As I studied John 13:1-17, Luke 22:24-30 and Mark 10:43-45, I learned about how leadership in the Church of Latter-day Saints is different from what the world usually teaches or describes as leadership.
I learned that those who are the greatest among us should also be our servant. The servant is not greater than his Lord, neither the Lord greater than his servant. All are equal but have different roles. Even Christ came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and give his life for us. I love the example in the scriptures where Jesus washed the feet of his Apostles. What great love he had for those whom he served and served with. There wasn't a limit to how lowly of a job he would perform for them. It is powerful to me when Peter refuses to let Jesus wash his feet and Jesus lets him know that if he won't let him wash his feet then He won't have any part with him.
It is important that we serve and let others serve us, so we can all be blessed!
There have been many times throughout my life where people I know have served and led in the way Jesus Christ has taught.
Before my husband joined the church, we lived in wards that the leaders helped us in a way patterned after after Jesus Christ. I guess you could say my husband was the least of them and they were the greatest. When e we lived in Dallas, Texas the members reached out and helped him get a good job when we didn't have one. The members were always inviting us to do things with them and truly became our friends. They went out of their way to treat us with kindness. In Dayton, Ohio the same thing happened, the leaders and members took an interest in us and prayed about ways they could help us. My husband was not a member of the church and yet they felt inspired to invite us as a couple to take temple preparation classes. I am confident that this class led to his conversion. Within a year he would join the church and a year after that take me to the temple for a temple marriage and sealing. These people were like Christ and were truly concerned for our welfare and helping us come closer to Christ.
I hope I can pay it forward and help others come unto Christ as well!
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Friday, June 26, 2015
The Infinite Atonement
This week in my Book of Mormon class I learned something more about the Atonement that I had not thought about before! It seems as I grow in the gospel I find more ways that the Atonement blesses me and my family. It is a miraculous gift that each of us has the access to use in our lives. It is an INFINITE Atonement that has the power to heal all men through all time and eternity. I am so grateful for that gift in my life.
As I watched the Digging Deeper videos for the class, Brother Robert Walquist asked the question, "How did Christ walk out of Gethsemane alive if He bled from every pore and suffered more than any man could suffer unto death?"
This was a deep question that I had not thought about before. I like the way Brother Walquist answered this question. He explained that Jesus did not kneel in the Garden of Gethsemane as a man or human but, as the Son of God.
Christ had the power as the Son of God to do things that a mere man or human could do. This is another testament to me that Christ was the literal Son of God. He had the power to stop all the suffering that He went through because He had the power of God within Him. He had power over death. But as always He chose to do the will of the Father. He put away any selfish inclinations to avoid the suffering He went through and stuck with it and completed all the Father sent Him to do!
I am so grateful for the Atoning sacrifice and how it has helped me overcome hard things in my life. There have been sins I committed that I needed to be forgiven, and He forgave me and made me clean again. That lifted a heavy burden too much to bear for me, and He made it light. He made it as if it did not ever happen. There have been difficult situations in my life that I did not cause that broke my heart and caused me to suffer. But His Atoning sacrifice lightened those sorrows and eased those burdens so I could carry them as long as was needed. He has promised to carry us through those difficult times, and He did that for me. There have been tasks that He has asked me to do that were way out of my comfort zone. It was so scary for me to say "Yes", but I did, knowing He would help me accomplish those tasks. He did help me and I was able to be successful. There have been times I have missed loved ones who have died or left for a time from my presence and His Atoning sacrifice has helped me endure those absences and live a happy joyful life without them around me.
The Atonement is available for me and all of us to use in ANY area we are weak or lacking in our lives. We just need to ALLOW that power to work in our lives and humble ourselves. We need to realize that we were not meant to go through life alone. He suffered for us so that we might not suffer like Him. If we do not use this incredible power, we will suffer like He did. That is an unbearable thing to think about, even more than man can suffer!
I hope to use the Atonement more in my life so that I may have more peace and joy in my life!
As I watched the Digging Deeper videos for the class, Brother Robert Walquist asked the question, "How did Christ walk out of Gethsemane alive if He bled from every pore and suffered more than any man could suffer unto death?"
