So this week as I was studying the Book of Mormon I was also thinking of an assignment given to me to think of what it means for the Sabbath to be a delight. The Lord truly blessed me this week to be able to accomplish this through a venue I was already using. As I read this week from 2 Nephi 9:49 this phrase stood out to me, "and my heart delighteth in righteousness...". My eye was drawn to the word delighteth. I noticed there was a footnote on that word so I looked below and saw that it said, "desires, motivations". It was neat to see my mind working and the spirit working in me too. In order to have the Sabbath be a delight to us, we need to have righteous desires and motivations. Our desires and motivations need to be aligned with what the Lord would have us do on His day.
I just want to bear my testimony that the Book of Mormon is a wonderful tool that can help us in our daily lives and with our daily questions and struggles, if we will take time to read it faithfully. The Lord is ready to answer us and help us but we need to look to His word to find those answers. I have often heard, "If you want to talk to God, PRAY. If you want God to talk to you, READ YOUR SCRIPTURES." This has been so true in my life. There have been so many times that I have had struggles in life that didn't pertain to what I was necessarily reading, but the Lord gave me insight and understanding that helped me find answers to those struggles and questions. It is a miracle how it happens. The Lord fulfills his promises to his children if they will just do what he asks them to do! I am so grateful for the scriptures and for the way they teach me Gods will. This week was no exception! I learned much!
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Becoming Like Little Children
In Matthew 18:3-4 We are taught that the Lord wants us to become like little children by being humble and by treating everyone with love and kindness.
In Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-18 we learn that the Lord wants to help us become like little children. He has told us that he will lead us along and help us little by little, line upon line, as we are ready for more guidance. We are the Lords sheep and he cares for each one of us. He will tenderly teach us and guide us in our quest to become like little children. The Lord has a great love for each of us and will help us with all that he has to help us become who we need to become.
In Mosiah 3:19 we learn the specific ways we are to become as little children. We are to be submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord sees fit to inflict upon us.
WoW! This is quite the list. It is a gentle reminder to me that I have quite a way to go before I am like a little child. I faith and trust in the Lord that He will lead the way for me to become as a little child if I will allow Him to lead me. It is my quest in life and should be the quest of each of us, to become as little children!
In Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-18 we learn that the Lord wants to help us become like little children. He has told us that he will lead us along and help us little by little, line upon line, as we are ready for more guidance. We are the Lords sheep and he cares for each one of us. He will tenderly teach us and guide us in our quest to become like little children. The Lord has a great love for each of us and will help us with all that he has to help us become who we need to become.
In Mosiah 3:19 we learn the specific ways we are to become as little children. We are to be submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord sees fit to inflict upon us.
WoW! This is quite the list. It is a gentle reminder to me that I have quite a way to go before I am like a little child. I faith and trust in the Lord that He will lead the way for me to become as a little child if I will allow Him to lead me. It is my quest in life and should be the quest of each of us, to become as little children!
Friday, May 22, 2015
Two similar miracles Jesus performed
Two miracles that Jesus performed were recorded in Matthew. The first one was in chapter 14:14-21 and the other in 15:32-38.
* How many people were present? In the first miracle 5,000 men plus women and children were there. The second miracle there were 4,000 men plus women and children.
* What did they need? Both groups of people wanted to be healed and both groups were hungry.
* What were they able to offer in an effort to meet that need? The first had 5 loaves and two fishes. The second had 7 loaves of bread and a few fishes.
*What words or phrases describe the Saviors feelings toward the multitudes in their time of need? In the first miracle it said He had compassion toward them. In the second He said He had compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat.
*What words or phrases describe what the Savior was able to provide for the multitudes? In the first miracle Jesus healed their sick, He told them they need not depart, He gave them to eat and they were all filled. In the second one they did all eat and were filled.
In each story there wasn't enough food for everyone, yet with the Lord's help there was enough. In Romans 3:23 we learn that another way men fall short in receiving the glory of God is through sin. According to Ether 12:27 the Lord helps us overcome our shortcomings is by showing us our weaknesses. This helps us to be humble and eventually become strong. It is through His grace and being humble before Him that we can be enough for the Lord and be made strong. It truly is a miracle in each of our lives how the Lord makes us enough and helps us be whole.
* How many people were present? In the first miracle 5,000 men plus women and children were there. The second miracle there were 4,000 men plus women and children.
* What did they need? Both groups of people wanted to be healed and both groups were hungry.
