I really love John 14 in the Bible. I think it is one of the most comforting chapters of scripture. I always imagine the Apostles as being kind of distraught as Jesus is telling them He will be dying and leaving them, and I love the comforting words He gives them.
I love Judas's seemingly skeptical question in verse 22, and the Savior's response in the next verse. I guess the Apostles had to have a different kind of faith than we do now, in that they knew Christ lived but they had to believe in what He was about to do and that they really would see Him again (ie. that the Resurrection was real and the plan as explained to them would actually happen).
verse 23: Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He also promises them the Comforter, which will help them to feel peace and remember all the things Jesus taught them. I've experienced this "remembrance" a lot of times. Often it's something silly like a meeting I almost forgot to go to today. Just as I was getting ready to take a leisurely bath and get ready for the day, the realization that I had a meeting in 20 minutes came charging through my mind. I think sometimes we remember more important, spiritual things, too--things we knew once but have since forgotten.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 24, 2011
A couple of thoughts from 3 Nephi 15 today.
In verse 18: "And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them."
As I read this, I thought about having an open heart, kind of like I blogged about yesterday. But then I thought, "Isn't it this way in all communication?" With God, but with other people, too. Being arrogant and skeptical actually inhibits our ability to understand. Have you ever had a conversation with someone where you just absolutely could not understand why they felt the way they did, even though you were listening? Well, I have. And it's hard not to be thinking about our own viewpoint, or what we're going to say next to the person, but it is impossible to understand what another person says unless we humble ourselves enough. And I guess it probably works the same when Heavenly Father tries to speak to us, as well.
In verse 18: "And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them."
As I read this, I thought about having an open heart, kind of like I blogged about yesterday. But then I thought, "Isn't it this way in all communication?" With God, but with other people, too. Being arrogant and skeptical actually inhibits our ability to understand. Have you ever had a conversation with someone where you just absolutely could not understand why they felt the way they did, even though you were listening? Well, I have. And it's hard not to be thinking about our own viewpoint, or what we're going to say next to the person, but it is impossible to understand what another person says unless we humble ourselves enough. And I guess it probably works the same when Heavenly Father tries to speak to us, as well.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
January 23, 2011
Ooooh, it's been a few days. I've tried to keep up with scripture reading this week, but blogging has been too much. But I'm back.
I really like scriptures that talk about plants and roots and seeds. I don't know why...I've just always liked the imagery. In Ezekiel 36:26, we read about our heart changing from a "stony" one to a "heart of flesh." It made me think of Alma 32, which talks about the seed we plant in our heart (the seed is the word of God), which we can either allow to take root, or we can "cast [it] out by unbelief." I just love the idea that all we need is a place to grow the seed--a soft and open heart. The soft and open heart, according to Ezekiel, is a gift in and of itself. So if we don't even have that part down, we can pray and ask for that. Cool, huh?
I really like scriptures that talk about plants and roots and seeds. I don't know why...I've just always liked the imagery. In Ezekiel 36:26, we read about our heart changing from a "stony" one to a "heart of flesh." It made me think of Alma 32, which talks about the seed we plant in our heart (the seed is the word of God), which we can either allow to take root, or we can "cast [it] out by unbelief." I just love the idea that all we need is a place to grow the seed--a soft and open heart. The soft and open heart, according to Ezekiel, is a gift in and of itself. So if we don't even have that part down, we can pray and ask for that. Cool, huh?
Monday, January 17, 2011
January 17, 2011
Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! :)
I read 3 Nephi 13, plus some interesting scriptures in Ezekiel 36. Some of the stuff I thought about was too personal for a blog, but it began with two honest questions inspired by the reading in the 3 Nephi.
1. Honest appraisal: where is my heart? (In other words, what do I spend my time thinking about, dreaming about, working towards, etc.)
and 2. where do I want my heart to be? Are there any tugs that remind me of things I've been forgetting? (to think about, or care about, I guess)
Anyway, I think they're important questions to ask now and again. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (3 Nephi 13:21)
Also, in Ezekiel 36:26, we learn that the Lord can give us a new heart. Speculation on what that means? I've got some ideas.
