2 Nephi 4:31 " Wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?" That is a very powerful scripture. I wish I had less of the natural man in me. I try to become more like Christ everyday but, it's a work in progress. On my mission we were striving for perfect obedience. With this we don't only being blessings into my own life but into the lives of others around me. (4:34) " O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever ." How can I have more trust in my Savior? I feel like it's hard to. Life is hard!! If I was to trust in Gods plan for me more maybe it wouldn't be so hard. Blessing: I have good grades and I'm graduating.
Posts
2Nephi 5:1-2 Nephi prayed to for his brothers that they would t be angry with him but their anger increased. Not always do we get what we want because of others agency. Nephi took everyone who would harken into his words. Harken - listen; used mostly in the imperative. Listening to me means taking knowledge kn and leading from it. I think far to often we listen but don't harken. We need to change to be better because of what we hear. Nephi taught his people to build. You must have knowledge it teach and you have to get that knowledge from somewhere. It's so important to be ever teachable. Listening for the Lords guidance.
When Gods people are doing what they have been asked like keeping the commandments they always prosper in their land, plenty of food and many blessings beyond that. But when they aren't obedient they have hardship. It has been this way since the beginning of time. Why is this concept so hard to grasp and do? It's good to note and remember that Nephi was a very righteous man and yet he had trials and hardships. Sometimes I think those that are the most righteous, like Joseph Smith, have the hardest life's. Maybe when we are doing all we know how and life is hard it's because we are the strongest right then and our Father in Heaven is taking the time to make us stronger. Blessing: That I have some amazing roommates that help me to keep my head up and get through trials; both school and others who don't like me. :)
" according to the feelings of his heart and the spirit of the Lord " This phrase really stuck out to me today. Probably because my boyfriend and I just broke up and so it feels like a confirmation of what I did was the right thing. And that He really did have a hand in it because my boyfriend was feeling the same way about he relationship when we broke up. I loved this today, (2 Nephi 4:20) " My God hath been my support he hath led me through mine afflictions... " I need to remember that more. That I have gotten this far in life not because of myself but because of God and the strength and support He has given me to get through hard things.
2 Nephi 4:5, " I know that if ye are brought up in the way ye should go ye will not depart from it." That's amazing. I feel that this is so true. I know that because of the way my parents taught me and the example they set for me I had a desire to make good habits in my life. I am thankful for the many examples in my life of this. It also is showing us that we need to live this way our whole lives and do the same with our own children. The future generations are going to need The Gospel more then ever. Blessing: I'm thankful for the spirit in my life that leads and guides me.
We must have opposition in all things so that we know the good from the evil. "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25) We are supposed to be happy in this life, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge of it are supposed to bring us that joy or happiness that so many are seeking. And we can act for ourselves because we know good from evil. We need to 2 Nephi 2:28: 1. " look to the great Mediator", 2. " hearken unto his great commandments;" 3. " be faithful unto his work", 4. "and choose eternal life," " out of weakness he shall be made strong , " (2 Nephi 3:13) " I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me ." (Phil 4:13), and cross reference (Ether 12:27). At the end of vs. 19 it says, " I know their faith ." That is an amazing scripture, to me it show that our Father in Heaven knows each of us and even know how much faith we have and...
Every time we sin we are making our Savior suffer. He already atoned for our sins but we have the decisions we make here on earth that determine out righteousness. "Redemption cometh in and through the Holy Measiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit." (2 Nephi 2:6-7) No one can live with God again if it weren't for Christ who saved each of us. 2:11 "there is an opposition in all things." God gave us all agency so that we could act for ourselves. Satan is miserable and is trying to pull us all down to his level. We must not give in but find our strength through Christ . We are more like God then Satan, keep moving up the hill, it is a hard one but there is help along the way. Blessing: that I have the spirit with me to help me do hard things.
1 Nephi 21:16 is one of my favorite verses, " Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." But I don't understand what it means by walls? What walls are we talking about? I love the first part of the scripture thought, it helps me to personalize the Atonement so much more to think the prints in my Redeemers hands are there for me, He atoned for my sins. "...for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me." Wait - To rest in expectation and patience. (1828 Dictionary) To wait takes patience and long suffering. "...the righteous need not fear;" (1 Nephi 22:17 Would I be considered righteous? What do I need to work on, do better, or change in order to be in this group? Be obedient and Endure... Blessing: That I have amazing parents who are there for me always.
When I think life is tough I need to remember who had it the hardest. Who suffered all for me? Yes, life is hard and we do and will have trials all of our life but I believe because of Christ they are barable. He lessened out burdens. I need to work harder at remembering the good, the covenants I've made with God and the blessings I've received instead of dwelling on the trials and harder parts of life. The scriptures were written to persuade other is the gospel and the goodness of it.
