Words of Mormon 1:7 Mormon injects some comments as we come to the end of the Small Plates of Nephi. He says, . . . And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord cknoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he dworketh in me to do according to his ewill.
The Lord knew what would happen thousands of years in the future in the life of Joseph Smith, as he was translating the Book of Mormon. He knew that the transcript of the translation would be lost, and that the Lord would instruct Joseph not to translate the same record again. He warned Joseph that wicked men would take the transcript and change it, then claim that Joseph couldn't translate the same way twice. So the Lord had prepared an alternate record. Mormon found these small plates among the records, and included them "for a wise purpose."
I realize that like Mormon, I do not know all things. For me, that's a huge understatement. But I also acknowledge that the Lord knows all things which are to come. He can see the end from the beginning. For me, it takes a great deal of faith and trust to stumble blindly ahead, not knowing where my steps are taking me. If only I knew what was coming. If only I knew why I was being told to do something. SO my big hope is that He can work in me to do according to His will. That He can trust me to carry out His plan, even though I don't know why He wants it done. Whether it's following small promptings or big ones, I need to trust in Him and let Him work in me to do according to His will.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Wrestling with the Lord
I'm still pondering on Enos' descriptions of his prayers. Especially with the idea of struggling in the Spirit. He says, (v. 11) I prayed unto him with many long strugglings . . .
Alma had a similar experience as he went into Ammonihah. Alma alabored much in the spirit, bwrestling with God in cmighty prayer . . .
So, here's my question: What exactly were they doing? We can assume that the wrestling is figurative. Although in Genesis we see Jacob wrestling with a man, most LDS Bible experts agree that the wrestling was not actual physical contact. So Alma and Enos are spiritually struggling or wrestling with the Lord. Does that mean they're trying to convince the Lord of what they want? To change His mind? To persuade Him to do something despite His better judgment? That sounds like something I might do, but surely not a prophet of God.
What then? Alma was asking for something good, something righteous and praiseworthy. But it was something which the Lord was not able to grant without taking away the people's agency. Alma asked that the Lord would pour out His spirit, that Alma could baptize them unto repentance. But the people hardened their hearts. They chose sin and destruction.
In Enos' case, Enos asked something that was the Lord's will. Why, then was it a struggle? I'm wondering if the struggle was for Enos to align his desires, his wishes with the will of the Lord. Perhaps Enos started out, in his new-found conversion, praying that he could go right then and convert all the Lamanites. The Lord said, "No, that's not going to happen." Perhaps Enos thought, "If not now, then sometime in the future?" Enos had learned that there was a very real possibility that his people, the Nephites, were going to all be destroyed many hundred of years hence. And he worried about what would happen to the sacred records that had been written, and would yet be written by the prophets of the Nephites. Would those be destroyed also? Might they be preserved so that they could be brought forth to convert his brethren, the Lamanites, at some future time?
I think the struggling was what happened to Enos as he worked through his desires and feelings and brought them into alignment with what the Lord wanted. And perhaps Alma's righteous desires caused him to struggle and wrestle as he came to accept that the people did have their agency and the Lord would not force them to repent and become a righteous people. As much as Alma wanted to save them, he could not do it. He was still allowed to preach to them, and he did convert a few. The Lord blessed him for his righteous desires.
As I pray, I always think the things I am asking for are good things. I try not to ask for selfish things, at least not too much. But I usually just put my request on the Lord's table and leave it there. And do the same the next night. And the next. Eventually, I'm nagging the Lord, rather than struggling to find out what He wants for me. I need to wrestle more.
Alma had a similar experience as he went into Ammonihah. Alma alabored much in the spirit, bwrestling with God in cmighty prayer . . .
So, here's my question: What exactly were they doing? We can assume that the wrestling is figurative. Although in Genesis we see Jacob wrestling with a man, most LDS Bible experts agree that the wrestling was not actual physical contact. So Alma and Enos are spiritually struggling or wrestling with the Lord. Does that mean they're trying to convince the Lord of what they want? To change His mind? To persuade Him to do something despite His better judgment? That sounds like something I might do, but surely not a prophet of God.
What then? Alma was asking for something good, something righteous and praiseworthy. But it was something which the Lord was not able to grant without taking away the people's agency. Alma asked that the Lord would pour out His spirit, that Alma could baptize them unto repentance. But the people hardened their hearts. They chose sin and destruction.