I read 3 Nephi 13, plus some interesting scriptures in Ezekiel 36. Some of the stuff I thought about was too personal for a blog, but it began with two honest questions inspired by the reading in the 3 Nephi.
1. Honest appraisal: where is my heart? (In other words, what do I spend my time thinking about, dreaming about, working towards, etc.)
and 2. where do I want my heart to be? Are there any tugs that remind me of things I've been forgetting? (to think about, or care about, I guess)
Anyway, I think they're important questions to ask now and again. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (3 Nephi 13:21)
Also, in Ezekiel 36:26, we learn that the Lord can give us a new heart. Speculation on what that means? I've got some ideas.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
January 15, 2011
I read the Relief Society lesson from the Gospel Principles book tonight. It was about sacrifice, and one of the most interesting questions to me was "Why do you think our willingness to sacrifice is related to our readiness to live in the presence of God?"
Then I read a scripture, in Luke 14. Jesus gives a parable, and in it He puts together a supper for the "servants" in his house. Each of them begins to make excuses as to why he can't come--one because he has a wife, and one because he needs to go take care of the oxen, etc. Finally, the Lord says, "For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."
I really think this parallels with our lives and why it's important to be willing to make sacrifices. In many cases, we aren't asked to completely give up possessions or relationships or responsibilities or other things we care about--but the idea is that we should be willing to do it if asked. Also, we should be willing to put those things further down on the list if it means putting God first--nothing else should come before our relationship with God. The servants in the parable weren't willing to de-prioritize some of their responsibilities to spend some precious time with their master, and we similarly lose out when we can't put Him first. That's my answer to the question of why sacrifice is important for preparing us for eternal life: without it, we will miss out on our time with the Lord. And how can we become like Him if we don't spend time with Him?
Then I read a scripture, in Luke 14. Jesus gives a parable, and in it He puts together a supper for the "servants" in his house. Each of them begins to make excuses as to why he can't come--one because he has a wife, and one because he needs to go take care of the oxen, etc. Finally, the Lord says, "For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."
I really think this parallels with our lives and why it's important to be willing to make sacrifices. In many cases, we aren't asked to completely give up possessions or relationships or responsibilities or other things we care about--but the idea is that we should be willing to do it if asked. Also, we should be willing to put those things further down on the list if it means putting God first--nothing else should come before our relationship with God. The servants in the parable weren't willing to de-prioritize some of their responsibilities to spend some precious time with their master, and we similarly lose out when we can't put Him first. That's my answer to the question of why sacrifice is important for preparing us for eternal life: without it, we will miss out on our time with the Lord. And how can we become like Him if we don't spend time with Him?
Friday, January 14, 2011
January 14, 2011
Tonight I read Helaman 3. I really like this chapter because in it, the people migrate to a new place where the trees are scarce because the previous inhabitants used them to build with. So the people learn how to make stuff with cement. It says they became "exceedingly expert in the working of cement." Meanwhile, they planted trees, and waited for them to come in. But they weren't just gonna sit around and wait for twenty years for the wood--nope, they started building with what they had. (I think I wrote about this on my regular blog once; sorry if it feels like a repeat).
I also think there are some really great promises in this chapter. The Lord is merciful unto all who will call upon his name. Also, the gate of heaven is open unto all who believe on the name of Jesus Christ. And, whosoever wants to may lay hold upon the word of god, which leads a straight path to eternal life with our Heavenly Father. (I'm paraphrasing slightly--see verses 27-29).
Finally, near the end of the chapter, after the people have sort of yo-yo'd back and forth between war and peace and wickedness and righteousness, we read that they "did fast oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."