Satan is so on top of his job that he wait until times are hard like for Nephi's family on the ship and then allows them to party and be rude towards one another. He makes it look fun and innocent but in reality it's not, it's harmful. It's important to recognize things that the Lord does for us each day especially the things that go unnoticed regularly and thank God for them. It's interesting that with Nephi's family they didn't have to take animals and food with them on their journey and when they arrived to the promise land there were animals, and materials like copper, ore, gold... and things they needed there for them. But Noah had to catch and load up two of every animal on the land into a ship and take them with him. What is the difference what did the Lord need to teach each of them? Couldn't He have done the same thing with both prophets? Blessing: I'm getting my grades up and getting the help I need with school.
"Did go into the mount oft and I did pray oft into the Lord;" I need to go into the Lord for counsel more often. Asking what needs to be done instead of asking for help all the time and for things. Humility is the key to true success. (1 Nephi 18:4) I think praying for guidance and being humble in asking for help is very key to our learning in this life. We won't learn what we need to in this life if we aren't living our lives this way. Blessing: thanksgiving weekend was better then expected. I had tons of fun.
The Lord will reveal things to us in His own time, we must be ready and still to hear the still small voice. (1 Nephi 17:50) "If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them." With God, all things are possible. I need to remember this every day. There is a plan for my life, I believe that everything I go through in this life is for my good and that I am supposed to learn from it. Life is hard and sometimes I want to give up but I can't I must keep the faith and press on. Blessing: That God is aware of me and has His own way of helping me get through the hard times.
1 Nephi 17:8 Instead of Nephi saying I can't build a ship, he asked where he needed to go to get the tools (knowledge). When asked to do something instead of complaining and thinking it's hard find a solution and ask for direction and guidance. I need to be faithful and diligent especially in the hard times. I will allow me to get through them and focus on other things instead of the trial. God performs miracles on our behalf every day we just have to be open and spiritually prepared to receive and recognize them. "He that is righteous is favored of God." (1 Nephi 17:35) Favored-
1 Corinthians 10:13. " There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Nephi 15:2 "the guilty take the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center." This last conference after the policy change with the same-sex marriage role in the US is a good example of this. Alot of people fell away from the church there are like thousands of people. People don't want to hear what they don't want to hear. They want us or our church leaders to sugar coat everything. "STUNG BY EDICT ON GAY, MORMONS LEAVE CHURCH" http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/19/opinion/stung-by-edict-on-gays-mormons-leave-church.html?_r=0 Faith, Diligence and Heed are important to get us to accomplish the things the Lord has in store for us. It's important to remember that "by sm...
(1 Nephi 15:3) "spake many great things...which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord;" Life is hard and decisions are harder if we don't include our Father in Heaven in our life and especially our decision making. It is important to repent and keep trying because no "unclean thing enter in the kingdom of God." We must be like the Savior and it takes a lot of work but with a strong relationship with Him it will be possible to someday be like Christ. Living in the presence of God and my Savior Jesus Christ would be the best gift I could be given. But it is important to be worthy of it. "the greatest of all the gifts of God" is the Word of God. Blessing: That my interview went very well yesterday with Journeys.
Today I am going to ponderize on 1 Nephi 14:1 "And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in work, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks." Harken- To attend; to regard; to give heed to what is uttered; to observe or obey. (I love this deffinition) Manifest - Plain, open, clearly visible to the eye or obvious to the understanding; apparent; not obscure or difficult to be seen or understood. Work - In a general sense, to move, or to move one way and the other; to perform; Power - the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength. Deed - That which is done, acted or effected; an act; a fact; a word of extensive application, including whatever is done, good or bad, great or small. Stumbling - STUMBLING-STONE, noun [stumble and block or stone.] Any...
The scriptures always say that if we "endure unto the end they shall be lifted up in the last day," (1 Nephi 13:37) What does that really mean to endure? When I think of it I think of trials and tribulations and that to endure them we just have to suffer through them until the time Christ comes. Google dictionary says just that; Endure - suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently. Believe, Obey, and Endure By President Monson He said to endure means: " to withstand with courage." He does on to say, " The Savior promised, “Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.” Blessing: That I have been given the time, means and tools needed to study and learn. I'm able to do what is necissary to pass my classes.
D&C 122:7 " And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passeth upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, ( my daughter) that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." What does that mean? How can we make every experience we go through be for our good? How can we better make the best out of our situations? What do I need to change to make more of my experiences a positive one and find the joy and blessing in all things? Satan is my enemy and he works really hard to make me miserable. I can't give in! I can't allow the hardships I got through over power my happiness and love I have for others. Goal: I need to...