This was a deep question that I had not thought about before. I like the way Brother Walquist answered this question. He explained that Jesus did not kneel in the Garden of Gethsemane as a man or human but, as the Son of God.
Christ had the power as the Son of God to do things that a mere man or human could do. This is another testament to me that Christ was the literal Son of God. He had the power to stop all the suffering that He went through because He had the power of God within Him. He had power over death. But as always He chose to do the will of the Father. He put away any selfish inclinations to avoid the suffering He went through and stuck with it and completed all the Father sent Him to do!
I am so grateful for the Atoning sacrifice and how it has helped me overcome hard things in my life. There have been sins I committed that I needed to be forgiven, and He forgave me and made me clean again. That lifted a heavy burden too much to bear for me, and He made it light. He made it as if it did not ever happen. There have been difficult situations in my life that I did not cause that broke my heart and caused me to suffer. But His Atoning sacrifice lightened those sorrows and eased those burdens so I could carry them as long as was needed. He has promised to carry us through those difficult times, and He did that for me. There have been tasks that He has asked me to do that were way out of my comfort zone. It was so scary for me to say "Yes", but I did, knowing He would help me accomplish those tasks. He did help me and I was able to be successful. There have been times I have missed loved ones who have died or left for a time from my presence and His Atoning sacrifice has helped me endure those absences and live a happy joyful life without them around me.
The Atonement is available for me and all of us to use in ANY area we are weak or lacking in our lives. We just need to ALLOW that power to work in our lives and humble ourselves. We need to realize that we were not meant to go through life alone. He suffered for us so that we might not suffer like Him. If we do not use this incredible power, we will suffer like He did. That is an unbearable thing to think about, even more than man can suffer!
I hope to use the Atonement more in my life so that I may have more peace and joy in my life!
Monday, June 22, 2015
Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming
As I was reading from the Bible in Matthew chapter 13, there are many references to the words take heed and watch. This chapter of the Bible mentions several things we can take heed of or watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord when He comes to earth again. I will point out a few that I found:
* There will be wars and rumors of wars.
* There will be earthquakes, famines and trouble.
* The gospel will be published to all nations.
* Brother will betray brother, Father against son, Children against parents.
I have witnessed or heard about all of these except one. The gospel has not been preached to every nation yet. But with all the missionaries we have out in the field and around the world, it will not be long before this will be fulfilled as well.
There are other ways to prepare for the Second Coming. In the following scriptures we read about some other things we can do to prepare.
D&C 87:8, We can stand in holy places and be not moved.
JS Matt 1:32, WE can be aware of prophecies being fulfilled.
JS Matt 1:37, We can treasure up the word and make reading and following the scriptures a priority in our lives.
JS Matt 1:46-50, We can be watchful and be ready for the time that the Son of Man cometh.
D&C 33:17, We can be faithful, and pray always. We need to have our lamps ready and have oil with us.
D&C 45:56-57, We can be wise and receive the truth and take the Holy Ghost as our guide.
I want to be ready for when Christ comes again. I look forward to the time when He comes and there will be peace and love among men again. I hope I will do those things that He has asked me to do so that I will be ready. What a glorious day it will be.
* There will be wars and rumors of wars.
* There will be earthquakes, famines and trouble.
* The gospel will be published to all nations.
* Brother will betray brother, Father against son, Children against parents.
I have witnessed or heard about all of these except one. The gospel has not been preached to every nation yet. But with all the missionaries we have out in the field and around the world, it will not be long before this will be fulfilled as well.
There are other ways to prepare for the Second Coming. In the following scriptures we read about some other things we can do to prepare.
D&C 87:8, We can stand in holy places and be not moved.
JS Matt 1:32, WE can be aware of prophecies being fulfilled.
JS Matt 1:37, We can treasure up the word and make reading and following the scriptures a priority in our lives.
JS Matt 1:46-50, We can be watchful and be ready for the time that the Son of Man cometh.
D&C 33:17, We can be faithful, and pray always. We need to have our lamps ready and have oil with us.
D&C 45:56-57, We can be wise and receive the truth and take the Holy Ghost as our guide.