I just thought to myself, "I wonder what it would really mean to have my heart sanctified by God." I thought about the weight and care of the world, just the heaviness that comes from being human and being a graduate student and feeling too busy and tired and sometimes lonely, and I thought about it all just being sloughed off. I wonder how gradual that process is, or if it's something that happens continually and to varying degrees at different points in our lives. I wonder what it felt like, if it's happened to me before (which I imagine it has). I think probably anytime I felt real joy, it was happening. Wow--so that's where real joy comes from. It's through faith in Christ and yielding our hearts to God.
I also think there are some really great promises in this chapter. The Lord is merciful unto all who will call upon his name. Also, the gate of heaven is open unto all who believe on the name of Jesus Christ. And, whosoever wants to may lay hold upon the word of god, which leads a straight path to eternal life with our Heavenly Father. (I'm paraphrasing slightly--see verses 27-29).
Finally, near the end of the chapter, after the people have sort of yo-yo'd back and forth between war and peace and wickedness and righteousness, we read that they "did fast oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."
I just thought to myself, "I wonder what it would really mean to have my heart sanctified by God." I thought about the weight and care of the world, just the heaviness that comes from being human and being a graduate student and feeling too busy and tired and sometimes lonely, and I thought about it all just being sloughed off. I wonder how gradual that process is, or if it's something that happens continually and to varying degrees at different points in our lives. I wonder what it felt like, if it's happened to me before (which I imagine it has). I think probably anytime I felt real joy, it was happening. Wow--so that's where real joy comes from. It's through faith in Christ and yielding our hearts to God.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 12, 2010
I like the feel of the new commandments given after the law of Moses is fulfilled. Not only are the Nephites/Jews to resist unprovoked violence, they are to resist it altogether and "turn the other cheek." In addition to refraining from adultery, they are to avoid the very thought of it. When asked for help, they are to give more than is asked of them (verse 40). Christ commands them to "love [their] enemies, bless them that curse [them], do good to them that hate [them], and pray for them who despitefully use [them] and persecute [them]." (3 Nephi 12)
This kind of attitude just seems right. Beyond tolerating the broken English and homework questions of a puzzled classmate, I can stay a few minutes late to make sure she understands what we've been working on. Aside from keeping my physical body clean by avoiding sexual sin, I can make sure my mind is similarly clean by abandoning degrading media and banishing impure thoughts. Instead of trying to just survive a forced relationship with a professor who has a reputation for disliking students of my faith, I can pray to see the good in her and for her to find happiness. Heck, I can even be more diligent as I read for her class, instead of just muddling through the assigned readings and exerting the minimum effort required to receive a decent grade.
I can do these things, not because they are required of me to be a good person, but because I want to follow Christ. Besides, we shouldn't have to be compelled in all things. (D&C 58:26-27)
This kind of attitude just seems right. Beyond tolerating the broken English and homework questions of a puzzled classmate, I can stay a few minutes late to make sure she understands what we've been working on. Aside from keeping my physical body clean by avoiding sexual sin, I can make sure my mind is similarly clean by abandoning degrading media and banishing impure thoughts. Instead of trying to just survive a forced relationship with a professor who has a reputation for disliking students of my faith, I can pray to see the good in her and for her to find happiness. Heck, I can even be more diligent as I read for her class, instead of just muddling through the assigned readings and exerting the minimum effort required to receive a decent grade.
I can do these things, not because they are required of me to be a good person, but because I want to follow Christ. Besides, we shouldn't have to be compelled in all things. (D&C 58:26-27)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
January 11, 2011: Steadiness
Something Elder Christofferson talked about in his talk (see January 10 post) about holding out for "one more day"--the idea that we shouldn't quit on a whim, but should push through difficult times--stayed in my thoughts today.
I read the following verse in Alma 38.
verse 2: And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.
I guess I was just thinking about New Year's resolutions, and fad diets, because I was reading one of my roommate's magazine that was lying around. It's really easy to get caught up in quick fixes. But I really, really want to be steady and faithful in all things.