Jesus Christ came into the world under the most perfect circumstances. Born of a virgin that was so righteous, went about teaching God's children with his apostles, then he died " was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. " (1 Nephi 11:33) My garments can be made white in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) if I have faith in Christ. (1 Nephi 12:11) Why not follow the perfect example set out for us to in order to return to live with our Father in Heaven? That's like being offered something free and not taking it. Blessing: That home is only an hour away and I can escape Rexburg and go home for a while.
1 Neph 10:6, If it weren't for the Savior we would all be lost, I need to follow the Saviors example more closely and live so that He can guide me throughout my life. Christ took away the sins of THE WORLD, I think of my sins and how often I make a mistake and sin towards God, I can't imagine how much suffering my Savior would have had to go through to suffer the sins of the world, each person, each sin.... We MUST repend of our sins and come unto Christ. Blessing: That I have a computer (laptop) that I can do geneology, homework, my scripture journal and so many things on.
In Lehi's dream of the tree of Life he talks about a strait and Narrow path. Like spoken of in 2 Nephi 31:18 " And then are ye in this straight and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye enter in by the way ye should receive." That is a very powerful scripture. I have been thinking about being faithful and obedient a lot the last couple day and trying to figure out what I need to do to be more like my Savior. I feel like I'm not on the path my Father in Heaven wants me to be on as far as my spiritual path goes. I think part of being faithful is continuously doing the things we know we should do and add upon that. We don't have to know everything at once but if we work on and improve every day the things that ar...
It's amazing the Lords knowledge and the plan He has layed out. Realizing our natural man and that the sons of Lehi would have complained even more had they gotten wives the first time and the plates the second time he had them get the plates first. It's so much easier to have a desire to go get wives then plates with the scriptures on them especially when the task isn't easy. I feel like God does that with us. He lures us in and has us do the easier task first to get us comfortable then He gives us the harder ones that make us grow as a person and closer to Him. Blessing: That I am able to work with Becca and find more job opportunities.
We must be righteous and firm and steadfast and immovable in keeping God's commandments. How can I better improve myself to be that way? I need to be better at leaving environments that do not allow the spirit to be present. Even if it is in my own apartment. Nephi had a "great desire to know the ministries of God." How can I have a greater desire and prove to God that I do? What needs to change in my life to be closer to God and better recognize revelation and spiritual manifestations? Do we still get mad and doubt even after a miracle? (1 Nephi 3:29) People often say if I could see something, have evidence I would believe. But would they really? Faith is hard, but it is so necessary. Labin and Lemuel saw an angel and still didn't believe or have a change of heart.
God "is mightier that all the earth." He can protect us and keep things from coming our way and make things come our way. So if we are "faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord" He will bless us and protect us. Trust in God. being "let by the spirit not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." Being a missionary is a lot like that, going out into the mission field and not knowing exactly what the Lord wanted you to do but being able to follow the Spirit. As we live worthy of it and of God's guidance and help it will make life easier. Nephi spoke to Laban's servant as if he was Laban, that is an amazing miracle. Just think about it, Laban is a ruler and so much older then Nephi so he probably had a much deeper voice and older sounding voice so if Nephi would have just went in with his own voice he wouldn't have been able to accomplish the things he did. Blessing: That I am able to date Aaron. He is such an amazing man.
1 Nephi 3:6 " I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded. " That has been on my mind a lot today since I'm here in SLC at the "World Congress of Families". I went to class today and it really inspired me to figure out what I need to do to help the kingdom of God. I need to figure out how to take my talents and make them into an instrument that God can work with to fulfill His purpose. I really do what to make an impact on the world as far as families go but I need guidance and help to know where to start. Then that same scripture says "he shall prepare a way for them that they may be accomplished..." I have to have the desire and the willingness to obey and follow the spirit as it directs me. Nephi and his brother had to try more than once and more than one tactic to get the plates from Laban in order to achieve their goal. We shouldn't expect everything to work out the way or even in the timing we want it to. Blessing: That I was...
we need to "be like unto (a) river, continuously running into the foundation of all righteousness!" and also "like unto (the) valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!" We need to have a desire and act on it in order to have a relationship with our Father in Heaven and be able to recognize His spirit in order to communicate with Him. It's interesting that Lehi goes into his tent to speak with God but Nephi is outside and enters his father's tent after speaking with God. Blessing: I'm able to go to this conference and I've been albe to get a lot of homework done this week.
