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
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