* What were they able to offer in an effort to meet that need? The first had 5 loaves and two fishes. The second had 7 loaves of bread and a few fishes.
*What words or phrases describe the Saviors feelings toward the multitudes in their time of need? In the first miracle it said He had compassion toward them. In the second He said He had compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat.
*What words or phrases describe what the Savior was able to provide for the multitudes? In the first miracle Jesus healed their sick, He told them they need not depart, He gave them to eat and they were all filled. In the second one they did all eat and were filled.
In each story there wasn't enough food for everyone, yet with the Lord's help there was enough. In Romans 3:23 we learn that another way men fall short in receiving the glory of God is through sin. According to Ether 12:27 the Lord helps us overcome our shortcomings is by showing us our weaknesses. This helps us to be humble and eventually become strong. It is through His grace and being humble before Him that we can be enough for the Lord and be made strong. It truly is a miracle in each of our lives how the Lord makes us enough and helps us be whole.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
What I am learning about John the Baptist.
John the Baptist sent his 2 disciples to visit Jesus Christ and ask him a question. What was that question?
They asked him if he was the Christ or the Messiah.
Why would John the Baptist ask his disciples to go and ask such a question for him?
From what I understand, John the Baptist already knew the Christ and who He was. He wanted to help his disciples realize who Christ was so they would be willing to leave him and follow Jesus and become Jesus' disciples. So it was more to help persuade his disciples that Jesus was the Christ than a reassurance for himself. John the Baptist knew who Jesus was. He wanted his disciples to worship and follow Jesus.
What did the Savior say about John the Baptist?
In Matthew 11:11 Jesus says that there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist. In Luke 7:28 he said that there is no greater prophet than John the Baptist.
What are 3 reasons given by Joseph Smith that John the Baptist was considered among the greatest prophets?
Reason #1: John the Baptist was entrusted with the mission to prepare the way of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He preached to the people preparing them to receive Jesus.
Reason #2: John the Baptist was the one who baptized Jesus.
Reason #3: John the Baptist was the only one at that time on earth holding the keys of power and was the legal administrator in the affairs of the kingdom.
What does John 3:30 suggests about the attitude of John the Baptist towards Jesus Christ?
John the Baptist glorified Christ and placed Him above himself and worshiped Him. How could I apply a similar attitude in my life? I could do likewise by always giving the credit and glory to God, thanking Him for the good and the hard in my life. I could make sure to place God first in my life and do His will and let my life truly be in line with the Saviors. I would be okay if I never got thanks for or credit for the good I did or service I rendered, knowing that I was doing it for God would be enough. I could be like John the Baptist just by living a Christ-centered life.
They asked him if he was the Christ or the Messiah.
Why would John the Baptist ask his disciples to go and ask such a question for him?
From what I understand, John the Baptist already knew the Christ and who He was. He wanted to help his disciples realize who Christ was so they would be willing to leave him and follow Jesus and become Jesus' disciples. So it was more to help persuade his disciples that Jesus was the Christ than a reassurance for himself. John the Baptist knew who Jesus was. He wanted his disciples to worship and follow Jesus.
What did the Savior say about John the Baptist?
In Matthew 11:11 Jesus says that there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist. In Luke 7:28 he said that there is no greater prophet than John the Baptist.
What are 3 reasons given by Joseph Smith that John the Baptist was considered among the greatest prophets?
Reason #1: John the Baptist was entrusted with the mission to prepare the way of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He preached to the people preparing them to receive Jesus.
Reason #2: John the Baptist was the one who baptized Jesus.
Reason #3: John the Baptist was the only one at that time on earth holding the keys of power and was the legal administrator in the affairs of the kingdom.
What does John 3:30 suggests about the attitude of John the Baptist towards Jesus Christ?
John the Baptist glorified Christ and placed Him above himself and worshiped Him. How could I apply a similar attitude in my life? I could do likewise by always giving the credit and glory to God, thanking Him for the good and the hard in my life. I could make sure to place God first in my life and do His will and let my life truly be in line with the Saviors. I would be okay if I never got thanks for or credit for the good I did or service I rendered, knowing that I was doing it for God would be enough. I could be like John the Baptist just by living a Christ-centered life.
How I learn and grow through my trials.
I really liked this week how we learned about our trials and how we learn from them and draw closer to God through them.
I also learned a new tool that will hopefully help me draw closer to my Savior and be more like him. I'd like to address these two things this week.
First, how can trials and afflictions help refine me and help me be faithful to the Lord?
