to seek my own self interests.
Mark 10:47-52 "he began to cry out, and say, Jesus...have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal...thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." A blind man is made whole because he didn't give up; he was persistent and he believed that he could be healed and did everything that he could in order for it to happen. Even more so, he was made whole more than healed. What does being made whole mean? To be strengthened spiritually besides physically more to receive a gift of God?
Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." The Savior is there, seeking those that are lost. I am lost; I can't return to my Heavenly Father without the Savior. Do I listen for him calling me? And do I listen? He will save if I come unto him.
Thursday 3/10
Luke 19:26 JST "For I say unto you, That unto every one who occupieth, shall be given; and from him who occupieth not, even that he hath received shall be taken away from him." 'Occupy' means to be engaged, active, progressing, working hard etc... As I am trying to do my best and to improve in developing talents and increasing my station in life I will be blessed for my efforts. The Lord is happy and pleased when I use my time for learning and growth, not for those things which waste time or don't improve my life or others. What things in my life do I feel are time wasters and don't help me to increase? In today's world, media uses up a lot of our time. Are my uses of media acceptable?
Mark 14:7 "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always." Seek the Lord always, first and foremost and then serve your fellowman as you are able. The key is to seek the Lord first. How am I doing with this? Do I want to study and pray first and then everything else comes? I know when this happens how everything else seems to fall into place. Seek the Lord first!
Friday 3/11
John 12:19 "The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him." Such an interesting phrase. The Pharisees were extremely jealous of Jesus. He was taking away their influence and power. How am I like the Pharisees? Do I envy the successes of others or am I happy and supportive of them?
Matt 21:13 "...My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them." This is referring to the temple, a place of prayer and healing. I know this to be true and that I can be healed the more that I go. I also wonder if I can apply this to my home and my mind? They can be temples...places of prayer and healing. How can I make sure that my home and my mind are temples?
Luke 19:47 "And he taught daily in the temple." The temple is a place of learning and of teaching. When I go to the temple, do I go seeking to learn and understand and receive answers? They may come more readily if I have that attitude.
Matt 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
Mark 11:23 "..whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed...and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe...he shall have whatsoever he saith...what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Faith cannot coexist with fear. Prayer is the main avenue with God and one of the greatest signs of faith, not to mention one of the greatest growers of faith. The key to faith is to believe or trust that it can come to pass. How can I increase my faith? More sincere prayer and believing that the Lord can and will bless me is a good start.
Saturday 3/12
Matt 22:21 "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." What things are of the world and what things are of God? Interesting how the Savior distinguished a separation. I need to think more about what this means.
Luke 20:38 "For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him." He is living and is moving and speaking and doing. He is there for me and will always be. To me living is progressing. In my life, I need to be striving to always be progressing and he will be there to help me.
Matt 22:37-40 "...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." What is my first priority? What should I do first? Love the Lord-keep his commandments, communicate with him, counsel with him, serve those that he loves...If I keep the Lord as number one in my life then it seems that loving others and myself is a lot easier. How can I do this? Meaningful prayer, scripture study, pondering, attending church, prayer in my heart, talking of Christ, sharing the words of life as Jesus did. Seeking to serve others. How am I doing with this?
March Week 2 Linds
Ponderize scripture: Hebrews 10:35-36 "Cast not away therefore thy confidence, which hath great recompense for reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Mon 3/7 Alma 26:27 "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst they brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."--> God's idea of success sometimes takes longer than our idea.
D&C 67:13 "continue in patience until ye are perfected"
Luke 13:7-9 The Lord gives us many chances to repent- parable of the fig tree- "let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it"--> When the world has given up on me, the Lord has not. We can not give up on Him!
Choose the Light (Vern P. Stanfill)
"No matter how intense the darkness of doubt, we choose how long and to what extent we will allow it to influence us."--> How do my choices reflect this? How do I show the Lord that I am willing to follow Him and what choices do I make that encourage negative thinking or feed my doubts?
"We must trust in the Lord in order to develop spiritual strength within ourselves."-->I can not rely on the spiritual light of others. If I feel overcome with doubt or confusion, I need to do something more to follow the Savior. What else can I do? Temple weekly? Read scriptures for a longer period of time?
"There is not darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light."--we have the power to choose light over darkness
"With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don’t give up when the pressure mounts. Certainly don’t give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. Face your doubts. Master your fears. 'Cast not away therefore your confidence.' Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you." Cast Not Away Therefore your Confidence (Jeffrey R. Holland)
Tues 3/8
Wed 3/9
Luke 17:10 Doing our duty and everything He asks doesn't necessarily qualify me for any blessings. I am still an "unprofitable servant": this cues me in to the mercy of God and my own place before Him.
John 11:1-53 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead - Jesus is surprised when Martha questions His ability to raise Lazarus from the dead because he was in there four days. He responds with "If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God." Belief is fundamental to having miracles happen in our lives. God can do all things, so we should not doubt His works and power and confine it to the abilities of natural man. He has power over physical and spiritual death - believe that He can conquer both in our own lives.
Luke 17:11-19 "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" Only one leper "fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks." How do I respond when I receive blessings from God? How thankful am I? How do I show my thanks to God? What are some ways that I can show my thanks to Him? Some ideas that come to mind are, my attitude during the sacrament, my level of obedience, my humility behind my actions, the fervor of my prayers, my willingness to do all things that He asks of me.
Luke 17: "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it" --> Focus should not be on myself. Give my life, my plan, my will up to God and He will make my life better than if I did things according to my plan.
Thurs 3/10
Faith is Not by Chance, But By Choice (Neil L. Andersen)
How does the Savior see my faith?
"Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it." (just like any other virtue- love, charity, humility- all attributes take CHOICE to develop. When am I faced with the decision to choose faith or not? How do I manifest my faith?