In Enos' case, Enos asked something that was the Lord's will. Why, then was it a struggle? I'm wondering if the struggle was for Enos to align his desires, his wishes with the will of the Lord. Perhaps Enos started out, in his new-found conversion, praying that he could go right then and convert all the Lamanites. The Lord said, "No, that's not going to happen." Perhaps Enos thought, "If not now, then sometime in the future?" Enos had learned that there was a very real possibility that his people, the Nephites, were going to all be destroyed many hundred of years hence. And he worried about what would happen to the sacred records that had been written, and would yet be written by the prophets of the Nephites. Would those be destroyed also? Might they be preserved so that they could be brought forth to convert his brethren, the Lamanites, at some future time?
I think the struggling was what happened to Enos as he worked through his desires and feelings and brought them into alignment with what the Lord wanted. And perhaps Alma's righteous desires caused him to struggle and wrestle as he came to accept that the people did have their agency and the Lord would not force them to repent and become a righteous people. As much as Alma wanted to save them, he could not do it. He was still allowed to preach to them, and he did convert a few. The Lord blessed him for his righteous desires.
As I pray, I always think the things I am asking for are good things. I try not to ask for selfish things, at least not too much. But I usually just put my request on the Lord's table and leave it there. And do the same the next night. And the next. Eventually, I'm nagging the Lord, rather than struggling to find out what He wants for me. I need to wrestle more.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Lessons from Enos
Enos 1:4-12 I'm asking Enos to teach me about prayer. He tells us how he prayed and received answers, but happily, he doesn't just say, "I prayed." Here are some quotes:
But Enos was not one to give up easily. As you can see, he prayed for long periods, and with mighty prayer and strugglings, and with his whole soul and with all diligence. I don't know how to do that. I run out of things to say after about 5 minutes. And I don't think the Lord wants to hear me repeat the same thing over and over.
My friend Curtis would remind me that we don't need to have prayer marathons. That the Lord can hear us and respond to our needs after shorter amounts on our knees.
Now that I mention it, every time I read this account, I wonder why the Lord made Enos struggle so much for his final request. I'll quote it: I cprayed unto him with many long dstrugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.
- I ccried unto him in mighty dprayer and supplication . . .
- . . . all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.
- I did cpour out my whole soul unto God . . .
- . . . struggling in the spirit . . .
- I cprayed unto him with many long dstrugglings . . .
- . . . after I had aprayed and labored with all diligence . . .
But Enos was not one to give up easily. As you can see, he prayed for long periods, and with mighty prayer and strugglings, and with his whole soul and with all diligence. I don't know how to do that. I run out of things to say after about 5 minutes. And I don't think the Lord wants to hear me repeat the same thing over and over.
My friend Curtis would remind me that we don't need to have prayer marathons. That the Lord can hear us and respond to our needs after shorter amounts on our knees.
Now that I mention it, every time I read this account, I wonder why the Lord made Enos struggle so much for his final request. I'll quote it: I cprayed unto him with many long dstrugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.
13 And now behold, this was the desire which I desired of him—that if it should so be, that my people, the Nephites, should fall into transgression, and by any means be adestroyed, and the Lamanites should not be bdestroyed, that the Lord God would cpreserve a record of my people, the Nephites; even if it so be by the power of his holy arm, that it might be dbrought forth at some future day unto the Lamanites, that, perhaps, they might be ebrought unto salvation . . .
18 And the Lord said unto me: Thy fathers have also required of me this thing; and it shall be done unto them according to their faith; for their faith was like unto thine.
So my question is, why did the Lord require Enos to struggle and labor with all diligence if He was going to give him what he wanted anyway; if He had already promised other prophets the same thing? The answer, of course, is that the prayer itself was a blessing to Enos. The struggling and labor were for Enos' benefit. Prayer is not a trial, it's not a duty, it's not a punishment. It should be like sitting down with your best friend to talk about things that are dear to your heart. I want to learn to pray like that.
So my question is, why did the Lord require Enos to struggle and labor with all diligence if He was going to give him what he wanted anyway; if He had already promised other prophets the same thing? The answer, of course, is that the prayer itself was a blessing to Enos. The struggling and labor were for Enos' benefit. Prayer is not a trial, it's not a duty, it's not a punishment. It should be like sitting down with your best friend to talk about things that are dear to your heart. I want to learn to pray like that.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Joy of the Saints
Enos 1:1-3 How did Enos' conversion story come about? What prompted it? He went out to hunt beasts. Was it being in the outdoors, with no outside interruptions? The beauty of nature? Many people go hunting but never have spiritual conversions. There must be more than that.