In the scriptures we read how the Lord chastens those whom he loves. So why do we always feel so picked on when we are called to go through tribulations? Here are some things I have learned from my trials and why I should rejoice when I have difficult things to face and go through!
My trials have helped me realize that I cannot handle life on my own, I am not meant to. Our trials help us rely on the Lord. It is through my trials that I have come to know the Lord and know that He is real and answers my prayers. I've learned to lean on Him and trust Him. I have also learned to be more obedient through the chastening I have received. I don't like certain feelings I get when I disobey and thus I try to avoid those situations and try hard to obey and have those feelings of peace in my life. Sometimes I wonder if the length of my afflictions would be shorter had I seen the Lords hand more during them and allowed Him to teach me what I needed to know more quickly?
So as much as I do not want to go through hard things, it is those hard things that have made me more faithful and dedicated to the Lord.
Next, There are some things we learn from the children of Israel that can help us in our day. I feel like the message the Lord would give to modern Israel would be to notice His hand more in our lives. He is in the details of our lives and we must recognize that in order to see the many blessings. He would ask us to follow the prophet, Thomas S. Monson. Prophets throughout time have led their people to safety and it is not different in our day. If we obey the Lords commandments we will have good, blessed lives of happiness.
So this week my daughter came home from her mission in Mexico! What a wonderful thing it is to have her back home! As the Stake President was releasing her he mentioned something that will really help me in becoming more like Christ. He asked her how the temple blesses people? After mentioning several things, the Stake President added this extra thing...He said that in the temple we promise God to do things. We make sacred covenants. He went on to say that in our prayers we often say, "Please help me to be kind." etc... what would be better is if we simply said, "I promise that I will be kind to my family." I am trying that technique in my prayers and hoping that I am more aware of the seriousness of my commitment and promises to the Lord. It has already made me feel different! I am promising to be kind and I only make promises when I mean it!
I also learned a new tool that will hopefully help me draw closer to my Savior and be more like him. I'd like to address these two things this week.
First, how can trials and afflictions help refine me and help me be faithful to the Lord?
In the scriptures we read how the Lord chastens those whom he loves. So why do we always feel so picked on when we are called to go through tribulations? Here are some things I have learned from my trials and why I should rejoice when I have difficult things to face and go through!
My trials have helped me realize that I cannot handle life on my own, I am not meant to. Our trials help us rely on the Lord. It is through my trials that I have come to know the Lord and know that He is real and answers my prayers. I've learned to lean on Him and trust Him. I have also learned to be more obedient through the chastening I have received. I don't like certain feelings I get when I disobey and thus I try to avoid those situations and try hard to obey and have those feelings of peace in my life. Sometimes I wonder if the length of my afflictions would be shorter had I seen the Lords hand more during them and allowed Him to teach me what I needed to know more quickly?
So as much as I do not want to go through hard things, it is those hard things that have made me more faithful and dedicated to the Lord.
Next, There are some things we learn from the children of Israel that can help us in our day. I feel like the message the Lord would give to modern Israel would be to notice His hand more in our lives. He is in the details of our lives and we must recognize that in order to see the many blessings. He would ask us to follow the prophet, Thomas S. Monson. Prophets throughout time have led their people to safety and it is not different in our day. If we obey the Lords commandments we will have good, blessed lives of happiness.
So this week my daughter came home from her mission in Mexico! What a wonderful thing it is to have her back home! As the Stake President was releasing her he mentioned something that will really help me in becoming more like Christ. He asked her how the temple blesses people? After mentioning several things, the Stake President added this extra thing...He said that in the temple we promise God to do things. We make sacred covenants. He went on to say that in our prayers we often say, "Please help me to be kind." etc... what would be better is if we simply said, "I promise that I will be kind to my family." I am trying that technique in my prayers and hoping that I am more aware of the seriousness of my commitment and promises to the Lord. It has already made me feel different! I am promising to be kind and I only make promises when I mean it!
Monday, May 4, 2015
How Miracles affect my faith.
There are several miracles that Jesus performed during his life here on earth. I would like to reference a few of them and then elaborate on how these miracles affect my faith to know that God has this kind of power.
I have often thought of the Super Heroes that many of us admire and look up to, such as SuperMan, BatMan, Spiderman etc. When I think of them and the amazing things they are able to do with their super powers it gives me the chills! BUT, their powers are all fake and made up. They don't really have that power, because they are in the movies they can be made to do ANYTHING. But it is all fake.