"The future of your faith is not by chance, but by choice."
"How we live our lives increases or diminishes our faith. Prayer, obedience, honestly, purity of thought and deed, and unselfishness increase faith. Without these, faith diminishes." How does living these principles increase my faith?
"Using our mind without our heart will not bring spiritual answers." (Lord answers our questions through our mind and heart). How can I pay more attention to my mind? My heart?
"Faith never demands an answer to every question but seeks the assurance and courage to move forward, sometimes acknowledging, 'I don't know everything, but I do know enough to continue...'" It is not vital to know all the answers, but rather to be able to move forward with faith and testimony.
"Fear not, the future is as bright as your faith."--> Satan wants to destroy my faith but as I live righteously, God will strengthen my faith!
Fri 3/11
Love Changes Everything (Marily S. Bateman BYU Speech)
"But Christlike love isn’t the giddy wave of affection we often associate with romantic love. It is something much more subtle, something deeper. It is a love that does not alter with our moods or with external circumstances." I love this- if I feel my level of love altering with my moods, then I need to seek His help because that is not love!
"Christlike love helps us overcome our natural fear of others. We may fear difference; we may worry about being hurt or slighted. But Christlike love is a love beyond fear. It reaches across the divide of difference. It is in our nature to serve our own interests or the interests of those closest to us. But charity takes us beyond our comfort zone. Suddenly we are less worried about whether others will approve of us. Our concern flows toward them regardless of their feelings for us." I love this- charity is outward-focused and not inward-focused! I am realizing with this talk how much I need to work on this and seek His help.
"...in spite of our superficial differences, we are one."- we don't need to be the same to be unified!
"The Lord will not bless us with charity without a pure heart. This means we must have righteous desires. The Lord will not bless us with charity without a clear conscience. This means we must be repentant and our thoughts must not be compromised by excuses, lies, or delusions. And, finally, He will not bless us with the gift of charity if we lack faith. This means we must believe steadfastly in Christ’s atonement and its power to change us." How does purity, clear conscience, and faith lead to charity?
"The gift of charity comes from the Savior. It is possible because of His atonement. It isn’t necessarily something we develop. Rather, charity is something bestowed upon us. When we possess charity, all of our natural human tendencies are transformed, and we relate to others in a new way."-- Agency comes into play in that I have to choose to believe that God can change the way I view others, and that I have to choose to humbly believe I need His help and then to ask Him with all the energy of heart to bestow this gift upon me. That doesn't mean that it doesn't take work to develop - it grows from a seed just like faith does. But there is agency in understanding my need for Him to help me develop it!
Mon 3/7 Alma 26:27 "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst they brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."--> God's idea of success sometimes takes longer than our idea.
D&C 67:13 "continue in patience until ye are perfected"
Luke 13:7-9 The Lord gives us many chances to repent- parable of the fig tree- "let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it"--> When the world has given up on me, the Lord has not. We can not give up on Him!
Choose the Light (Vern P. Stanfill)
"No matter how intense the darkness of doubt, we choose how long and to what extent we will allow it to influence us."--> How do my choices reflect this? How do I show the Lord that I am willing to follow Him and what choices do I make that encourage negative thinking or feed my doubts?
"We must trust in the Lord in order to develop spiritual strength within ourselves."-->I can not rely on the spiritual light of others. If I feel overcome with doubt or confusion, I need to do something more to follow the Savior. What else can I do? Temple weekly? Read scriptures for a longer period of time?
"There is not darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light."--we have the power to choose light over darkness
"With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don’t give up when the pressure mounts. Certainly don’t give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. Face your doubts. Master your fears. 'Cast not away therefore your confidence.' Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you." Cast Not Away Therefore your Confidence (Jeffrey R. Holland)
Tues 3/8
"Because of His atoning experience in mortality, our Savior is able to comfort, heal, and strengthen all men and women everywhere, but I believe He does so only for those who seek Him and ask for His help."
"We might even say that having descended beneath it all, He is perfectly positioned to lift us and give us the strength we need to endure our afflictions. We have only to ask." Sometimes the asking needs to happen for a long time before we find relief. How can I persist in asking and seeking?
Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ (Dallin H. Oaks)
Luke 15:5-7 how great is His joy in the soul that repenteth- really, we are all that sheep that has strayed and need His repentance- we should never hesitate to follow Him and use His Atonement. Satan is the one that makes us think we aren't worthy.
Luke 15:10 "there is joy in heaven over one soul that repenteth"
Luke 15:32 God rejoices in the soul that repenteth- we are punished naturally for our sins (just like the prodigal son had natural consequences for his actions) and God does not seek to punish us but to welcome is back with open arms. Beautiful and so true!
Wed 3/9
Luke 17:10 Doing our duty and everything He asks doesn't necessarily qualify me for any blessings. I am still an "unprofitable servant": this cues me in to the mercy of God and my own place before Him.
John 11:1-53 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead - Jesus is surprised when Martha questions His ability to raise Lazarus from the dead because he was in there four days. He responds with "If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God." Belief is fundamental to having miracles happen in our lives. God can do all things, so we should not doubt His works and power and confine it to the abilities of natural man. He has power over physical and spiritual death - believe that He can conquer both in our own lives.
Luke 17:11-19 "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" Only one leper "fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks." How do I respond when I receive blessings from God? How thankful am I? How do I show my thanks to God? What are some ways that I can show my thanks to Him? Some ideas that come to mind are, my attitude during the sacrament, my level of obedience, my humility behind my actions, the fervor of my prayers, my willingness to do all things that He asks of me.
Luke 17: "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it" --> Focus should not be on myself. Give my life, my plan, my will up to God and He will make my life better than if I did things according to my plan.