We don't know much about what Enos was like before this experience, but this sounds like it was his first real experience with the Lord. He does tell us a few things about his past.
That caused me to wonder if sometimes I have failed to stress the joys of Gospel living. The peace, the friendships, the love of others, the sweetness of testimony. Those who have felt the stirrings of the Holy Ghost have felt that sweetness, but for those who have not, the Gospel can seem like an unending list of do's and don't's. More of a burden than a blessing. But if we can remember to share with them the "joy of the saints", perhaps they can eventually have an "Enos" experience, and their souls will "hunger".
We don't know much about what Enos was like before this experience, but this sounds like it was his first real experience with the Lord. He does tell us a few things about his past.
- His father (Jacob) was a just man.
- Jacob had taught him in his language. Some students of the scriptures have suggested that this means that he had taught Enos the Reformed Egyptian which the prophets used for writing on their scriptures, in addition to the Hebrew which the people spoke.
- Jacob had taught Enos in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In other words, he had taught him the Gospel.
- The next verse is the one which touched me as I studied this part of the story: . . . the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the ajoy of the saints, bsunk deep into my heart. And my soul ahungered;
That caused me to wonder if sometimes I have failed to stress the joys of Gospel living. The peace, the friendships, the love of others, the sweetness of testimony. Those who have felt the stirrings of the Holy Ghost have felt that sweetness, but for those who have not, the Gospel can seem like an unending list of do's and don't's. More of a burden than a blessing. But if we can remember to share with them the "joy of the saints", perhaps they can eventually have an "Enos" experience, and their souls will "hunger".
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sherem's Tragedy
Jacob 7:1-22 Sherem labored diligently to lead away the hearts of the people. He wanted to persuade them that there was no Christ. He was learned, and used flattery and the power of speech and had the power of the devil. Satan taught him the things to say. If we pay attention, we'll see that the same lies are repeated today.
In our day, the idea that anyone would believe in a devil is really ridiculed. Angels are very popular. People can believe in angels. And ghosts. But to believe in a God who is involved in our lives, to think that He guides us in our daily lives, to think that there is a devil who might try to influence us - these are signs of uneducated, small-town, foolish people. Sherem may have died, but Sherems exist in every time, influenced by Satan who fills them with his lies.
- No one can know the future
- There is no Christ
- There is no Holy Ghost
- If I don't know these things, neither can you.
In our day, the idea that anyone would believe in a devil is really ridiculed. Angels are very popular. People can believe in angels. And ghosts. But to believe in a God who is involved in our lives, to think that He guides us in our daily lives, to think that there is a devil who might try to influence us - these are signs of uneducated, small-town, foolish people. Sherem may have died, but Sherems exist in every time, influenced by Satan who fills them with his lies.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
His Own Purpose
Jacob 5:53 And this will I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine aown purpose.
In the parable, the lord of the vineyard struggles to preserve the trees, for his own purpose. We have to do a little research to find out what that purpose is. When I was in junior high, a teacher led us in a discussion about why God does the things he does. I was shocked when he concluded the discussion with the conclusion that He does everything concerning us FOR HIS AMUSEMENT. Apparently, according to this philosophy, we are like chess pieces that he moves about here and there to see what we will do for his own entertainment.
Contrast this idea with the words that God taught to Moses in the Pearl of Great Price, Moses 1:39 For behold, this is my awork and my bglory—to bring to pass the cimmortality and deternal elife of man. The Lord loves us so much that His entire purpose, His work, indeed what gives him His glory is helping us gain eternal life, to live forever with Him. He wants us to be happy, not just today, but for eternity. He wants us to be the best that we can be; He wants to share eternity with us. The former is a selfish, self-absorbed god, toying with His subjects. The latter is a loving, unselfish, sacrificing God, full of compassion.
In the parable, the lord of the vineyard struggles to preserve the trees, for his own purpose. We have to do a little research to find out what that purpose is. When I was in junior high, a teacher led us in a discussion about why God does the things he does. I was shocked when he concluded the discussion with the conclusion that He does everything concerning us FOR HIS AMUSEMENT. Apparently, according to this philosophy, we are like chess pieces that he moves about here and there to see what we will do for his own entertainment.