Elder Bednar said, "It will take unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to choose the way to eternal life." Later in the same talk he tells us that "great faith has a short shelf life." We can't put forth great bursts of effort, followed by bouts of laziness or complacency, and expect to be where we need to be. Someday I hope I can describe myself as diligent. Steady. Steadfast. Constant. Consistent. In all things.
I read the following verse in Alma 38.
verse 2: And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.
I guess I was just thinking about New Year's resolutions, and fad diets, because I was reading one of my roommate's magazine that was lying around. It's really easy to get caught up in quick fixes. But I really, really want to be steady and faithful in all things.
Elder Bednar said, "It will take unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to choose the way to eternal life." Later in the same talk he tells us that "great faith has a short shelf life." We can't put forth great bursts of effort, followed by bouts of laziness or complacency, and expect to be where we need to be. Someday I hope I can describe myself as diligent. Steady. Steadfast. Constant. Consistent. In all things.
Monday, January 10, 2011
One Week In
Well, I don't know if anyone reads this blog, but that's okay. I just feel like recording this, even if it's just for me.
I've been keeping this blog almost every day for a little over a week. And you know what? It had made a huge difference in my life. Not necessarily the blogging part, but the reading and studying part. I love the scriptures. President Hinckley's statement about the scriptures becoming the love of our lives as we read them every day is already coming true for me.
I guess I loved the scriptures before, but I had fallen out of practice of studying every day. Before I began this blog, I was reading a tiny something every day. I guess I knew it was important to read every day, and I really wanted to keep it up, but I wasn't getting a lot out of it. Every day I have studied and written my thoughts on this blog, I've had a meaningful, drawn out interaction with my Heavenly Father. I've felt closer to Him and I've felt a peace that I didn't have previously.
I've been keeping this blog almost every day for a little over a week. And you know what? It had made a huge difference in my life. Not necessarily the blogging part, but the reading and studying part. I love the scriptures. President Hinckley's statement about the scriptures becoming the love of our lives as we read them every day is already coming true for me.
I guess I loved the scriptures before, but I had fallen out of practice of studying every day. Before I began this blog, I was reading a tiny something every day. I guess I knew it was important to read every day, and I really wanted to keep it up, but I wasn't getting a lot out of it. Every day I have studied and written my thoughts on this blog, I've had a meaningful, drawn out interaction with my Heavenly Father. I've felt closer to Him and I've felt a peace that I didn't have previously.
January 10, 2011
I watched yesterday's CES Fireside by Elder Christofferson. My definition of "scripture" is pretty wide (basically, if it's a prophet or apostle of God who wrote it, it's scripture. Which is why I'm using this fireside for today's post.)
And here are some highlights--some of the things I took away from the talk.
Living well, day by day. It is the accumulation of days well lived that adds up to a full life. We live in the present, and while we are to plan for the future, we do not live in the future.
Manna--this is awesome. The children of Israel had to trust that the Lord would provide for their needs the next day, ON THE NEXT DAY. This day, the Lord would never be too far from their thoughts. I feel like the Lord has worked this way with me in my life, giving me what I need
Don't quit--just make it one more day. If you still feel awful the next day, you can think about quitting again. But don't make rash decisions to quit just because you're tired or things don't feel good one day.
Consistency. Making resolutions to incorporate new qualities into our character, and then committing each day to live them for that day.
"The Lord is pleased with every effort--even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him."
In prayer at night, think about needs--what I may lack, and what I need help to protect against. Account for how the day has gone, and think about how tomorrow can be a little better. Thank Heavenly Father. Watch for His hand helping me to endure some things, and to change others.
And here are some highlights--some of the things I took away from the talk.
Living well, day by day. It is the accumulation of days well lived that adds up to a full life. We live in the present, and while we are to plan for the future, we do not live in the future.
Manna--this is awesome. The children of Israel had to trust that the Lord would provide for their needs the next day, ON THE NEXT DAY. This day, the Lord would never be too far from their thoughts. I feel like the Lord has worked this way with me in my life, giving me what I need
Don't quit--just make it one more day. If you still feel awful the next day, you can think about quitting again. But don't make rash decisions to quit just because you're tired or things don't feel good one day.