Thurs 3/10
Faith is Not by Chance, But By Choice (Neil L. Andersen)
How does the Savior see my faith?
"Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it." (just like any other virtue- love, charity, humility- all attributes take CHOICE to develop. When am I faced with the decision to choose faith or not? How do I manifest my faith?
"The future of your faith is not by chance, but by choice."
"How we live our lives increases or diminishes our faith. Prayer, obedience, honestly, purity of thought and deed, and unselfishness increase faith. Without these, faith diminishes." How does living these principles increase my faith?
"Using our mind without our heart will not bring spiritual answers." (Lord answers our questions through our mind and heart). How can I pay more attention to my mind? My heart?
"Faith never demands an answer to every question but seeks the assurance and courage to move forward, sometimes acknowledging, 'I don't know everything, but I do know enough to continue...'" It is not vital to know all the answers, but rather to be able to move forward with faith and testimony.
"Fear not, the future is as bright as your faith."--> Satan wants to destroy my faith but as I live righteously, God will strengthen my faith!
Fri 3/11
Love Changes Everything (Marily S. Bateman BYU Speech)
"But Christlike love isn’t the giddy wave of affection we often associate with romantic love. It is something much more subtle, something deeper. It is a love that does not alter with our moods or with external circumstances." I love this- if I feel my level of love altering with my moods, then I need to seek His help because that is not love!
"Christlike love helps us overcome our natural fear of others. We may fear difference; we may worry about being hurt or slighted. But Christlike love is a love beyond fear. It reaches across the divide of difference. It is in our nature to serve our own interests or the interests of those closest to us. But charity takes us beyond our comfort zone. Suddenly we are less worried about whether others will approve of us. Our concern flows toward them regardless of their feelings for us." I love this- charity is outward-focused and not inward-focused! I am realizing with this talk how much I need to work on this and seek His help.
"...in spite of our superficial differences, we are one."- we don't need to be the same to be unified!
"The Lord will not bless us with charity without a pure heart. This means we must have righteous desires. The Lord will not bless us with charity without a clear conscience. This means we must be repentant and our thoughts must not be compromised by excuses, lies, or delusions. And, finally, He will not bless us with the gift of charity if we lack faith. This means we must believe steadfastly in Christ’s atonement and its power to change us." How does purity, clear conscience, and faith lead to charity?
"The gift of charity comes from the Savior. It is possible because of His atonement. It isn’t necessarily something we develop. Rather, charity is something bestowed upon us. When we possess charity, all of our natural human tendencies are transformed, and we relate to others in a new way."-- Agency comes into play in that I have to choose to believe that God can change the way I view others, and that I have to choose to humbly believe I need His help and then to ask Him with all the energy of heart to bestow this gift upon me. That doesn't mean that it doesn't take work to develop - it grows from a seed just like faith does. But there is agency in understanding my need for Him to help me develop it!
Sat 3/12
Luke 18:11-14 Attitude in prayer- pharisee vs. publican "God be merciful to me, a sinner"
How aware am I of my own weakness when I pray?
Matt 19:4 God made them male and female (this is in the Bible)
"for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh...wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."-->
Matthew 19:8 Divorce happened in Moses's time because of "the hardness of your hearts"--> How can maintaining a soft heart keep spouses together?
Three Principles of Marriage (Matthew O. Richardson)
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/04/three-principles-of-marriage?lang=eng
Leave: "We might need to leave the familiar patterns of former friendships and sharing personal feelings with those who were once our confidants."
Cleave: Greek translation is "glue, stick"--> stick with your spouse (implies some force pulling you out or opposition). President Hinckley said that your wife (spouse) should be regarded as, "The greatest treasure of your life."
Luke 18:11-14 Attitude in prayer- pharisee vs. publican "God be merciful to me, a sinner"
How aware am I of my own weakness when I pray?
Matt 19:4 God made them male and female (this is in the Bible)
"for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh...wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."-->
Matthew 19:8 Divorce happened in Moses's time because of "the hardness of your hearts"--> How can maintaining a soft heart keep spouses together?
Three Principles of Marriage (Matthew O. Richardson)
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/04/three-principles-of-marriage?lang=eng
Leave: "We might need to leave the familiar patterns of former friendships and sharing personal feelings with those who were once our confidants."
Cleave: Greek translation is "glue, stick"--> stick with your spouse (implies some force pulling you out or opposition). President Hinckley said that your wife (spouse) should be regarded as, "The greatest treasure of your life."
"The words none else eliminate everyone and
everything. The spouse then becomes pre-eminent in the life of the
husband or wife and neither social life nor occupational life nor
political life nor any other interest nor person nor thing shall ever
take precedence over the companion spouse."
"Cleaving is about making choices that reflect our priorities."
Becoming One: "Differences in communication patterns, reasoning, emotions, and even personal preferences may actually benefit a couple...When a man and a woman fully understand that they can be complete only with each other, they learn to appreciate their differences and adjust their behavior as required in the Lord’s plan of happiness."
One flesh: one person is not more important than the other- the good of "we" (little family) over each individual member (becoming a team member)
New creatures: shape your marriage to God's not the other way around
"Cleaving is about making choices that reflect our priorities."
Becoming One: "Differences in communication patterns, reasoning, emotions, and even personal preferences may actually benefit a couple...When a man and a woman fully understand that they can be complete only with each other, they learn to appreciate their differences and adjust their behavior as required in the Lord’s plan of happiness."