How can I improve my prayers? In 1 Nephi 1:5 it says that Lehi prayed "with all his heart" I feel like often we don't pray like that unless we want something really bad. How often do we pray like that when we are just thanking our Father in Heaven for things? Those who hear the Words of God and aren't living their lives right often get mad and think the deliverer is wicked and possessed of the Devil or something. It's sad, but happening all the time. Satan makes good look bad and bad look good, so how do we compete with that? What can we do to help changed the hearts of the people? Prophets and apostles are always warning the people and they don't want to listen.
In Moroni 10:3 it talks about reading The Book of Mormon in the wisdom of God and the teaching inside. It's important to remember that Heavenly Father had a plan before we were even sent down here. (Moroni 10:4) Invitation to action: 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." That is a very powerful scripture. It is the promise from our Father in Heaven that we can come to know that The Book of Mormon is truly the word of God. Verses 9-17 is talking about gifts that we are given or can be given. I wonder what qualifies us for gifts beyond obedience? I got on lds.org this morning during my reading and saw this video. It is really goo...
Moroni 8:16 "perfect love casteth out all fear." The remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart, and because of lowliness of heart cometh visitation of the Holy Ghost, which comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God." I love it when the Holy Ghost is referred to as the comforter. Women need to be chaste and virtuous (Moroni 9:9) How can I be more like that? Moroni asks his sons to " be faithful in Christ " How can I do that? What do I need to do in my life to change to be more faithful in Christ in my own life? Blessing: God knows exactly what I need in my life and when I need it. I just need to have more faith in Him and His timing in my life.
Moroni 7:5 " by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also ." 7:13 "... that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God ." When I am living a righteous life I am doing the Fathers will. I need to always strive for that even when times are hard. 7:19 "search diligently in the light of Christ... " How can I better search for the light of Christ in order to have it in my life continuously and be able to find happiness in all things? What can I do in my life to feel like I am on the right path and that I am doing the Fathers will and what I need to be doing right now in my life? (7:26 and 31) " And as surely as Christ liveth ...bear testimony of him. " (7:33) "And Christ hath said, "If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is exped...
Moroni 2:2 "Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for this do mine apostates." Wow! That is some amazing power Heavenly Father is willing to give to His children in order to fulfill his purpose. We need to have faith in order to recieve blessings and for God to work through is to fulfill his work. In the sacrament prayer there are a lot of things we need to remember. (Moroni 4:3, 5:2) We promise to take His name upon ourselves, always remember Christ, and keep His commandments. And We are promised that we will always have His spirit to be with us if we do that. I think we get the better end of the deal . We promise we will witness and always remember him also. Being a witness is more then just having a testimony of our own we need to live it and show others we believe by our words and actio...
Ether 13:12 "And when these things come, bringeth to pass the scripture which saith, there are they who were first who shall be last; and there are they who were last, who shall be first." In the gospel those who are last to recieve it will get glory first and those who recieved it first shall be last. It's interesting being a return missionary because I think of my investigators on my mission and how much they mean to me and often wonder why they couldn't have been born in the covenant and had the gospel their entire lifes? But there is a reason for everything. I believe there were things they had to learn and go through before they were able to recieve the gospel into their lives and hearts. I am so thankful I was able to be a small part in guiding them to Christ. Blessing: I'm thankful that I am not sick a lot, because when I am I don't want to do anything.
Ether 12: 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness . I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. In regards to this scripture President Uchtdorf said in his talk 'It Works Wonderfully', "Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not “more” of something—more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy, rich, friendly, or capable. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve. God created us to grow and progress. But remember, our weaknesses can help us to be humble and turn us to Christ, who will “make weak things become strong.” 4 Satan, on the other hand, uses our weaknesses to the point that we are discouraged from even trying. I learned in my life that we don’t need to be “more” of an...
Coriantumr said, " by faith all things are fulfilled ."(12:3) also " hope cometh of faith... We need to be steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God ." (Ether 12:4) FAITH (Ether 12:6) " Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen;...ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith ." (Ether 12:6) Faith is a continuous process we can't just wake up one morning and have faith. Faith is hard too. Blessing: That I am doing well in my science class with the help of my Heavenly Father.
"the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they many be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the foundation of all righteousness and be saved." (Ether 8:26) Everyone is persuaded to do good but it in on their own heads if they do so continually. It's interesting reading the scriptures because God blesses those who are righteous and allows them to prosper but when they aren't righteous they have a hard time you would think that they would be righteous all the time. But I guess we can compare it to today. We don't always get the blessings we want when we want them or at all and so sometimes it hard to be righteous continually. But Satan will help us to feel gratification in our sins for a short time and we don't have to wait for that "happiness". It's interesting though because I feel like in life if we wait we get greater blessings and things because of our patience then...