I want to be ready for when Christ comes again. I look forward to the time when He comes and there will be peace and love among men again. I hope I will do those things that He has asked me to do so that I will be ready. What a glorious day it will be.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Why do we labor for the welfare of others?
Part A: Jacob 1:15-19
What did Jacob list as his motive for laboring diligently?
The people began to grow hard in their hearts and indulge in wicked practices, so Jacob needed to talk with them and counsel them.
What wicked practices were the Nephites beginning to observe?
They were beginning to desire many wives and concubines and also searching for much gold and silver and be lifted in pride.
Why did Jacob labor with all diligence among his people?
Because if he did not teach the truth with all diligence the sins of the people would be upon his head.
What are some good examples you have seen of people magnifying callings?
Those who take time to study their message. Those who pray about what to say and sacrifice in order to be in tune with the spirit to help others the way God wants and needs.
How will knowing Jacob's motives and seeing the example of others motivate you in fulfilling your callings now and in the future?
It is truly inspiring to see that light of Christ in others eyes and to see them truly wanting to help others. It makes me want to be better and truly help others. It will take a constant check on my motives and willingness to give my best to the Lord and His children.
Part B: Jacob 4:4-11 record a phrase that you feel reveals something about Jesus' Christs life and mission.
vs. 4: Jacob and all the holy prophets knew of Jesus Christ and had faith in Him hundreds of years before His coming.
vs 5: Abraham offering Isaac as a sacrifice is in similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.
vs. 6-7: The power of Jesus is revealed in our faith and can move mountains or trees or the sea.
vs. 8-9: It is impossible to know all Jesus' ways. He created the earth and man can command the earth according to his pleasure.
vs. 10: Seek not to counsel the Lord but to take counsel from the Lord. He is wise above all.
vs. 11: As we recognize and accept the role of Christ and the power of His Atonement, we may not only obtain a resurrection but hope of glory in eternal life.
What did Jacob list as his motive for laboring diligently?
The people began to grow hard in their hearts and indulge in wicked practices, so Jacob needed to talk with them and counsel them.
What wicked practices were the Nephites beginning to observe?
They were beginning to desire many wives and concubines and also searching for much gold and silver and be lifted in pride.
Why did Jacob labor with all diligence among his people?
Because if he did not teach the truth with all diligence the sins of the people would be upon his head.
What are some good examples you have seen of people magnifying callings?
Those who take time to study their message. Those who pray about what to say and sacrifice in order to be in tune with the spirit to help others the way God wants and needs.
How will knowing Jacob's motives and seeing the example of others motivate you in fulfilling your callings now and in the future?
It is truly inspiring to see that light of Christ in others eyes and to see them truly wanting to help others. It makes me want to be better and truly help others. It will take a constant check on my motives and willingness to give my best to the Lord and His children.
Part B: Jacob 4:4-11 record a phrase that you feel reveals something about Jesus' Christs life and mission.
vs. 4: Jacob and all the holy prophets knew of Jesus Christ and had faith in Him hundreds of years before His coming.
vs 5: Abraham offering Isaac as a sacrifice is in similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.
vs. 6-7: The power of Jesus is revealed in our faith and can move mountains or trees or the sea.
vs. 8-9: It is impossible to know all Jesus' ways. He created the earth and man can command the earth according to his pleasure.
vs. 10: Seek not to counsel the Lord but to take counsel from the Lord. He is wise above all.
vs. 11: As we recognize and accept the role of Christ and the power of His Atonement, we may not only obtain a resurrection but hope of glory in eternal life.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
The Last Week Of Jesus' Life
The Overview of the Last Week of the Savior's Life:
Day 1: Jesus rode through the city on a donkey. Those who knew Him to be a prophet placed palm branches as a path and shouted "Hosanna in the highest." He went to the temple.
Day 2: He went to the temple again and drove out the money changers. Jesus returns to Bethany.
Day 3: Jesus goes to the temple again and the priests challenge His authority. Jesus responds with parables that offend the Jews. Jesus calls them hypocrites. From now on He only teaches the 12 apostles not the public. The Jewish leaders plan how to kill Jesus. One of Jesus' apostles offers to betray Him.