One flesh: one person is not more important than the other- the good of "we" (little family) over each individual member (becoming a team member)
New creatures: shape your marriage to God's not the other way around
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
March Week 1 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture: Matt 20:27 "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:"
Tuesday 3/1
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear " continued..."I must choose to proceed on the basis of faith, remembering the Lord's past blessings and believing in and acting upon my hope in His promises. I have to do that even when the evidence of present trouble is almost overwhelming. I have to remind myself constantly to choose faith and keep choosing faith in the face of realities that seem to contradict it and to do that for as long as it takes...I have to remind myself that this choice of faith will, sooner or later, result in answers to my prayers and miracles in my life." It comes down to choice. No matter my circumstance I can choose to have faith or I can choose to be fearful. The more that I trust and remember what the Lord has done and will continue to do for me the easier it is to exercise faith. I wonder if that is why giving thanks, prayer, scripture study, the sacrament are all vitally important--to how my to remember which helps to strengthen my faith. "It may be only in the moments when I am filled with faith, crowding out my fears, that I make myself available to the healing and enabling power of the Atonement." It is in those moments of deep and sincere prayer, pondering in the temple and in the scriptures, thinking about the Savior that I feel my Savior's love and the uplifting power of the Atonement. How grateful and happy I feel about this.
"Without our constant choice to keep the Atonement active in our lives, peace and happiness and positive change really are out of our reach." It is an active process to be reminded of what the Atonement is and what it can do in our lives. It is a daily process. How can I do this?
"We have our experiences, in our scriptures, in our doctrines, and particularly in our covenants His promises of salvation in both this life and the next. But our problems, so insistently and empirically present to us in each moment, are almost always more real to us than those promises. If we choose that reality to live in, we choose fear over faith." This is so intriguing. That makes sense; sometimes when I overthink things my reality turns to fear because I am not including the faith promoting thoughts and experiences in my thinking. That is one reason to always try to apply the scriptures and doctrines into my life...it promotes faith.
"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out...Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us...If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." -President Hinckley- I love this so much!! Constantly remind myself to put my trust in God.
Wednesday 3/2
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear " continued..."Every time I find myself fearful, sooner or later I realize that I am not being particularly humble. I realize I have been trying to live my life and solve my problems on my own terms and with my own capacities--my own intellect, usually--and have forgotten to trust instead the power and plan of the Lord." I find this an interesting sign. Humility cultivates faith; the opposite of humility cultivates fear. When I try to lead my own life it will lead me to fear. "Pride is reliance on our own judgment, our own capacities, and our own purposes, unsubordinated to the Lord's." I really like this definition, pride is not including the Lord in all aspects of my life. "As we increase in learning and skill, as we compete with and compare ourselves with others, we begin to rely on ourselves rather than on the Lord. But deep in our hearts we know how limited we really are. So we work and live in fear." This makes so much sense. The fear is that I am limited and not knowing of the future, but if I relied on the Lord then through him I would see the future through his eyes including tender mercies from the Holy Ghost. "I think that we, too, are happiest when we understand clearly our relationship with our Master--our Savior--and give our hearts and will entirely to Him." Self-evaluation: how am I doing in coming to know more my Savior and my Heavenly Father? Coming to them and seeking them brings the faith to move forward with the future. How can I do better in cultivating faith? I want this and feel so incapable of it sometimes. That is where I go wrong; I am trying to do it myself (pride) instead of seeking the Lord's help (humility).
Thursday 3/3
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear " continued..."By choosing to live our lives within the context of this ongoing process of repentance and renewal, we keep our covenants. And through keeping our covenants we change, and are changed, for the better...Fear is the primary target of this repentance and renewal process. And fear is the prompting to turn, and return, to the Lord--a process that begins in an act of humility. In humility we choose faith, and faith becomes the channel through which the Lord blesses us with hope and miracles and perfect love." I hadn't realized how integral repentance is in increasing my faith and blocking out fear. Of course repentance is an ongoing process but it is one that stems from humility-realizing that I need to change and that there is a better way through the Lord. When fear starts to show, it is a sign that I need to repent/change so that my faith can be strengthened and block out the fear. It is a choice to do this. I need to pray for the desire to always want to change for the better. "In faith we are free of fear. In faith, we are blessed with peace that comes in the form of confidence--confidences that as bad things happen, as problems arise, as confusion confronts us, as people hurt or disappoint us, and as people we love suffer, in the midst of all the storms of this life, all is well" It sounds like faith is what will get me through the hard things in life and that I will have peace and confidence that all will work out for the best. I look forward to a life with Lindsey who helps, promotes, strengthens, encourages the growing of my faith. I realize that I am not in this all alone. The Lord is there to enable me to grow my faith, and my future spouse is there to do the same and I for her. I love that assurance that with faith there will be a confidence that 'all is well'.
Friday 3/4
Matt 19:20 "...what lack I yet?" This young rich man asked this question. He was humble enough to ask but he didn't have faith enough to act on the counsel and advice that he had received. The love of possessions (what the world offers) led him to impede his progress. This is an important question to ask myself on occasion. What is keeping me from reaching my potential, from progressing? If I seek the Lord and keep his commandments, answers will come. Now the key is what do I do with this counsel once I receive it? Realize that this is feedback and will help me to progress and grow. I love how Lindsey helps me to recognize where I fall short and have greater desires to improve and do better. She really brings this out in me and I am so grateful to my God for her being in my life. This reminds me of the conference talk by Elder Martino "Turn to him and Answers will Come". Reread this talk
Mark 10:26 JST "...with men that trust in riches, it is impossible; but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all these things are possible." I don't think that riches are bad, rather they promote and selfish prideful character if not careful. The thing to remember is that all things are God's and it is important to keep looking to God in all things and to use what I have for the benefit of others in bringing them closer to him. The key is to be grateful for what I have and to seek to use what I have in the best way, a way that the Lord would be pleased with. How can I keep myself looking to the Lord?