So Orihah was anointed the new king over the people and it says he " did walk humbly before the Lord and did remember how great things the Lord had done for his father, and also taught his people how great things the Lord had done for their father. " (Ether 6:30) What a good example. We should all remember the great things the Lord does for us and teach it to those we know. I feel I'm not thankful enough for the things I have ai always want something more. It's something I need to work on. it is important to have righteous leaders to lead their people to follow the Savior.When we don't have righteous leaders people make decisions against the Laws of God. People need to understand the consequences of people who contradict the Laws of God. His laws aren't there to keep us from doing anything but to protect us and keep us on the straight and narrow path.
Ether 4:9 is a good reminder to all of us of the power and authority that our Savior has. He can do mighty miracles and also bless and be a part of our lives each day. Ether 4:12, "And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good;" If I am doing good, it is following my Saviors perfect example. "And blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day, for he shall be lifted up to dwell in the kingdom prepared for him from the foundation of the world." Ether 4:19 We must be faithful until the end and then we can enter into His kingdom. Blessing: I'm thankful for Aubree and our friendship. She is so fun to talk to, really cares and is a great friend.
"he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting." Wow!!! What would that be like? I wish I knew. I have faith and someday's it's stronger and more prevalent than others. What would it be like to not doubt? I feel like sometimes trials make me doubt because I'm not strong. I mean I know and have a testimony that God is there but sometimes He isn't there like we want Him to be. Sometimes I don't want to hear that answer He has for me so I don't listen. It's hard today though when there is so much controversy and everyone is so anti-Christ and God to ALWAYS have faith. How can I better understand God's plan for me and gain a better relationship with Him? Blessing: I was able to listen to the amazing strong leaders of the church this weekend. I am so thankful for them and their dedication especially at such a hard time of the world as this. I love them!!!
Ether is amazing. I love this book. They have so much faith to build the barges, and do so according to what the Lord has asked. The end of Chapter 2 the Lord asks the brother of Jared what he wants him to do to fix the problem of no light in the barges.he is helping him make decisions on his own and think of a solution to the problem. He does that for us all the time instead of just giving us the answer which would probably be the easiest way for both of us. He makes us think and come up with a solution of our own. Faith is a hard thing to obtain, the brother of Jared though had so much faith he saw the finger of the Lord. How can I gain better faith instead of always doubting that He is here, with me, helping me every step of the way? David B. Haight in April 1994 General conference spoke of Either 3:14 and said, "As members of His restored church, it is imperative that we do our utmost to expand our understanding of His premortal commission. His earthly ministry, ...
Jared said unto his brothers, "let us be faithful unto the Lord" What does it take to be faithful? FA'ITHFUL , adjective 1. Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10 . I need to be more faithful to my God, my religion, my family, and my friends. The brother of Jared is directed by the Lord. How can I always be steadfast and immovable in order to be directed by the Lord all my life? Blessing: My Student Aid was processed today and I got more than expected.
We can "be found spotless, pure, fair, and white, having been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, at that great and last day." Because of the Savior. The Plan of Salvation: (Mormon 9:12-14) "Behold, he created Adam, and by Adam came t he fall of man . And because of the fall of man came Jesus Christ , even the Father and the Son; and because of Jesus Christ came the redemption of man . And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all man are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass the redemption, from the endless sleep,... And then cometh the judgement of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still ; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still." Thinking about God's p...
In Mormon it's revealing that there will be "a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts", then later in that same chapter it says they "shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven for your sins." It's crazy how true this is. There are so many churches that are this way. But if we think about it Christ was never paid for what He did in His ministry, His followers would serve Him but never pay Him. Mathew 7:15-16 15 ¶Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Blessing: I am so excited to do family history as my calling this semester and get closer to my Savior i a way I have never done before.
Mormon 8:4 is prophesied of in Mormon 5:12, it talks about hiding up the record in the earth. I really like verse 22 in chapter 8 it says, "For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled." Wow! That's awesome then it goes on to say in a cross-reference to D&C 3:3 "Remember, remember that is is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;" I really like that because I feel like a lot of people in this world blame things on God that aren't even His fault. If you make stupid decisions then you are bringing troubles onto yourself. Moroni speaks of our day, 8:28 "...it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become deflied and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts;" then in vs 32, "Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins." It also talks about "great pollutions upon the face of the earth;" which there i...