Day 4: Jesus knows of the plot to kill Him. He stays outside the city. Not much is written of what happened on this day.
Day 5: Jesus commemorates the Passover. Jesus introduces the Sacrament. He prophesies of his death and who would betray Him. He goes to Gethsemane and pleads with the Father to let the cup pass from Him, but allows His will be done. He suffers for each of us. Judas betrays Him and He is brought to trial.
Day 6: Jesus is charged with two crimes. 1) blasphemy and 2) sedition against the state. Fear of the riotous crowd would prompt Pilate to sentence Jesus to death. He is crucified and dies. Jesus is buried in a tomb.
Day 7 (Sabbath): Jesus' body remains in the tomb. His Spirit ministers to those in the Spirit World.
Day of Resurrection: Jesus emerges from the tomb and appears to Mary. Jesus lives and through Him we each will live again and may have eternal life.
I am so grateful for the Savior and all that He suffered for me. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have that He lives. Because I know this, I also know that those I loved here on earth that have passed away live too! I will see them again and be able to be with my family forever. I am so grateful for this testimony!
Day 1: Jesus rode through the city on a donkey. Those who knew Him to be a prophet placed palm branches as a path and shouted "Hosanna in the highest." He went to the temple.
Day 2: He went to the temple again and drove out the money changers. Jesus returns to Bethany.
Day 3: Jesus goes to the temple again and the priests challenge His authority. Jesus responds with parables that offend the Jews. Jesus calls them hypocrites. From now on He only teaches the 12 apostles not the public. The Jewish leaders plan how to kill Jesus. One of Jesus' apostles offers to betray Him.
Day 4: Jesus knows of the plot to kill Him. He stays outside the city. Not much is written of what happened on this day.
Day 5: Jesus commemorates the Passover. Jesus introduces the Sacrament. He prophesies of his death and who would betray Him. He goes to Gethsemane and pleads with the Father to let the cup pass from Him, but allows His will be done. He suffers for each of us. Judas betrays Him and He is brought to trial.
Day 6: Jesus is charged with two crimes. 1) blasphemy and 2) sedition against the state. Fear of the riotous crowd would prompt Pilate to sentence Jesus to death. He is crucified and dies. Jesus is buried in a tomb.
Day 7 (Sabbath): Jesus' body remains in the tomb. His Spirit ministers to those in the Spirit World.
Day of Resurrection: Jesus emerges from the tomb and appears to Mary. Jesus lives and through Him we each will live again and may have eternal life.
I am so grateful for the Savior and all that He suffered for me. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have that He lives. Because I know this, I also know that those I loved here on earth that have passed away live too! I will see them again and be able to be with my family forever. I am so grateful for this testimony!
Friday, June 12, 2015
God is the same yesterday, today and forever
So this week in my Book of Mormon class it has really sunk into my heart that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. I have heard people say that this term relates to God in the premortal life, mortal life and postmortal life. I agree with this, but this week I am seeing it as meaning God is the same throughout mortal life. If God was willing to part the red sea for Moses and the Israelites then he will be willing to part the sea for me.
In the directed study it talked about people saying that we have a Bible so we don't need anymore Bible, speaking of new scripture. I loved how the Book of Mormon talks about this. In 2 Nephi 29:7 it reads, "Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all nations of the earth?" continuing in vs. 8..."Wherefore, murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also."
These scriptures talk about the importance of all of Gods children. The Bible is a record of the Jews and those people, the Book of Mormon is a record of people that lived in the Americas. We have been told that there will be more records revealed of other nations and other people. These records are provided to us as a witness that God is involved in all of our lives no matter where we live. He treats us all the same.
Another thing that stood out to me about God being the same throughout time and for each of us is the scriptures that talk about God performing miracles. We have records of God performing miracles in Biblical times and Book of Mormon times. There are many who say, 2Nephi 28:6 ..."Behold, hearken ye unto my precept; if they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work." So many are saying that the time of miracles is past and that the Lord has done his work and miracles have ceased!
But in 2 Nephi 27:23 it reads, "For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith." So God is telling us that he is a God of miracles and he continues to perform miracles according to our faith. I love this truth.