Contrast this idea with the words that God taught to Moses in the Pearl of Great Price, Moses 1:39 For behold, this is my awork and my bglory—to bring to pass the cimmortality and deternal elife of man. The Lord loves us so much that His entire purpose, His work, indeed what gives him His glory is helping us gain eternal life, to live forever with Him. He wants us to be happy, not just today, but for eternity. He wants us to be the best that we can be; He wants to share eternity with us. The former is a selfish, self-absorbed god, toying with His subjects. The latter is a loving, unselfish, sacrificing God, full of compassion.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Fear vs. Strength
Moses1:20 And it came to pass that Moses began to afear exceedingly; and as he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of bhell. Nevertheless, ccalling upon God, he received dstrength, and he commanded, saying: Depart from me, Satan, for this one God only will I worship, which is the God of eglory.
At first, Moses was quite courageous in rebuking and withstanding Satan, asking twice "Where is thy glory?" But when Satan then threw a temper tantrum, "ranting upon the earth", Moses was frightened. After he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell.
We are told repeatedly in the scriptures not to fear. Especially we should not fear man. We must remember that God is in charge, not our boss, or our enemy or anyone else. A friend recently reminded us of that, quoting the hymn How Firm a Foundation. "Fear not, I am with thee; oh be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee and cause thee to stand, upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand."
I'm undecided about fear. It seems to me that we should fear some things. Or at least have a healthy respect for those things. Satan is one thing I have some fear of. I'm sure there are many others. But when Moses began to fear, things got much worse for him. Fear caused him to lose control of the situation. I think fear is the opposite of faith. (I'm a little slow, but I get it eventually.) We can't have both fear and faith in our hearts at the same time. So fear crowded out faith, and Moses viewed the bitterness of hell.
But Moses knew where the strength had to come from. He surely didn't have the strength on his own to fight off Satan, or even to get rid of the fear. So he called upon God. He chose faith. And God gave him strength to rebuke Satan in the name of the Only Begotten. Then Satan, with much weeping and wailing, departed.
If I allow myself to fear, I push out faith. I forget that the Lord is in charge, that He loves me, that He always wants what's best for me.
Here's a lovely hymn that just came to mind: When Faith Endures.
I will not doubt, I will not fear;
God's love and strength are always near.
His promised gift helps me to find
An inner strength and peace of mind.
I give the Father willingly
My trust, my prayers, humility.
His Spirit guides; His love assures
That fear departs when faith endures.
At first, Moses was quite courageous in rebuking and withstanding Satan, asking twice "Where is thy glory?" But when Satan then threw a temper tantrum, "ranting upon the earth", Moses was frightened. After he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell.
We are told repeatedly in the scriptures not to fear. Especially we should not fear man. We must remember that God is in charge, not our boss, or our enemy or anyone else. A friend recently reminded us of that, quoting the hymn How Firm a Foundation. "Fear not, I am with thee; oh be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee and cause thee to stand, upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand."
I'm undecided about fear. It seems to me that we should fear some things. Or at least have a healthy respect for those things. Satan is one thing I have some fear of. I'm sure there are many others. But when Moses began to fear, things got much worse for him. Fear caused him to lose control of the situation. I think fear is the opposite of faith. (I'm a little slow, but I get it eventually.) We can't have both fear and faith in our hearts at the same time. So fear crowded out faith, and Moses viewed the bitterness of hell.
But Moses knew where the strength had to come from. He surely didn't have the strength on his own to fight off Satan, or even to get rid of the fear. So he called upon God. He chose faith. And God gave him strength to rebuke Satan in the name of the Only Begotten. Then Satan, with much weeping and wailing, departed.
If I allow myself to fear, I push out faith. I forget that the Lord is in charge, that He loves me, that He always wants what's best for me.
Here's a lovely hymn that just came to mind: When Faith Endures.
I will not doubt, I will not fear;
God's love and strength are always near.
His promised gift helps me to find
An inner strength and peace of mind.
I give the Father willingly
My trust, my prayers, humility.
His Spirit guides; His love assures
That fear departs when faith endures.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Take Counsel from the Lord
Jacob 4:10 Wherefore, brethren, seek not to acounsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in bwisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.
It seems so obvious that we wouldn't try to tell the Lord how to run his business, but we surely want to tell Him how to fix ours. We're pretty sure what needs to happen so that our lives can be ideal, and wonder sometimes why the Lord is taking so long to "get with the program".
It's obvious to me that if He would just fix that wayward child, or cure me of my illness, or provide more money, that my life would be so much easier, and I would surely be able to bless those around me much better.