"ye must... repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again whereby he hath gained victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up." (Mormon 7:5) There is a lot of things asked of us in this scripture: First it asks us to r epent of all of our sins and iniquities , by doing this we need to continue to become more like our Savior so that we don't repeat the same sin. The only way we can do this is through Christ and with His help to overcome the natural man. Second, we need to believe in Jesus Christ, what does that mean to truly believe in Him? How does one live their lives differently when they believe? I think that to believe takes a lot of faith and courage on our part. Especially because most of the things in the gospel that we believe in we can't see with our eyes or touch with our hands. The definiti...
God has His own timing for everything that is to come. Like when the Gospel was Restored to the earth, when the Book of Mormon was to comeforth. In Mormon 5:12 it talks about the Book of Mormon being brought forth from being "hid up unto the Lord that they may come forth in hs own due time." Mormon 5:23, "Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God?" I never noticed this verse before, I feel like it could have a lot of meanings: The Lord has His hand in our life and will always be there for us. The Lord has a work to do and will lead and guide those that are righteous to do His work. We do everything just about with our hands and so to be someones hands would take a lot of dedication and time. This is talk by W. Craig Zwick was given in October 2003 he said, "Listen to the words of Mormon: 'Know ye not that ye are the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power? Morm. 5:23 ) Hands are one of the symbolically expressive parts of the body. ...
I need to remember this when I get caught up in the fact that I'm not married. Mormon sais that he "had loved them, according to the love of God , which was in me, with all my heart;" Wow what would that take to love someone according the love of God? I would have to see each person as God sees them which I can't but I can love everyone for the person they are and remember that we all have trials and tribulations that we are going through and we need to help each other get through this life. We will all be judged at the judgement seat of Christ. We all know this but am I ready? Do I have a good enough relationship with God? Am I living my life the way I need to and should be? (Mormon 3:20) In talking about the coming forth of The Book of Mormon it says, "they shall come forth according to the commandments of the Lord, when he shall see fit, in his wisdom." So is it with things in our lives, when something is suppose to happen it will when God see's...
So first off I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting today thinking and this thought came over me and I was overcome with gratitude... When I am partaking of the sacrament with purpose all of my sins are forgiven me. Christ had to go through so much pain and suffering in order for me to be able to be forgiven of my sins to return to live with God. Listening to the Spirit will help me to grow stronger and allow me to go through hard things and learn more from them. I also need to: "Pray for the Strength to change." It's hard sometimes to be grateful for things when going through trials and things that are hard. I also read in Mormon 2:14 that we are to go unto Christ with a broken heart and a contrite spirit which I think humility has a lot to do with that. Maybe if I do that then I will be more grateful for the things I have instead of thinking about and wanting the things I don't have. Blessing: That I am able to do things like pay tithing in order for the Lord to ...
"...there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people." (4 Nephi 1:15) Wow! What would it take for people to feel the love of God so much that there was not contention today? I feel like there is so much wickedness that it would be very hard to accomplish. Then it says in verse 16, "surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God " I wanna be that happy. Then in Mormon they are at war again, with unbelief, wickedness and doing basically what they want to do. It makes me think of the world today with gay marriage, abortions, and so many other wicked wrong things that Satan is making to look good or okay at least. It makes me sick to think what's next. What could possibly happen now? How bad does it have to get before Christ will come again and save us? Nobody knows but we must be ready. What are we doing to be ready for that day? I don't...
The three Nephites get to be missionaries until Christ comes again. That would be both amazing and discouraging as they were trying to teach people and even viewing the wicked world of today. I often think of my time as a missionary and wish I would have done more, wish I would have worked harder, talked to more people, or been a better example. How can I do better today? Blessing: that I've been able to get a lot of homework and things done even though I haven't felt very well.
3 Nephi 26:9 talks about trying our faith and believing. It says, "And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them." So we first need to have our faith tried, then if we believe we will receive more revelation. Why are there things that happened that can't be written? Are we not ready to hear them in this dispensation? It often says that they weren't able or were commanded not to write certain things in the scriptures but what is the reason? How can I better myself in order to someday understand the things that God is saving for us to know later on? 3 Nephi 26:18 it says, " And many of them saw and heard unspeakable things, which are not lawful to be written." "...they did do all things even as Jesus had commanded them." Wow! I need to be more obedient. It makes me ...
"with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer" (3 Nephi 22:8) God asks us to pay our tithing, when we do not we are robbing God of things that are already His. He owns everything and by not paying him back 10% we are not allowing us to bless us. Heavenly Father doesn't need our money it is a way for Him to bless us when we are obedient. Blessing: God gives us opportunities and ways in order to obey Him to receive blessings like paying our tithing.