Consistency. Making resolutions to incorporate new qualities into our character, and then committing each day to live them for that day.
"The Lord is pleased with every effort--even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him."
In prayer at night, think about needs--what I may lack, and what I need help to protect against. Account for how the day has gone, and think about how tomorrow can be a little better. Thank Heavenly Father. Watch for His hand helping me to endure some things, and to change others.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 8, 2011
Here are the questions in the Sunday School manual for tomorrow's lesson, and thoughts I had as I read them and the related scriptures:
What do you learn about Mary from her conversations with the angel Gabriel and with Elisabeth? (Luke 1:26-38, 45-49, and Alma 7:10)
From Luke's account, it's clear that Mary was very humble. Only two of her statements while being visited by the angel Gabriel are recorded. First, a question as to how she could conceive a child without having been with a man. (a fair question, sure). Second, an offering of herself to stand in the capacity she's been chosen to fill ("Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.") There's not a record of her being overly cynical about the prophecy, or doubtful of her own abilities to carry out her responsibility.
My favorite thing about Mary is her gratitude and humility as she realizes the importance of her calling as the mother of Jesus, in verses 45-49. Clearly she felt blessed to be able to fill such an important role. It reminds me that I should be grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Church, to serve those around me, to be a daughter, a sister, and someday a wife and a mother. I think it will be plenty humbling to be entrusted with children to raise--I can't imagine how inadequate I would feel to raise the Savior of the world, yet Mary did it and she was honored to do it.
Luke 1:67, 76-79
One thing that occurred to me was an idea as to why angels had to appear to the parents of John and Jesus and prophesy of the divine missions of their unborn sons. Surely Jesus and John could have been born and lived the lives they were supposed to lead, receiving their own instructions from an angel. But I think a parent's influence is incalculable in helping children to reach their potential. I also think this influence begins very early on, and both Jesus and John were born as mortal babies, meaning they needed to be taught, just as we do. Because of the veil that keeps us from remembering our past existence with Heavenly Father, they wouldn't have known who they were really, or what they were to grow up to be. Just knowing that your child had something really special to accomplish would change everything about the way you treated him or her, things you tried to teach and the example you tried to give. I think even if we aren't sure what our children's missions are, we can know they've each got something important to accomplish. I'm grateful to my parents, because I feel like they always believe that about me and treated me that way.
What do you learn about Mary from her conversations with the angel Gabriel and with Elisabeth? (Luke 1:26-38, 45-49, and Alma 7:10)
From Luke's account, it's clear that Mary was very humble. Only two of her statements while being visited by the angel Gabriel are recorded. First, a question as to how she could conceive a child without having been with a man. (a fair question, sure). Second, an offering of herself to stand in the capacity she's been chosen to fill ("Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.") There's not a record of her being overly cynical about the prophecy, or doubtful of her own abilities to carry out her responsibility.
My favorite thing about Mary is her gratitude and humility as she realizes the importance of her calling as the mother of Jesus, in verses 45-49. Clearly she felt blessed to be able to fill such an important role. It reminds me that I should be grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Church, to serve those around me, to be a daughter, a sister, and someday a wife and a mother. I think it will be plenty humbling to be entrusted with children to raise--I can't imagine how inadequate I would feel to raise the Savior of the world, yet Mary did it and she was honored to do it.