But Jacob says that I need to stop relying on my own strength and wisdom. I can't see the big picture, but only a little part of it. I'm like a baby who doesn't want its diaper to be changed, the plant that doesn't believe it should be pruned, the toddler who is sure that the road is the very best place to play.
In Sacrament meeting one day, a young man getting ready for a mission asked the Bishop to come up to the stand with him. He introduced the Bishop, saying that he had some great words of wisdom that would bless our lives. He said, "What would you like to teach us, Bishop?" The Bishop said, "Well, . . ." and the young man said, "Thank you!" and pushed the Bishop back to his seat. Then he asked how often we are like that in our prayers. We ask the Lord for instructions, pleading for His wisdom. Then we finish our prayers and go on with our lives, forgetting to listen for the answer we just pleaded for.
I need to "take counsel from his hand". I know that He loves me and He will bless my life with His wisdom, His justice, and His great mercy. What more could I want?
It seems so obvious that we wouldn't try to tell the Lord how to run his business, but we surely want to tell Him how to fix ours. We're pretty sure what needs to happen so that our lives can be ideal, and wonder sometimes why the Lord is taking so long to "get with the program".
It's obvious to me that if He would just fix that wayward child, or cure me of my illness, or provide more money, that my life would be so much easier, and I would surely be able to bless those around me much better.
But Jacob says that I need to stop relying on my own strength and wisdom. I can't see the big picture, but only a little part of it. I'm like a baby who doesn't want its diaper to be changed, the plant that doesn't believe it should be pruned, the toddler who is sure that the road is the very best place to play.
In Sacrament meeting one day, a young man getting ready for a mission asked the Bishop to come up to the stand with him. He introduced the Bishop, saying that he had some great words of wisdom that would bless our lives. He said, "What would you like to teach us, Bishop?" The Bishop said, "Well, . . ." and the young man said, "Thank you!" and pushed the Bishop back to his seat. Then he asked how often we are like that in our prayers. We ask the Lord for instructions, pleading for His wisdom. Then we finish our prayers and go on with our lives, forgetting to listen for the answer we just pleaded for.
I need to "take counsel from his hand". I know that He loves me and He will bless my life with His wisdom, His justice, and His great mercy. What more could I want?
Friday, October 9, 2009
Despise Not the Revelations of God
Jacob 4:8 . . . And no man dknoweth of his eways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the frevelations of God.
We can't know God, we can't understand His doings, we can't believe in Him unless it is revealed to us. Those who scoff and scorn at the idea of God do so because they aren't open to revelation or inspiration from Him.
We as LDS people believe that the Lord is very near when we are worthy of His presence. A song popular a few years ago talked about God watching us "from a distance", as if He's not involved in our lives. I firmly and strongly testify that that idea is false. He is with us at all times if we do as He asks. I have experiences daily which may seem like small "coincidences", and many people would scoff at the idea that I was inspired or helped by the Spirit of the Lord. Those who read these words and have had similar experiences will feel the warm confirmation of the Spirit telling them that these experiences are indeed from the Lord. Those who despise the revelations of God will think it's foolishness.
The other day I jumped in my car to go somewhere and began quickly to back up into my neighbor's driveway to turn around, as I nearly always do. Suddenly a flash of remembrance told me that there was a car behind me, and I slammed on my breaks, avoiding hitting that car. My mind had registered that there was a car there before I got in, but I forgot about it as I fastened my seat belt and inserted the key. I looked back, but for some reason, the car behind me didn't register, or was at the wrong angle or something. Why I would have that flash of memory just when I did to avoid hitting that car might be called "just lucky" by most people. But the Spirit confirmed to me at that moment that the Lord had given me that thought. I was overcome with gratitude yet again for His tender mercies in my life.
We can't know God, we can't understand His doings, we can't believe in Him unless it is revealed to us. Those who scoff and scorn at the idea of God do so because they aren't open to revelation or inspiration from Him.
We as LDS people believe that the Lord is very near when we are worthy of His presence. A song popular a few years ago talked about God watching us "from a distance", as if He's not involved in our lives. I firmly and strongly testify that that idea is false. He is with us at all times if we do as He asks. I have experiences daily which may seem like small "coincidences", and many people would scoff at the idea that I was inspired or helped by the Spirit of the Lord. Those who read these words and have had similar experiences will feel the warm confirmation of the Spirit telling them that these experiences are indeed from the Lord. Those who despise the revelations of God will think it's foolishness.