I just want to bear testimony that I have seen God perform miracles in my life just has he has done in the past for those people we read about in Holy scriptures. I remember one time as I prayed for a small miracle that I said, "Thou has done this for people in the past, I know Thou can do this for me today." God performed a miracle for me that day by making the rain stop long enough for me to go to the store with my three small children. I have had many miracles happen since that day and I can tell you that God is alive in our lives. He will perform miracles in our lives according to our faith and according to His will. I know this is true and I am so grateful that He treats me the same as He has treated people in the past!
In the directed study it talked about people saying that we have a Bible so we don't need anymore Bible, speaking of new scripture. I loved how the Book of Mormon talks about this. In 2 Nephi 29:7 it reads, "Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all nations of the earth?" continuing in vs. 8..."Wherefore, murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also."
These scriptures talk about the importance of all of Gods children. The Bible is a record of the Jews and those people, the Book of Mormon is a record of people that lived in the Americas. We have been told that there will be more records revealed of other nations and other people. These records are provided to us as a witness that God is involved in all of our lives no matter where we live. He treats us all the same.
Another thing that stood out to me about God being the same throughout time and for each of us is the scriptures that talk about God performing miracles. We have records of God performing miracles in Biblical times and Book of Mormon times. There are many who say, 2Nephi 28:6 ..."Behold, hearken ye unto my precept; if they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work." So many are saying that the time of miracles is past and that the Lord has done his work and miracles have ceased!
But in 2 Nephi 27:23 it reads, "For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith." So God is telling us that he is a God of miracles and he continues to perform miracles according to our faith. I love this truth.
I just want to bear testimony that I have seen God perform miracles in my life just has he has done in the past for those people we read about in Holy scriptures. I remember one time as I prayed for a small miracle that I said, "Thou has done this for people in the past, I know Thou can do this for me today." God performed a miracle for me that day by making the rain stop long enough for me to go to the store with my three small children. I have had many miracles happen since that day and I can tell you that God is alive in our lives. He will perform miracles in our lives according to our faith and according to His will. I know this is true and I am so grateful that He treats me the same as He has treated people in the past!
Monday, June 8, 2015
Exploring parables
As I read the about the young rich man who asked Jesus what he needed to do to get into heaven it makes me look at myself and wonder if I am like this man who could not give up his riches to follow Jesus. After Jesus told the man to go and sell all he had and follow him, the young man went away sorrowful because he had many possessions. He could not give up all he owned to know God.
So I was talking with my daughter about this. She just got a new cell phone. I asked her if she would be able to give that cell phone to someone who didn't have a phone. We had just been talking about the rich young man and how it is important to give what we have. We thought we could do that. But when I asked her if she could give her cell phone to a lady in our ward who really doesn't have much. She hesitated and said she would rather buy her another phone, a cheap one. This is a hard one. It is something we must all continually work on and try harder to not become attached to our THINGS!
In Matthew 6:19-24 it explains that it is hard for a rich man to get into heaven because he has a hard time giving up the things of the world.
The Savior promises all of us that will make sacrifices to follow him that we will receive an hundred fold and shall inherit eternal life.
So what will help me put the Savior first in my life?
Most importantly will be to keep an eternal perspective and not a worldly one. I get easily distracted when my focus is on worldly things. Starting my day with prayers and scripture study show I am putting the Lord first. When I make time for Family Home Evening, temple service, my visiting teaching and attending church on Sunday and partaking of the sacrament are a few of the ways I can put the Lord first. I can do my best in my callings and make sure to put my family first and show my greatest love and kindness to them. When I get my priorities straight and make time for the Lord first--I know that the other things that are less important will drop out of my life. As these lesser things drop out of my life it will make it even easier to serve the Lord.
There is the parable in Matthew 20:1-16 that talks about those who serve the Lord and what their rewards are:
There are those that are hired in the morning, those the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 11th hour. The first group in the morning agree to get paid a penny a day. The other groups agree to get paid what is right. The morning group works 12 hours, the 3rd hour group works 9 hours, the 6th hour group works 6 hours, the 9th hour group works 3 hours and the 11th hour group only works one hour. When it comes time to pay them for their labors each group of laborers gets paid exactly the same amount, one penny.