Sunday 3/6
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf It Works Wonderfully
Tuesday 3/1
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear " continued..."I must choose to proceed on the basis of faith, remembering the Lord's past blessings and believing in and acting upon my hope in His promises. I have to do that even when the evidence of present trouble is almost overwhelming. I have to remind myself constantly to choose faith and keep choosing faith in the face of realities that seem to contradict it and to do that for as long as it takes...I have to remind myself that this choice of faith will, sooner or later, result in answers to my prayers and miracles in my life." It comes down to choice. No matter my circumstance I can choose to have faith or I can choose to be fearful. The more that I trust and remember what the Lord has done and will continue to do for me the easier it is to exercise faith. I wonder if that is why giving thanks, prayer, scripture study, the sacrament are all vitally important--to how my to remember which helps to strengthen my faith. "It may be only in the moments when I am filled with faith, crowding out my fears, that I make myself available to the healing and enabling power of the Atonement." It is in those moments of deep and sincere prayer, pondering in the temple and in the scriptures, thinking about the Savior that I feel my Savior's love and the uplifting power of the Atonement. How grateful and happy I feel about this.
"Without our constant choice to keep the Atonement active in our lives, peace and happiness and positive change really are out of our reach." It is an active process to be reminded of what the Atonement is and what it can do in our lives. It is a daily process. How can I do this?
"We have our experiences, in our scriptures, in our doctrines, and particularly in our covenants His promises of salvation in both this life and the next. But our problems, so insistently and empirically present to us in each moment, are almost always more real to us than those promises. If we choose that reality to live in, we choose fear over faith." This is so intriguing. That makes sense; sometimes when I overthink things my reality turns to fear because I am not including the faith promoting thoughts and experiences in my thinking. That is one reason to always try to apply the scriptures and doctrines into my life...it promotes faith.
"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out...Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us...If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." -President Hinckley- I love this so much!! Constantly remind myself to put my trust in God.
Wednesday 3/2
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear " continued..."Every time I find myself fearful, sooner or later I realize that I am not being particularly humble. I realize I have been trying to live my life and solve my problems on my own terms and with my own capacities--my own intellect, usually--and have forgotten to trust instead the power and plan of the Lord." I find this an interesting sign. Humility cultivates faith; the opposite of humility cultivates fear. When I try to lead my own life it will lead me to fear. "Pride is reliance on our own judgment, our own capacities, and our own purposes, unsubordinated to the Lord's." I really like this definition, pride is not including the Lord in all aspects of my life. "As we increase in learning and skill, as we compete with and compare ourselves with others, we begin to rely on ourselves rather than on the Lord. But deep in our hearts we know how limited we really are. So we work and live in fear." This makes so much sense. The fear is that I am limited and not knowing of the future, but if I relied on the Lord then through him I would see the future through his eyes including tender mercies from the Holy Ghost. "I think that we, too, are happiest when we understand clearly our relationship with our Master--our Savior--and give our hearts and will entirely to Him." Self-evaluation: how am I doing in coming to know more my Savior and my Heavenly Father? Coming to them and seeking them brings the faith to move forward with the future. How can I do better in cultivating faith? I want this and feel so incapable of it sometimes. That is where I go wrong; I am trying to do it myself (pride) instead of seeking the Lord's help (humility).
Thursday 3/3
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear " continued..."By choosing to live our lives within the context of this ongoing process of repentance and renewal, we keep our covenants. And through keeping our covenants we change, and are changed, for the better...Fear is the primary target of this repentance and renewal process. And fear is the prompting to turn, and return, to the Lord--a process that begins in an act of humility. In humility we choose faith, and faith becomes the channel through which the Lord blesses us with hope and miracles and perfect love." I hadn't realized how integral repentance is in increasing my faith and blocking out fear. Of course repentance is an ongoing process but it is one that stems from humility-realizing that I need to change and that there is a better way through the Lord. When fear starts to show, it is a sign that I need to repent/change so that my faith can be strengthened and block out the fear. It is a choice to do this. I need to pray for the desire to always want to change for the better. "In faith we are free of fear. In faith, we are blessed with peace that comes in the form of confidence--confidences that as bad things happen, as problems arise, as confusion confronts us, as people hurt or disappoint us, and as people we love suffer, in the midst of all the storms of this life, all is well" It sounds like faith is what will get me through the hard things in life and that I will have peace and confidence that all will work out for the best. I look forward to a life with Lindsey who helps, promotes, strengthens, encourages the growing of my faith. I realize that I am not in this all alone. The Lord is there to enable me to grow my faith, and my future spouse is there to do the same and I for her. I love that assurance that with faith there will be a confidence that 'all is well'.
Friday 3/4
Matt 19:20 "...what lack I yet?" This young rich man asked this question. He was humble enough to ask but he didn't have faith enough to act on the counsel and advice that he had received. The love of possessions (what the world offers) led him to impede his progress. This is an important question to ask myself on occasion. What is keeping me from reaching my potential, from progressing? If I seek the Lord and keep his commandments, answers will come. Now the key is what do I do with this counsel once I receive it? Realize that this is feedback and will help me to progress and grow. I love how Lindsey helps me to recognize where I fall short and have greater desires to improve and do better. She really brings this out in me and I am so grateful to my God for her being in my life. This reminds me of the conference talk by Elder Martino "Turn to him and Answers will Come". Reread this talk
Mark 10:26 JST "...with men that trust in riches, it is impossible; but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all these things are possible." I don't think that riches are bad, rather they promote and selfish prideful character if not careful. The thing to remember is that all things are God's and it is important to keep looking to God in all things and to use what I have for the benefit of others in bringing them closer to him. The key is to be grateful for what I have and to seek to use what I have in the best way, a way that the Lord would be pleased with. How can I keep myself looking to the Lord?