The other day I jumped in my car to go somewhere and began quickly to back up into my neighbor's driveway to turn around, as I nearly always do. Suddenly a flash of remembrance told me that there was a car behind me, and I slammed on my breaks, avoiding hitting that car. My mind had registered that there was a car there before I got in, but I forgot about it as I fastened my seat belt and inserted the key. I looked back, but for some reason, the car behind me didn't register, or was at the wrong angle or something. Why I would have that flash of memory just when I did to avoid hitting that car might be called "just lucky" by most people. But the Spirit confirmed to me at that moment that the Lord had given me that thought. I was overcome with gratitude yet again for His tender mercies in my life.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Our Weakness
Jacob 4:7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.
God shows us our weakness, not to punish us or make us feel inadequate, but to help us to be humble. Otherwise, we might never seek Him and recognize his dominion over us.
There are two ways to look at the idea of weakness. God shows to us our weaknesses such as selfishness, laziness, pride, greed. This can happen through personal experiences or perhaps in moments of contemplation or prayer. Maybe we hear comments in church meetings or conference, or read things in our scriptures and the Spirit whispers to us that we need to recognize that weakness and repent and change.
But I think Jacob is talking here of our shared Weakness (and notice that the word is singular), that of being mortal, of being human, of having a natural man as part of our nature. He's saying here that we can never be perfect, that we can never save ourselves. That's why we need God's grace and His condescension to come back to Him. That's why we need the atonement of Christ. We can't do it ourselves.
God shows us our weakness, not to punish us or make us feel inadequate, but to help us to be humble. Otherwise, we might never seek Him and recognize his dominion over us.
There are two ways to look at the idea of weakness. God shows to us our weaknesses such as selfishness, laziness, pride, greed. This can happen through personal experiences or perhaps in moments of contemplation or prayer. Maybe we hear comments in church meetings or conference, or read things in our scriptures and the Spirit whispers to us that we need to recognize that weakness and repent and change.
But I think Jacob is talking here of our shared Weakness (and notice that the word is singular), that of being mortal, of being human, of having a natural man as part of our nature. He's saying here that we can never be perfect, that we can never save ourselves. That's why we need God's grace and His condescension to come back to Him. That's why we need the atonement of Christ. We can't do it ourselves.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Colors for marking
All the colors I'm using are: if God is speaking, as in quotations, Attributes of God, Teachings,
Parables are marked with a big rectangle overlaid over all the paragraphs of the parable. This is red, but you could alternate colors for different stories. Miracles have a large slanted M at the first of the first sentence. All JST references are highlighted below, and the letter of the reference in the text is highlighted in red. He had us do that as our first project and I have all the NT done. Also GR, HEB, IE, OR references at the bottom are marked. I don't know how to demonstrate the Parables markings or the Miracles. Anyway, here's an example.
Parables are marked with a big rectangle overlaid over all the paragraphs of the parable. This is red, but you could alternate colors for different stories. Miracles have a large slanted M at the first of the first sentence. All JST references are highlighted below, and the letter of the reference in the text is highlighted in red. He had us do that as our first project and I have all the NT done. Also GR, HEB, IE, OR references at the bottom are marked. I don't know how to demonstrate the Parables markings or the Miracles. Anyway, here's an example.
1 aTake heed that ye do not your balms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the ahypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have bglory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Commandment or Promise?
I have a new system of scripture marking since Education Week. It involves different colors of Prismacolor pencils. I use blue for commandments or instructions and pink for promises or rewards. Dark blue is for punishments, yellow is for references to Christ, and so forth. Anyway, as I read these scriptures and attempt to analyze them, I have to decide which color to use to mark them. In the scripture below, "search the prophets" would be a commandment, but what about "have many revelations and the spirit of prophesy"? Is that a commandment or a reward? Here is how I have marked this section in my scriptures:
Jacob4:6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.
Perhaps I'm marking too much, but I'm using one of the cheap Book of Mormons and not my permanent set and I'm still learning and experimenting.
Jacob4:6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.
Perhaps I'm marking too much, but I'm using one of the cheap Book of Mormons and not my permanent set and I'm still learning and experimenting.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Why We Write Our Testimony
Jacob 4: 3 Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents.
4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.
Jacob has very kindly explained why I am keeping this blog. I hope and pray that my beloved brethren and my children will receive my words with thankful hearts. I never want there to be any question as to who my faith centers around. I know of Christ and have a knowledge of His glory many thousand years after his coming. I bear strong witness of His divinity and my love for Him.