So what do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord's kingdom?
I learn that the Lord promises each of us all he has if we will serve and follow him. It does not matter when we come to him.
What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the church?
It brings comfort knowing that they didn't miss out on any blessings of the Lord just because they didn't know about the gospel sooner.
What would I tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?
I would explain that none of us can earn the reward on our own efforts, if the reward is eternal life. We all depend on the Lord for the reward. The Lord loves all of us equally and wants us to each be blessed according to that love he has or us. He keeps his arms open continually ready to take us in as we are willing and ready. Each of the laborers agreed to what they would receive, so how is that unfair? I will rejoice if those I have loved are able to receive all the Father has, even after years of going astray. I am grateful for this wonderful promise, what hope it gives to all of us.
So I was talking with my daughter about this. She just got a new cell phone. I asked her if she would be able to give that cell phone to someone who didn't have a phone. We had just been talking about the rich young man and how it is important to give what we have. We thought we could do that. But when I asked her if she could give her cell phone to a lady in our ward who really doesn't have much. She hesitated and said she would rather buy her another phone, a cheap one. This is a hard one. It is something we must all continually work on and try harder to not become attached to our THINGS!
In Matthew 6:19-24 it explains that it is hard for a rich man to get into heaven because he has a hard time giving up the things of the world.
The Savior promises all of us that will make sacrifices to follow him that we will receive an hundred fold and shall inherit eternal life.
So what will help me put the Savior first in my life?
Most importantly will be to keep an eternal perspective and not a worldly one. I get easily distracted when my focus is on worldly things. Starting my day with prayers and scripture study show I am putting the Lord first. When I make time for Family Home Evening, temple service, my visiting teaching and attending church on Sunday and partaking of the sacrament are a few of the ways I can put the Lord first. I can do my best in my callings and make sure to put my family first and show my greatest love and kindness to them. When I get my priorities straight and make time for the Lord first--I know that the other things that are less important will drop out of my life. As these lesser things drop out of my life it will make it even easier to serve the Lord.
There is the parable in Matthew 20:1-16 that talks about those who serve the Lord and what their rewards are:
There are those that are hired in the morning, those the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 11th hour. The first group in the morning agree to get paid a penny a day. The other groups agree to get paid what is right. The morning group works 12 hours, the 3rd hour group works 9 hours, the 6th hour group works 6 hours, the 9th hour group works 3 hours and the 11th hour group only works one hour. When it comes time to pay them for their labors each group of laborers gets paid exactly the same amount, one penny.
So what do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord's kingdom?
I learn that the Lord promises each of us all he has if we will serve and follow him. It does not matter when we come to him.
What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the church?
It brings comfort knowing that they didn't miss out on any blessings of the Lord just because they didn't know about the gospel sooner.
What would I tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?
I would explain that none of us can earn the reward on our own efforts, if the reward is eternal life. We all depend on the Lord for the reward. The Lord loves all of us equally and wants us to each be blessed according to that love he has or us. He keeps his arms open continually ready to take us in as we are willing and ready. Each of the laborers agreed to what they would receive, so how is that unfair? I will rejoice if those I have loved are able to receive all the Father has, even after years of going astray. I am grateful for this wonderful promise, what hope it gives to all of us.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church.
I was able to search some scriptures in the book of Luke in the Bible and found out some interesting things about the seventy in our church and also the primitive church. This is what I learned:
In Luke 10:1-24 the Lord gives counsel to the seventy. He tells them not to worry about their own needs, but to go and preach to all who will let them in. He asks them to take His Spirit with them into their homes and to heal the sick. He says to only preach to those who will accept them. They are also given power over their enemies so that nothing will harm them.
The 6th Article of Faith says, "We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists and so forth. Scriptures in Luke help support this Article.
In Luke 10:1-2 it states that there were the seventy, we also have seventy.
In Luke 10:8-9 it talks about healing the sick, we also heal the sick through the power of the priesthood.
In Luke 10:17-20 it says the devil is subject to the Lord, so as when we have the spirit of the Lord with us we also will have power over the devil.