Luke 1:67, 76-79
One thing that occurred to me was an idea as to why angels had to appear to the parents of John and Jesus and prophesy of the divine missions of their unborn sons. Surely Jesus and John could have been born and lived the lives they were supposed to lead, receiving their own instructions from an angel. But I think a parent's influence is incalculable in helping children to reach their potential. I also think this influence begins very early on, and both Jesus and John were born as mortal babies, meaning they needed to be taught, just as we do. Because of the veil that keeps us from remembering our past existence with Heavenly Father, they wouldn't have known who they were really, or what they were to grow up to be. Just knowing that your child had something really special to accomplish would change everything about the way you treated him or her, things you tried to teach and the example you tried to give. I think even if we aren't sure what our children's missions are, we can know they've each got something important to accomplish. I'm grateful to my parents, because I feel like they always believe that about me and treated me that way.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Enos
I really liked reading Enos today. This chapter just seemed like the thing for me today. It's a good reminder that prayer can be hard work--Enos prayed all day and all night. I don't know under what circumstances it is necessary to pray for such a long time, but I know that Enos was told he was made whole because of his faith in Christ. I had a lot of personal thoughts about how the Spirit speaks to me, and how God answers our prayers, and what kinds of things I should pray for.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
January 6, 2011
Well, it's almost midnight, and I am just getting to my scriptures. Today was a busy traveling day. BUT--there's always time for at least a verse.
Mosiah 14:5 "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
I love Jesus Christ because he paid the price for my sins, and He can heal me.
Mosiah 14:5 "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
I love Jesus Christ because he paid the price for my sins, and He can heal me.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
January 5, 2011: Seeking Christ
As I read 3 Nephi chapter 12 today, verse 6 stood out to me: "And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." Of course, the Savior is speaking to the Nephites, and his words mirror those given in his Sermon on the Mount found in the New Testament.
I thought, "I want to be filled with the Holy Ghost. What does it mean to hunger and thirst after righteousness"?
After cross-referencing several scriptures, I've come to the conclusion that it means we pray with all our hearts. We pray with real intent (Moroni 7:9), we pray for our very soul when we've sinned (Enos 1:4), we pray for each other (1 Nephi 1:5, James 5:16), and we pray that we might be healed (James 5:16).
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
The Jews, who were told to prepare for 70 years of captivity in Babylon, were told the following: "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
I thought, "I want to be filled with the Holy Ghost. What does it mean to hunger and thirst after righteousness"?
After cross-referencing several scriptures, I've come to the conclusion that it means we pray with all our hearts. We pray with real intent (Moroni 7:9), we pray for our very soul when we've sinned (Enos 1:4), we pray for each other (1 Nephi 1:5, James 5:16), and we pray that we might be healed (James 5:16).
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
The Jews, who were told to prepare for 70 years of captivity in Babylon, were told the following: "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
January 4, 2011: More on Decisions
I'm still thinking about how the Holy Ghost helps us make decisions. In Moroni 10:3-5, we learn that "by the power of the Holy Ghost [we] may know the truth of all things," if we pray to God with a) a sincere heart, b) with real intent, and c) having faith in Christ. I really feel that this is a true principle.
I remember feeling convinced as a missionary that when people prayed about the Book of Mormon or another gospel principle and did not receive a witness as to its truthfulness, that one of these key elements was missing. Either they did not really want to know, they did not intend to act on the answer they were asking for, or they didn't have the faith their prayer would be answered. Eventually, it seemed, most anyone who prayed to God sincerely, with real intent, and with faith in Christ received an answer that the things they were learning were true.
Why, then, do I sometimes struggle to receive my own answers? It occurred to me today that I may sometimes lack in the "real intent" department. Although I repeatedly pray to know which way I should go, I realized today I am kind of scared of moving either direction. It is possible this fear inhibits spiritual guidance.
In my studies today, I read a talk from the December Ensign by Elder Neil L Andersen. Definitely read the talk--it's very good. There were a couple of parts that struck me most: first, the idea that we are entitled to constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, if we ask for it. (The same idea really struck me when I heard this talk from Elder Bednar several years ago). Second, the idea that we should believe that the still small voice within us comes from God, even in our weaknesses. I have sometimes felt like I couldn't possibly expect spiritual guidance because I hadn't acted as my best self, but I realize now that any time we honestly seek the Spirit, we can receive it. Of course, honestly seeking the Spirit involves removing ourselves from loud, worldly influences, but it doesn't mean we have to wait for excessive amounts of time to pass since our last mistake.