But Jacob is also talking to me as one of the children who is receiving the words of those who have gone before. I need to receive them with a thankful heart and with joy. I need to treasure up the words of the prophets, and also those of my ancestors who suffered and sacrificed to pave the way for my easy life. They made those sacrifices because they believed that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon was the word of God. I honor those sacrifices and am thankful for their testimonies.
4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.
Jacob has very kindly explained why I am keeping this blog. I hope and pray that my beloved brethren and my children will receive my words with thankful hearts. I never want there to be any question as to who my faith centers around. I know of Christ and have a knowledge of His glory many thousand years after his coming. I bear strong witness of His divinity and my love for Him.
But Jacob is also talking to me as one of the children who is receiving the words of those who have gone before. I need to receive them with a thankful heart and with joy. I need to treasure up the words of the prophets, and also those of my ancestors who suffered and sacrificed to pave the way for my easy life. They made those sacrifices because they believed that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon was the word of God. I honor those sacrifices and am thankful for their testimonies.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Revile Not Because of the Darkness of their Skins
Jacob 3:9
Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, which is the word of God, that ye revile no more against them because of the darkness of their skins
How can the color of someone's skin have any bearing on their heart? If we loved as God loves, we would see through and past someone's skin and into the soul. When we get into the habit of judging others by outward appearances, we deprive ourselves of seeing as He sees, loving as He loves.
Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, which is the word of God, that ye revile no more against them because of the darkness of their skins
How can the color of someone's skin have any bearing on their heart? If we loved as God loves, we would see through and past someone's skin and into the soul. When we get into the habit of judging others by outward appearances, we deprive ourselves of seeing as He sees, loving as He loves.
Feast Upon His Love
Jacob 3:2
O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love
Here we have the concept of feasting again. It reminds me of the story of the woman who scrimped and saved to go on a cruise. She brought crackers and snacks and took all her meals in her room. Then on the final night of the cruise she decided to treat herself to the sumptuous meal being served. When she asked how much she had to pay, she was told that all meals were provided as part of the cost of the cruise.
Sometimes we are like that. Our Father has laid out a banquet for us. But it is up to us to come in and partake.
I think one way to do this is to count our blessings. We have been raised figuratively on meat, vegetables, desserts, while those around us get by on scraps and scrapings. We have the Gospel, we have health, we have glorious families, we have peace and safety. Yet we complain if we miss our favorite TV show.
O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love
Here we have the concept of feasting again. It reminds me of the story of the woman who scrimped and saved to go on a cruise. She brought crackers and snacks and took all her meals in her room. Then on the final night of the cruise she decided to treat herself to the sumptuous meal being served. When she asked how much she had to pay, she was told that all meals were provided as part of the cost of the cruise.
Sometimes we are like that. Our Father has laid out a banquet for us. But it is up to us to come in and partake.
I think one way to do this is to count our blessings. We have been raised figuratively on meat, vegetables, desserts, while those around us get by on scraps and scrapings. We have the Gospel, we have health, we have glorious families, we have peace and safety. Yet we complain if we miss our favorite TV show.
Pride
Jacob 2:20
Jacob talks about pride. President Benson told us that pride is enmity between ourselves and our fellow man, or against God.
Why would we afflict and persecute others? Jacob tells us that one being is as precious as another and that such things are abominable. Somehow we seem to get an adrenalin rush from "putting others down", as if making them smaller will make ourselves larger.
Jacob talks about pride. President Benson told us that pride is enmity between ourselves and our fellow man, or against God.
Why would we afflict and persecute others? Jacob tells us that one being is as precious as another and that such things are abominable. Somehow we seem to get an adrenalin rush from "putting others down", as if making them smaller will make ourselves larger.
Songs of Everlasting Joy
D&C 133:33 And they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy.
Here are some hymns that fill my soul with joy:
How Great Thou Art
Rejoice, the Lord is King
O My Father
The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning
All is Well
I Believe in Christ
Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands
I Stand All Amazed
Here are some hymns that fill my soul with joy:
How Great Thou Art
Rejoice, the Lord is King
O My Father
The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning
All is Well
I Believe in Christ
Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands
I Stand All Amazed
Seek For the Kingdom of God
Jacob 2:18
We are told to seek for the kingdom of God before riches. We should desire to serve the Lord and our fellow man. If our desire is to bless others, we will be given riches. Selfishness is a big problem for me. I want to serve others, but with my "excess". I can give them my EXTRA time (there's never enough), and my EXTRA money (whatever's left over after I have everything I want. It shouldn't inconvenience me in any way.