Sunday 3/6
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf It Works Wonderfully
Monday, March 7, 2016
March week 1 Linds
Mon 2/29
Fri 3/4
Alma 32:37-38 what you nourish will grow, and what you neglect will wither. What do I nourish in my life? How do I nourish what is important (God, Samuel, and my other relationships with everyone)? What else can I do to nourish those things?
Alma 32:41 How do we nourish that which is good? "By your 1. faith with 2. great diligence, and with 3. patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof" it will take root. We must nourish our testimonies with these three principles. How does building a testimony take faith? Diligence? Patience? The same goes for anything good that we pursue (personal change, overcoming weakness, buildling relationships like with Samuel). How does my relationship with Samuel take faith, diligence, and patience?
Alma 32:41-43 Blessings of nourishing with faith, diligence, and patience= 1. take root, a "tree springing up unto everlasting life" 2. pluck the fruit which is sweet above all that is sweet 3. feast upon this fruit until ye are filled and hunger not/thirst not
-When we know something is good/right and we pursue it, we will come closer to Christ and "eat of the fruit of the tree"-->my relationships are similar. What can I do to nourish my most important relationships?
Luke 12:7 even the very hairs of your head are numbered- wow! And how is it that we can worry and sweat the small stuff when God is obviously in control and aware of our concerns?
Tues 3/1
"The Church is designed to nourish the imperfect, the struggling, and the exhausted. It is filled with people who desire with all their heart to keep the commandments, even if they haven’t mastered them yet." --I love this. We not only have the gospel to help us and teach us but the actual organization of the church is a huge blessing to us. We are ALL imperfect and struggling to implement the principles of the gospel; no one is above anyone. "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you." We are all in need of the Savior's grace and mercy. How does this truth affect my attitude towards my coworkers? Friends? Strangers on the bus?
"first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." --faith brings divine love and peace. Choose to overcome your own doubts by doubting them-- a lesson in cognitive therapy! Haha. You can attack any faulty thought processes by identifying the source and then using your own logic to discount them. Beautiful!
"One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith--even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true." This is one of the purposes of the church! To nourish my faith. I love the word nourish here. Reminds me of Alma 32:30 "sprouteth and beginneth to grow"- same principles apply to relationship with Samuel (v. 31-35) you know something is good by the fruits of the decision! I know this without a doubt from what I have felt all weekend and throughout our relationship. This chapter is gold!!
Wed 3/2
Grateful in Any circumstance (Dieter F Uchtdorf)
Thurs 3/3
"any circumstance, our sense of gratitude is nourished by the many and sacred truths we do know: that our Father has given His children the great plan of happiness; that through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ, we can live forever with our loved ones; that in the end, we will have glorious, perfect, and immortal bodies, unburdened by sickness or disability; and that our tears of sadness and loss will be replaced with an abundance of happiness and joy, “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” What
A beautiful look at life. Our gratitude should be based and rooted in things and principles of the gospel that we always have through all trials.
"Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. It requires that we trust God and hope for things we may not see but which are true." How is gratitude linked to faith? If I don't have faith in the principles of the gospel, I will easily feel upset with nonideal circumstance. If I nourish my faith in God's promises, circumstance will not affect my gratitude.
5 things I am grateful for:
1. God answers prayers. When I feel I am facing an unsurmountable task or problem or feel stressed, I am so grateful that God eventually answers prayers with peace and calm.
2. Challenges. They push me to challenge my faith and test it which always ends in stronger faith.
3. My mother/father- they are wonderful examples of repentance, patience, and forgiveness. I would not be anywhere without their guidance.
4. Samuel- can not even say the difference it makes in life to have someone on my time to support, love, listen, and share with me. Let alone someone that I love deeply and enjoy a similar life view with. And I have a feeling I am just barely realizing what a huge thing this is- contact me in three months and I am sure I will feel even more grateful! Love is a beautiful thing.
5. Hope. I love this principle. There is always hope, no matter how dire it may seem in the moment.
Fri 3/4
Alma 32:37-38 what you nourish will grow, and what you neglect will wither. What do I nourish in my life? How do I nourish what is important (God, Samuel, and my other relationships with everyone)? What else can I do to nourish those things?
Alma 32:41 How do we nourish that which is good? "By your 1. faith with 2. great diligence, and with 3. patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof" it will take root. We must nourish our testimonies with these three principles. How does building a testimony take faith? Diligence? Patience? The same goes for anything good that we pursue (personal change, overcoming weakness, buildling relationships like with Samuel). How does my relationship with Samuel take faith, diligence, and patience?
Alma 32:41-43 Blessings of nourishing with faith, diligence, and patience= 1. take root, a "tree springing up unto everlasting life" 2. pluck the fruit which is sweet above all that is sweet 3. feast upon this fruit until ye are filled and hunger not/thirst not
-When we know something is good/right and we pursue it, we will come closer to Christ and "eat of the fruit of the tree"-->my relationships are similar. What can I do to nourish my most important relationships?
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
February Week 4 - Samuel
Ponderize Scripture:
Luke 17:32-33 "Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it."
Monday 2/22
John 11:1-53 'Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead' vs. 9-10 "...If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, beacuase he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him." Christ is the only way back to Heavenly Father. He is the way, the truth and the light. No one can be saved by his own works...'there is no light in him'. Reminder to always look to Christ, use the Atonement daily, and walk by faith and the light will appear. v.25-26 "...I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." I need not die spiritually ever even though I may die physically. I need to exercise faith or believe that Christ is my Savior and that he will save me through the Atonement and then follow him, obey the commandments and serve others. The promise is that I will 'never die'.