When we read about God's power through reading the scriptures, we read of many miraculous things. Healing a blind man, parting the Red Sea, turning mountains into valleys and valleys into mountains, calming the storm tossed sea....etc. The power of God is REAL. What does that mean to me? Will He do for me what He has done for others in the past? Can I access this power for myself and those I love?
Here are a few of the miracles listed in the Bible:
Reference: Miracles of the Lord: Who demonstrated Faith?
Matthew 8:1-4 The Leper was healed of leprosy. The Leper
Matthew 8:5-13 The servant of the centurion was healed. The centurion
Matthew 8:14-15 Peter's wifes mother fever and sickness was healed. Peters wifes mother
Matthew 8:16 Healed the sick and cast out devils of the people. The people.
Matthew 8:23-27 The storm was calmed at sea. His disciples.
Matthew 8:28-34 People were rid of the evil spirits, that entered swine. The people.
Matthew 9:20-22; Woman with issue of blood was healed. The woman.
Mark 5:25-34
Matthew 9:27-31 Two blind men were healed 2 blind men.
Mark 2:1-12 One sick of palsy was healed. Those who were carrying
the son with palsy.
I know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. So as I read about these miracles, it gives me great hope that since He did it for them He can and will do it for me, if it be according to Gods will. I know Gods power is real and a power I can use and access in my life to bless me and my family. I bear testimony of this power and that miracles exist today. I have witnessed them!
I have often thought of the Super Heroes that many of us admire and look up to, such as SuperMan, BatMan, Spiderman etc. When I think of them and the amazing things they are able to do with their super powers it gives me the chills! BUT, their powers are all fake and made up. They don't really have that power, because they are in the movies they can be made to do ANYTHING. But it is all fake.
When we read about God's power through reading the scriptures, we read of many miraculous things. Healing a blind man, parting the Red Sea, turning mountains into valleys and valleys into mountains, calming the storm tossed sea....etc. The power of God is REAL. What does that mean to me? Will He do for me what He has done for others in the past? Can I access this power for myself and those I love?
Here are a few of the miracles listed in the Bible:
Reference: Miracles of the Lord: Who demonstrated Faith?
Matthew 8:1-4 The Leper was healed of leprosy. The Leper
Matthew 8:5-13 The servant of the centurion was healed. The centurion
Matthew 8:14-15 Peter's wifes mother fever and sickness was healed. Peters wifes mother
Matthew 8:16 Healed the sick and cast out devils of the people. The people.
Matthew 8:23-27 The storm was calmed at sea. His disciples.
Matthew 8:28-34 People were rid of the evil spirits, that entered swine. The people.
Matthew 9:20-22; Woman with issue of blood was healed. The woman.
Mark 5:25-34
Matthew 9:27-31 Two blind men were healed 2 blind men.
Mark 2:1-12 One sick of palsy was healed. Those who were carrying
the son with palsy.
I know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. So as I read about these miracles, it gives me great hope that since He did it for them He can and will do it for me, if it be according to Gods will. I know Gods power is real and a power I can use and access in my life to bless me and my family. I bear testimony of this power and that miracles exist today. I have witnessed them!
Friday, May 1, 2015
How the Book of Mormon Helps me draw closer to Christ
So this week I have been studying and reading from 1Nephi 1-15. I love the Book of Mormon and learn so many things and ways I can come closer to Christ. I will touch on a few of those here.
First of all, if you are someone that is not familiar with the Book of Mormon and have never read it before I wanted to take a minute and mention a promise and a few things that you can do to find out for yourself of it's truthfulness. I have grown closer to God by reading this book and I want to help you experience what I have. So here is the promise found in the Book of Mormon:
Moroni 10:4-5
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
Also I love how Joseph Smith tells us in the introduction of the Book of Mormon that, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."
I just have to add my testimony that I know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true. I put the promise to the test and God answered my sincere prayer. Ever since I have tried to live by its precepts and have been getting nearer to God precept by precept. I am grateful for prayer and personal revelation. I am glad the heavens are open and that God speaks to His children through prayer. It has truly changed my life and made it more beautiful than I could have ever dreamed. So take the chance to find out for yourself. It may change your life too!
Okay, so what have I learned this week from the first chapters of 1Nephi?