We are told to seek for the kingdom of God before riches. We should desire to serve the Lord and our fellow man. If our desire is to bless others, we will be given riches. Selfishness is a big problem for me. I want to serve others, but with my "excess". I can give them my EXTRA time (there's never enough), and my EXTRA money (whatever's left over after I have everything I want. It shouldn't inconvenience me in any way.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Dangers of Riches
Jacob 2:13 Riches lead to pride which leads to a desire to persecute others. The Nephites found gold, which led them to choose costly apparel. Then because of their pride in their appearance, they persecuted those who didn't have the fine clothes.
What is the remedy?
1) Listen to the Lord
2) Love others as yourself
3) Share your bounty and serve others
What is the remedy?
1) Listen to the Lord
2) Love others as yourself
3) Share your bounty and serve others
Inspired Leaders
Jacob 2:5 "But behold, hearken ye unto me, and know that by the help of the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth I can tell you concerning your thoughts, how that ye are beginning to labor in sin, which sin appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable unto God. "
The Lord inspires our leaders to know of our thoughts - our sins - so that they can know how to teach us. This is something to contemplate as we prepare for General Conference. Those general authorities who are speaking have been fasting and praying to know what to speak on at this time. They have to know our weaknesses, our sins, our struggles to know how to help us.
Of course, this also applies to our local leadership. Only those inspired of the Lord can know how to lead their flock.
The Lord inspires our leaders to know of our thoughts - our sins - so that they can know how to teach us. This is something to contemplate as we prepare for General Conference. Those general authorities who are speaking have been fasting and praying to know what to speak on at this time. They have to know our weaknesses, our sins, our struggles to know how to help us.
Of course, this also applies to our local leadership. Only those inspired of the Lord can know how to lead their flock.
Abide and Cleave
D&C 132:54-56 Emma Smith is given instrutions in her role as a wife to the prophet Joseph Smith. She is told to "abide", and to "cleave unto my servant Joseph and to none else." Then in verse 56 she's told to forgive him.
I also need to abide and cleave and forgive.
I also need to abide and cleave and forgive.
Obtain Mine Errand from the Lord
Jacob 1:17 Jacob could see that his people were beginning to sin, but he didn't begin to preach to them until he had obtained his errand from the Lord. He needed to preach what the Lord would have taught, not just what Jacob wanted to preach.
As leaders and teachers, we need to always find out what the Lord would have taught and how He wants it taught, and to always teach by the Spirit.
As leaders and teachers, we need to always find out what the Lord would have taught and how He wants it taught, and to always teach by the Spirit.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Believe in Christ
Jacob 1:7 Jacob wants all men to believe in Christ, view His death, suffer His cross and bear the shame of the world. I think he's saying that we should ponder on the sins that Christ took upon Himself and our part in His suffering.
Faith and Great Anxiety
Jacob 1:5
Jacob tells us that he and the other prophets were given to know the future of their people, because of faith and great anxiety. They had great concern for their people, but their faith had made it possible for them to see the future destiny of the people.
I also feel the faith and great anxiety of our leaders, both local and church-wide, in our behalf. I know they love us and pray for us and that everything they do is motivated by this love and faith.
Jacob tells us that he and the other prophets were given to know the future of their people, because of faith and great anxiety. They had great concern for their people, but their faith had made it possible for them to see the future destiny of the people.
I also feel the faith and great anxiety of our leaders, both local and church-wide, in our behalf. I know they love us and pray for us and that everything they do is motivated by this love and faith.
Teachings of the Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 33:4 Nephi tells us that the record does the following things: 1) Persuades us to do good 2) Teaches of our fathers 3) Speaks of Jesus 4) Persuades us to believe in Him 5) Persuades us to endure to the end.
Prepare Your Heart to Receive Instruction
D&C 132:3 The Lord has great things to teach us, but we must prepare our hearts to receive them. One way to prepare is outlined in D&C 78:7, where it says that we prepare ourselves by doing what we are commanded to do. That would include fasting and prayer, pondering, study. We should prepare in this way for General Conference, which is coming up this weekend, in which our Prophet and the twelve apostles will speak inspired words to us. But also we can prepare for our church meetings and prepare ourselves to read the scriptures.
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