I know without a shadow of a dought that The Book of Mormon is God's words revealed to His servants for each of us to read, learn from, and become closer to Him through. I know it changes lives. I've seen it, not only in my own life but others lives. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ is the grove. I've had my own witness of it and I can not deny it. I know he was a chosen man and prophet, translated the plates through the power of God and that He was chosen to Restore the Gospel in this dispensation. I know that God lives. I know that Christ is my Savior, that He died for me that I might live again with my Father in Heaven someday if I obey His commandments. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today that leads and guides the church. I know he and other leaders have direct revelation from God and that we can learn so much from them through the spirit. I also know that each of us is entitled to our own revelation and th...
God is blessing us each and every day. It is important to pray to recognize the blessings He is giving us. When we recognize our blessings we can thank God for them and we are more greatful and more willing to give. We also live a happier life. I know a lot of times when I'm going through a hard time if I just start recognizing my blessings the hard thing I'm going through doesn't seem like that hard anymore. Becoming thankful is a good way to humility. Blessing: I was able to work this last week and get money for school to finish up my schooling at BYU-Idaho.
Wow in reading about Christs ministery to the Americans it's amazing. I wish I could have faith and witness miracles. I'm so thankful for the perfect example he set for us to follow in this life. I need to serve others and not focus so much on myself. In 18:15 it says, " ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him." I think Satan has his own ways of doing this with us each individually. We all struggle and he can make us fill like wee aren't good or that we aren't doing what we are suppose to when we doing get things and others do. It also says though that "whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you." Are there exemptions to this rule? "Hold up your light that it may shine into the world." How can I be a better example? Am I doing all I can?
Christ says in 3 Nephi15:24 "...ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me." What does it taken in our lives to hear his voice? What do we need to be doing? Decication to Him and to His gospel is a big one that is not hard especially when we are going through trials. In 16:7 it says taking about these later days, " tha latter day shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that the fullness of these things shall be made known into them. He is talking about now, since Joseph Smith came and restored the Gospel.
God knows us each so perfectly that he knows what we need even in the scriptures it says, "for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him." (3 Nephi 13:8) Wow! What a blessing. If week "seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (3N. 13:33) God will give us all that we need if we seek Him and desire to live with Him again. So we need to live our lives likewise and follow the example our Savior put for us. "(13:7) "Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be open unto you." (7:7) We must act though we can't just sit around and wait for answers to our prayers and for our lives to go perfectly how we want them to. "For everyone that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened." (3Nephi 13:8) The scriptures say that God will give good gifts to those who ask of him. We nee...
I was just thinking about the miracle of Christ visiting America and how amazing that would have been. I was also wondering how many people still didn't believe? I mean when he was on earth in the days of the Bible people didn't believe him. What does it take for people to believe and gain a testimony of Our beloved Savior? 3 Nephi 12:1 "Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants;" It's the same with the twelve apostles today. Christ wants us to listen to them to and to obey what they are teaching us. (3 Nephi 12:16) AT the end of 3 Nephi 12:48 there is an invitation to become like Christ it says,"I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect." What can we do to become perfect? We aren't perfect but, what kind of work and dedication does it take to become like our Savior? It is truly a bless...
It's interesting how in the scriptures the people always get themselves in try how long between repentance did they actually get their prayers answered. I don't get answers to my prayers as quickly as it seems they do so what am I doing differently? 3 Nephi 5:4 talks about the robbers becoming prisoners, those who were not slain then " they did cast their prisoners into prison and did cause the word of God to be preached unto them;" That's a good missionary strategy. Satan is really good at twisting the truth and leading the hearts of God's children away. 3 Nephi 7:16-21 Why do people get so mad when miracles happen in the name of Christ? Why don't they rejoice that God gives man power? Christ commands us to stop giving sacrafices unto Him but instead He says,"ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit." "Those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit are willing to do anything and everything th...
In 3rd Nephi, it talks about a lot of signs that were prophesied would come to past concerning the coming of Christ our Savior. It's amazing how may people still don't believe after they had witnessed so many other miracles. There was a prophecy from a Prophet of God and they still don't believe. I guess that does happen a lot today still. If people don't want to hear it and or don't want to believe it then they simply don't. Why is it so hard to accept their words? After we have a witness of something (or answer to a prayer) we need to thank God for that answer instead of questioning it or doubting what we feel. {Brand} Blessing: I am able to get my own personal revelation.