So interesting how Christ raised Lazarus from the dead before he completed the Atonement. I would assume that Lazarus later on died again because his body was still mortal and he wasn't resurrected yet. It was only after Christ resurrected that all who had died could begin to be resurrected. However, Lazarus believed in Christ, Martha believed in Christ, Mary believed in Christ though they didn't know the meaning of all things. The disciples also didn't know the meaning of all things. What is the lesson to be learned? That in order to live I should believe in Christ, believe him, and follow after him though I don't necessarily need to know or understand everything, I just need to have the desire and be seeking for the truth and be trying to increase my faith. The Savior was able to make up the difference of their faith for the miracle to occur and he can do the same in my life.
Tuesday 2/23
Luke 17:11-19 The Ten Lepers vs.17-19 "...Were not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." This is a warning to followers of Christ, that gratitude is easy to forget, especially when the miracles and blessings in our lives become either routine or are slight that they are not perceived. Yes, keeping the commandments brings blessings but there is another part, that would recognizing those blessings and giving thanks to God for his mercy, love, and kindness. It really is only through him that makes my life worth living. I really like how Christ said that the man was made whole. If I am not grateful, though I may receive a blessing and/or am healed because of faith and obedience, I may not be made whole completely. I may be healed, but not made whole like the one man was. The other nine were healed, but not necessarily made whole or made complete, which is to be focused on the Savior and the Atonement. This brings about a transformation I think or our desires, thoughts, words, and actions. Being whole to me is becoming like God through the Atonement. How can I better recognize the Lord in my life? How can I better be grateful for my blessings and the tender mercies that happen daily in my life?? Prayer helps with this, give a prayer of gratitude in the moment, 5 things to be grateful for each day, write down blessings in a journal...?
Wednesday 2/24
Luke 18:1-8 'Parable of the Unjust Judge' v. "...men ought always to pray, and not to faint." What does faint mean? To me it means to not be committed or be consistent, having the faith and hope that God will hear and answer. vs.7-8 "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with men? I tell you he will avenge them speedily..." God hears and answers prayers. I will answer my prayers will I consistently and faithfully cry to him. The old saying goes...'the squeaky wheel gets the grease'. Prayer is like this and more. It is an act of faith and it requires consistent work/effort. How can I make prayer a central part of my life? How can I be consistent in my prayers?
Luke 18: 9-14 'The Pharisee and the Publican' v.11-12 "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust...I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." How am I like this? Even when I am not praying do I think that I am better than others? How can I realize that all that I have and am is from and because of God, my Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ? v.13-14 "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." This is important. When I look to God for help and support and realize that the source of all power and glory comes from him (which is what it is in reality) he can lead me on the perfect journey for me and I will follow but when I think that I am hot stuff because I do good things and am obedient I stop my progress because I think I am better, that it was my effort and girt that got me to where I am at. That is not so. I really hinder my progress and don't accept feedback and constructive criticism well. Even if I am good at something, God had something better in store for me if I just look to him.
Thursday 2/25
Matt. 19:1-12 vs.4-6 "Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." I really like this...God created a man and a woman with a purpose for them to become one flesh. They are very different and distinct beings but what they bring makes something complete and whole. Men and Women are very different but I feel like they can't exist without each other and the union and progression that are made when they are together extend far beyond what one person can do alone. God wants marriage and for a man and a woman to work at it to make it worth it. All things that have value and are worthwhile take work and effort and they should do it together (leaving father and mother and cleaving to his wife). Cleave to me means to hold fast and to not let go. The marriage is about a man and a woman leaving the other influences in their separate lives and creating a new one that will not fail through effort and patience and love and forgiveness and repentance, full of communication and seeking for understanding. Marriage makes a perfect union. How can I be more ready for marriage? Be committed and loyal and seek to be the man that my Lindsey wants and needs me to be...seeking the Lord everyday and leaving the influences of my family and friends behind.
Friday 2/26
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear "When I am living in faith, I don't fear change, or changing myself, for the better. But when I am living in fear, I find change and changing--for the better, at least--almost impossible." This is so profound. A good measure on whether I have fear or not is to recognize when change happens how I feel about it. "What is the source of fear? I think that it is rooted in the assumption that I must solve all my problems and face all my challenges along, using my own resources. That is frightening, because deep in my heart I know how limited those resources are. So when I am fearful, I am also hopeless. And without hope, I find myself paralyzed. Knowing that I am not capable of changing myself or my circumstances for the better, I stand frozen in fear." The source of all faith is the Lord so this would make sense that relying on myself brings fear (opposite of faith) and keeps me from making decisions and acting on those decisions. The source of fear is myself and the influences around me including the adversary. The source of faith is the Lord. "Faith is a choice to believe and to act upon that belief in the face of uncertainty." It is a choice, something that will not be taken away.
Saturday 2/27
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear " continued... "Faith is founded upon our memory of divine witnesses and blessings received in the past and upon our hope in divine promises for the future. Founded upon promises of the past and the future, our faith can be vulnerable when experiences in the present seem to contradict both. So even with knowledge of the truth, in the present moments of our day-to-day experience we remain subject to fear and must consciously choose again and again to believe, to remember, to hope, to have faith." How profound this is! I have to choose again and again to have faith, taking from the experiences from the past and hope in the future. "I have to remind myself constantly to choose faith and keeping choosing faith in the face of realities that seem to contradict it and to do that for as long as it takes...I have to remind myself that this choice of faith will, sooner or later, result in answers to my prayers and miracles in my life." Choosing faith should be a slogan in my life. In each decision, I should ask myself 'am I choosing faith??
Luke 17:32-33 "Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it."
Monday 2/22
John 11:1-53 'Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead' vs. 9-10 "...If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, beacuase he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him." Christ is the only way back to Heavenly Father. He is the way, the truth and the light. No one can be saved by his own works...'there is no light in him'. Reminder to always look to Christ, use the Atonement daily, and walk by faith and the light will appear. v.25-26 "...I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." I need not die spiritually ever even though I may die physically. I need to exercise faith or believe that Christ is my Savior and that he will save me through the Atonement and then follow him, obey the commandments and serve others. The promise is that I will 'never die'.