On the Church website in the guide to the scriptures under "seventy" it gives scriptures that tell us more about the existence of the seventy in the priesthood.
Luke 10:1 Lord appoints seventy.
D&C 107:25-26 Seventy are called to preach the gospel and be special witnesses of Jesus Christ.
D&C 107:34 Seventy act in name of the Lord under direction of the twelve.
I love how we learn that we have the same church that existed back in Chirsts' day. It is a comfort to know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
In Luke 10:1-24 the Lord gives counsel to the seventy. He tells them not to worry about their own needs, but to go and preach to all who will let them in. He asks them to take His Spirit with them into their homes and to heal the sick. He says to only preach to those who will accept them. They are also given power over their enemies so that nothing will harm them.
The 6th Article of Faith says, "We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists and so forth. Scriptures in Luke help support this Article.
In Luke 10:1-2 it states that there were the seventy, we also have seventy.
In Luke 10:8-9 it talks about healing the sick, we also heal the sick through the power of the priesthood.
In Luke 10:17-20 it says the devil is subject to the Lord, so as when we have the spirit of the Lord with us we also will have power over the devil.
On the Church website in the guide to the scriptures under "seventy" it gives scriptures that tell us more about the existence of the seventy in the priesthood.
Luke 10:1 Lord appoints seventy.
D&C 107:25-26 Seventy are called to preach the gospel and be special witnesses of Jesus Christ.
D&C 107:34 Seventy act in name of the Lord under direction of the twelve.
I love how we learn that we have the same church that existed back in Chirsts' day. It is a comfort to know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
How can I praise the Lord?
The following scriptures teach me about the Savior.
2 Nephi 21:1-5, The Savior will not judge after the sight of his eyes or hearing of his ears but with righteousness he will judge the poor. He will reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. He will slay the wicked.
2 Nephi 22:1-6, The Savior comforts us. He is our strength and song and salvation.
D&C 113:1-2, The Savior is the Stem of Jesse spoken of by Isaiah.
Isaiah suggests that we can praise the Lord by singing and by thanking him. We can praise him even when we don't feel like things have gone our way. We can praise him by trusting him and not being afraid. We praise him by praying to him. We can let others know what the Lord has done for us and this praises the Lord.
This gives me reason to lift up my head and rejoice because I know that the Lord is mindful of me and knows my needs. I know that He will take care of me and do what is best for me. I know that I should never be afraid and that the Lord is always at my side to help me and lead me. He can give me strength when I feel weak or discouraged. I can trust that he knows how to judge others and let the burden of not forgiving go. I don't have to judge whether someone deserves my love. I just need to love and let the Lord do the judging. I will be blessed by following and trusting the Lord.
I have already seen this in my life and know that the Lord does not desert us in our time of need. He has helped me so many times to be strong and make it through hard things. I am grateful that he knows what I need to become who he wants me to become. I know he is there for me and I know he is there for you!
2 Nephi 21:1-5, The Savior will not judge after the sight of his eyes or hearing of his ears but with righteousness he will judge the poor. He will reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. He will slay the wicked.
2 Nephi 22:1-6, The Savior comforts us. He is our strength and song and salvation.
D&C 113:1-2, The Savior is the Stem of Jesse spoken of by Isaiah.
Isaiah suggests that we can praise the Lord by singing and by thanking him. We can praise him even when we don't feel like things have gone our way. We can praise him by trusting him and not being afraid. We praise him by praying to him. We can let others know what the Lord has done for us and this praises the Lord.
This gives me reason to lift up my head and rejoice because I know that the Lord is mindful of me and knows my needs. I know that He will take care of me and do what is best for me. I know that I should never be afraid and that the Lord is always at my side to help me and lead me. He can give me strength when I feel weak or discouraged. I can trust that he knows how to judge others and let the burden of not forgiving go. I don't have to judge whether someone deserves my love. I just need to love and let the Lord do the judging. I will be blessed by following and trusting the Lord.
I have already seen this in my life and know that the Lord does not desert us in our time of need. He has helped me so many times to be strong and make it through hard things. I am grateful that he knows what I need to become who he wants me to become. I know he is there for me and I know he is there for you!
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