When we have a witness, especially our own personal witness you would think that we would believe and have a testimony of the things in the Gospel. It's interesting because I feel like people don't recognize the spirit and blessings or miracles as coming from God anymore. People always say that was lucky instead of what a blessing. I have really tried to change that in my life since my mission. It's amazing how much happier it has made me. Recognizing blessings in my life instead of thinking that things were a coincidence. Samual the Laminite is truly an example of righteous living. He went out preaching the Gospel to the wicked people and didn't hesitate to obey God's commands. I need to be more like that, more willing to do the Lords Will in my life. Blessing: My fair job. :)
In Helaman 15:3 it talks about the Lord chastened those he loved. I was thinking about how odd that is that you give trials and troubles to those you love. But as I kept thinking inrealized that boys act similarly. If they like you they are often mean to you, tease you make us stronger. It says "he chastened them because he loveth them."
In Helaman 14:31 it is prophesying of Christ, his coming, his birth, life, and death. I don't know about you but if there were men having visions and gaining knowledge of someone I would have great desire to understand and to know for myself. In Helaman 14:28 it tells us. "the intent that there should be no cause for unbelief among the children of men..." I find that interesting the many things and the many efforts God puts out there for us as His children to believe in His son and His great plan. What do we need to do to have a desire to believe? God gave us that we might know good from evil (Hel. 14:31) so that we could return to live with him again. If we yield to the temptations of Satan and believe and follow the perfect example our Savior set for us we can be saved. Blessing: That is am able to recognize the promptingss of the Spirit.
Repentance and Faith are the only things that can save us. (Helaman 13:6) It's important to gain a testimony of our own of the Gospel and to live it. If we try to rely on the testimony of others it won't get US through the hard times. We don't like to listen to those who are going to tell us that we are doing something wrong. As soon as the leaders of the church start telling us we need to do something we assume they aren't of Go because they don't agree with what I am doing. We can't go on living like this. We have to realize that the leaders of the church are servants of God and that if they are teaching a doctrine then we need to change and that message isn't coming from the person speaking it's coming from our Father in Heaven who loves us enough to correct and rebuke us. Blessing: Heavenly Father has blessed us with many examples to follow in this life, expecially a perfect example of our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
Why does it take hard times like trials for us to remember our God? Why don't we always pray to him will full hearts truly seeking knowledge? (Helaman 12:23) "Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved." "They that have done good shall have everlasting life;" (Helaman 12:26) Blessing: phone
These are good questions we should ask ourselves (Alma 44:4- - "Believest thou the words which (Alma) spake unto thee concerning those records which have been kept? Do you believe in the words of the scriptures? - "Believest thou in Jesus Christ, who shall come? - Will ye keep my commandments? Okay I'm not sure why I was reading in Alma, I just caught myself. In Helaman... It says in Helaman 12:1; "we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him." How can I better put my trust in the Lord? Why don't I call upon Him more often?
In reading these chapters, it just makes me think that the people were good examples of how not to be. We need to be righteous and holy people following Christ. As we do the will of the Lord He will bless us. Temple ordinances like the sealing are very important, so important it is mentioned in The Book of Mormon. -How are am I preparing for greater covenants and blessings?
(Helaman 8:14-15) We need to "look upon the Son of God with faith, having contrite spirit," As we look upon Christ we will gain the faith that we need to get through our trials in this life. It is important to look to Christ to live not only in this life but for eternity. What are ways we can better look upon christ and not be ashamed? In this story he is talking about the serpent on the staff and the people were told that if they would only look at it then they would be healed. -What would it take for us? -What "serpents" do we avoid or take for granted today?
In Helaman 6:3 I love this verse because it is talking about members being missionaries. It says talking about the people of the church, "they did fellowship one with another, and did rejoice one with another, and did have great joy." I believe that as we continuously help those around us that we will have great joy and find happiness. It is important to serve others and find joy in the service. Satan puts negative thoughts into our heads we need to realize where these thoughts are coming from and not allow them to affect our lives and thoughts. Because Satan will do whatever he can to make us "miserable like unto himself" (2 Nephi 2:27). So I was reading about the Gadianton Robbers and how they were an unrighteous group of men. It made me think about the groups and or people we associate with and how they influence us. Blessing: I have supportive and understanding parents that help me through my trials and are always there for me when I need them.
I love this scripture. I wish I remembered it more so that I didn't worry so much because my foundation is in Christ and I do have a strong relationship with my Savior and my Father in Heaven. I am just stubborn sometimes and don't ask for help thinking I can do it on my own when in reality we can't do anything on our own. That is why I am so grateful I know that God knows me perfectly to send me help even when I don't ask for it and when I think I can do things on my own. As we build our foundation on Christ we will be the strongest men and women on the earth and be able to get through the hard times with our Savior by our side. Building a foundation takes a lot of work though it doesn't just come all at once we must always be working on it and making sure we are doing the things asked of us like; reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, going to church, going to the temple and so much more. It says in the scripture that if we have a sure foundation we ...