So interesting how Christ raised Lazarus from the dead before he completed the Atonement. I would assume that Lazarus later on died again because his body was still mortal and he wasn't resurrected yet. It was only after Christ resurrected that all who had died could begin to be resurrected. However, Lazarus believed in Christ, Martha believed in Christ, Mary believed in Christ though they didn't know the meaning of all things. The disciples also didn't know the meaning of all things. What is the lesson to be learned? That in order to live I should believe in Christ, believe him, and follow after him though I don't necessarily need to know or understand everything, I just need to have the desire and be seeking for the truth and be trying to increase my faith. The Savior was able to make up the difference of their faith for the miracle to occur and he can do the same in my life.
Tuesday 2/23
Luke 17:11-19 The Ten Lepers vs.17-19 "...Were not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." This is a warning to followers of Christ, that gratitude is easy to forget, especially when the miracles and blessings in our lives become either routine or are slight that they are not perceived. Yes, keeping the commandments brings blessings but there is another part, that would recognizing those blessings and giving thanks to God for his mercy, love, and kindness. It really is only through him that makes my life worth living. I really like how Christ said that the man was made whole. If I am not grateful, though I may receive a blessing and/or am healed because of faith and obedience, I may not be made whole completely. I may be healed, but not made whole like the one man was. The other nine were healed, but not necessarily made whole or made complete, which is to be focused on the Savior and the Atonement. This brings about a transformation I think or our desires, thoughts, words, and actions. Being whole to me is becoming like God through the Atonement. How can I better recognize the Lord in my life? How can I better be grateful for my blessings and the tender mercies that happen daily in my life?? Prayer helps with this, give a prayer of gratitude in the moment, 5 things to be grateful for each day, write down blessings in a journal...?
Wednesday 2/24
Luke 18:1-8 'Parable of the Unjust Judge' v. "...men ought always to pray, and not to faint." What does faint mean? To me it means to not be committed or be consistent, having the faith and hope that God will hear and answer. vs.7-8 "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with men? I tell you he will avenge them speedily..." God hears and answers prayers. I will answer my prayers will I consistently and faithfully cry to him. The old saying goes...'the squeaky wheel gets the grease'. Prayer is like this and more. It is an act of faith and it requires consistent work/effort. How can I make prayer a central part of my life? How can I be consistent in my prayers?
Luke 18: 9-14 'The Pharisee and the Publican' v.11-12 "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust...I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." How am I like this? Even when I am not praying do I think that I am better than others? How can I realize that all that I have and am is from and because of God, my Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ? v.13-14 "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." This is important. When I look to God for help and support and realize that the source of all power and glory comes from him (which is what it is in reality) he can lead me on the perfect journey for me and I will follow but when I think that I am hot stuff because I do good things and am obedient I stop my progress because I think I am better, that it was my effort and girt that got me to where I am at. That is not so. I really hinder my progress and don't accept feedback and constructive criticism well. Even if I am good at something, God had something better in store for me if I just look to him.
Thursday 2/25
Matt. 19:1-12 vs.4-6 "Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." I really like this...God created a man and a woman with a purpose for them to become one flesh. They are very different and distinct beings but what they bring makes something complete and whole. Men and Women are very different but I feel like they can't exist without each other and the union and progression that are made when they are together extend far beyond what one person can do alone. God wants marriage and for a man and a woman to work at it to make it worth it. All things that have value and are worthwhile take work and effort and they should do it together (leaving father and mother and cleaving to his wife). Cleave to me means to hold fast and to not let go. The marriage is about a man and a woman leaving the other influences in their separate lives and creating a new one that will not fail through effort and patience and love and forgiveness and repentance, full of communication and seeking for understanding. Marriage makes a perfect union. How can I be more ready for marriage? Be committed and loyal and seek to be the man that my Lindsey wants and needs me to be...seeking the Lord everyday and leaving the influences of my family and friends behind.
Friday 2/26
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear "When I am living in faith, I don't fear change, or changing myself, for the better. But when I am living in fear, I find change and changing--for the better, at least--almost impossible." This is so profound. A good measure on whether I have fear or not is to recognize when change happens how I feel about it. "What is the source of fear? I think that it is rooted in the assumption that I must solve all my problems and face all my challenges along, using my own resources. That is frightening, because deep in my heart I know how limited those resources are. So when I am fearful, I am also hopeless. And without hope, I find myself paralyzed. Knowing that I am not capable of changing myself or my circumstances for the better, I stand frozen in fear." The source of all faith is the Lord so this would make sense that relying on myself brings fear (opposite of faith) and keeps me from making decisions and acting on those decisions. The source of fear is myself and the influences around me including the adversary. The source of faith is the Lord. "Faith is a choice to believe and to act upon that belief in the face of uncertainty." It is a choice, something that will not be taken away.
Saturday 2/27
Gregory Clark Some Lessons on Faith and Fear " continued... "Faith is founded upon our memory of divine witnesses and blessings received in the past and upon our hope in divine promises for the future. Founded upon promises of the past and the future, our faith can be vulnerable when experiences in the present seem to contradict both. So even with knowledge of the truth, in the present moments of our day-to-day experience we remain subject to fear and must consciously choose again and again to believe, to remember, to hope, to have faith." How profound this is! I have to choose again and again to have faith, taking from the experiences from the past and hope in the future. "I have to remind myself constantly to choose faith and keeping choosing faith in the face of realities that seem to contradict it and to do that for as long as it takes...I have to remind myself that this choice of faith will, sooner or later, result in answers to my prayers and miracles in my life." Choosing faith should be a slogan in my life. In each decision, I should ask myself 'am I choosing faith??
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