Lehi had told his family that the great city of Jerusalem was going to be destroyed and they needed to leave their home and belongings and travel in the wilderness to a safer and better place for them. Laman and Lemuel murmured about it and didn't believe their father. They did not want to go. In 1Nephi 2:12 it reads, "And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them." So Laman and Lemual did not ask God for clarification. But Nephi on the other hand wanted to know from God about these things, so he went to God in prayer to ask him about it. In 1Nephi 2:16 it reads, "...having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers."
I love this, because the Lord wants us to know for ourselves and He will personally answer our prayers so we can know for ourselves! What a wonderful thing.
Also, later when Lehi asks them to go back to Jerusalem to get the record of the Jews from Laban, once again Laman and Lemuel murmur and complain. It is far away and Laban is an evil man who could destroy them. It was a hard and scary thing their dad was asking them to do! But I love in 1Nephi 3:5 how Lehi tells Nephi this, "behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord." WOW! The Lord is the one who asked them to do it! Lehi is the prophet that delivers God's word. I love that Nephi's response was, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." I too have been able to do hard things as I have trusted in the Lord and his promise to help me do all things He asks me to do!
I love in 1Nephi 10:19 where it reads, "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in ties of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."
The Lord is ready and willing to answer our questions and concerns...but we must diligently seek him!
One last thing, I have loved referring to the scripture, 1Nephi 11:17 to comfort me in times of great trial or confusion. It reads, "And I said unto him; I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." So whatever trials or hardships I am called to go through, I may not understand the meaning behind the trial but one thing I am confident of....that God loves me! He has never deserted me in my longings for Him. He has always been by my side and helped me. EVERY time I have reached for Him he has been there for me! And that is a WONDERFUL thing to know!
Good luck in your scripture study. There are personal gems for each one of us as we diligently study and search the scriptures. This is where we find the answers that we need in life to guide us safely back to our loving Heavenly Father.
First of all, if you are someone that is not familiar with the Book of Mormon and have never read it before I wanted to take a minute and mention a promise and a few things that you can do to find out for yourself of it's truthfulness. I have grown closer to God by reading this book and I want to help you experience what I have. So here is the promise found in the Book of Mormon:
Moroni 10:4-5
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
Also I love how Joseph Smith tells us in the introduction of the Book of Mormon that, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."
I just have to add my testimony that I know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true. I put the promise to the test and God answered my sincere prayer. Ever since I have tried to live by its precepts and have been getting nearer to God precept by precept. I am grateful for prayer and personal revelation. I am glad the heavens are open and that God speaks to His children through prayer. It has truly changed my life and made it more beautiful than I could have ever dreamed. So take the chance to find out for yourself. It may change your life too!
Okay, so what have I learned this week from the first chapters of 1Nephi?
Lehi had told his family that the great city of Jerusalem was going to be destroyed and they needed to leave their home and belongings and travel in the wilderness to a safer and better place for them. Laman and Lemuel murmured about it and didn't believe their father. They did not want to go. In 1Nephi 2:12 it reads, "And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them." So Laman and Lemual did not ask God for clarification. But Nephi on the other hand wanted to know from God about these things, so he went to God in prayer to ask him about it. In 1Nephi 2:16 it reads, "...having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers."
I love this, because the Lord wants us to know for ourselves and He will personally answer our prayers so we can know for ourselves! What a wonderful thing.
Also, later when Lehi asks them to go back to Jerusalem to get the record of the Jews from Laban, once again Laman and Lemuel murmur and complain. It is far away and Laban is an evil man who could destroy them. It was a hard and scary thing their dad was asking them to do! But I love in 1Nephi 3:5 how Lehi tells Nephi this, "behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord." WOW! The Lord is the one who asked them to do it! Lehi is the prophet that delivers God's word. I love that Nephi's response was, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." I too have been able to do hard things as I have trusted in the Lord and his promise to help me do all things He asks me to do!
I love in 1Nephi 10:19 where it reads, "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in ties of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."
The Lord is ready and willing to answer our questions and concerns...but we must diligently seek him!
One last thing, I have loved referring to the scripture, 1Nephi 11:17 to comfort me in times of great trial or confusion. It reads, "And I said unto him; I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." So whatever trials or hardships I am called to go through, I may not understand the meaning behind the trial but one thing I am confident of....that God loves me! He has never deserted me in my longings for Him. He has always been by my side and helped me. EVERY time I have reached for Him he has been there for me! And that is a WONDERFUL thing to know!
Good luck in your scripture study. There are personal gems for each one of us as we diligently study and search the scriptures. This is where we find the answers that we need in life to guide us safely back to our loving Heavenly Father.
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