I'm grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost, even if I'm still trying to learn how to hear His voice.
I remember feeling convinced as a missionary that when people prayed about the Book of Mormon or another gospel principle and did not receive a witness as to its truthfulness, that one of these key elements was missing. Either they did not really want to know, they did not intend to act on the answer they were asking for, or they didn't have the faith their prayer would be answered. Eventually, it seemed, most anyone who prayed to God sincerely, with real intent, and with faith in Christ received an answer that the things they were learning were true.
Why, then, do I sometimes struggle to receive my own answers? It occurred to me today that I may sometimes lack in the "real intent" department. Although I repeatedly pray to know which way I should go, I realized today I am kind of scared of moving either direction. It is possible this fear inhibits spiritual guidance.
In my studies today, I read a talk from the December Ensign by Elder Neil L Andersen. Definitely read the talk--it's very good. There were a couple of parts that struck me most: first, the idea that we are entitled to constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, if we ask for it. (The same idea really struck me when I heard this talk from Elder Bednar several years ago). Second, the idea that we should believe that the still small voice within us comes from God, even in our weaknesses. I have sometimes felt like I couldn't possibly expect spiritual guidance because I hadn't acted as my best self, but I realize now that any time we honestly seek the Spirit, we can receive it. Of course, honestly seeking the Spirit involves removing ourselves from loud, worldly influences, but it doesn't mean we have to wait for excessive amounts of time to pass since our last mistake.
I'm grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost, even if I'm still trying to learn how to hear His voice.
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 3, 2011: 2 Nephi 2:26-28
I've been thinking a lot about how important it is that God gave us agency to act as we choose. From 2 Nephi 2:26, we learn that we are "free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for [our]selves and not to be acted upon."
I came across the following quote the other day, and several others that stated basically the same thing: "We must recognize that indecision itself is in reality a decision and generally, in my opinion, a very poor one." (Elder Franklin D. Richards, BYU Speeches, 1964). Elder Neal A. Maxwell, in one of his talks, described the predicament I sometimes find myself in as "milling around haltingly in the valley of decision."
The past year has been littered with seemingly HUGE decisions--ones with the potential to affect my life dramatically. I want to be able to act more decisively and confidently, but it just seems so hard, especially when I see sometimes-negative outcomes in the lives of others. I guess I'm a perfectionist. I can't let myself fail or make a wrong choice. In the scriptures we learn we can pray for spiritual gifts (ie. Moroni 10, D&C 46:8, 1 Corinthians 14:1,12), and I'm wondering if the ability to act decisively is one of those gifts I can pray and ask God to help me develop.
I came across the following quote the other day, and several others that stated basically the same thing: "We must recognize that indecision itself is in reality a decision and generally, in my opinion, a very poor one." (Elder Franklin D. Richards, BYU Speeches, 1964). Elder Neal A. Maxwell, in one of his talks, described the predicament I sometimes find myself in as "milling around haltingly in the valley of decision."
The past year has been littered with seemingly HUGE decisions--ones with the potential to affect my life dramatically. I want to be able to act more decisively and confidently, but it just seems so hard, especially when I see sometimes-negative outcomes in the lives of others. I guess I'm a perfectionist. I can't let myself fail or make a wrong choice. In the scriptures we learn we can pray for spiritual gifts (ie. Moroni 10, D&C 46:8, 1 Corinthians 14:1,12), and I'm wondering if the ability to act decisively is one of those gifts I can pray and ask God to help me develop.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
January 1, 2011: Helaman 4:23-25
This is a pretty good example, I think, of what distancing oneself from the Lord would look like. The entire process, according to Helaman, happened in “not many years” (Helaman 4:26).
First, the people became wicked and corrupt. They disobeyed the commandments given to them previously by prophets Mosiah and Alma. This iniquity led to their beginning to disbelieve in the “spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation” (Helaman 5:23). In other words, they stopped believing in the main things you need to believe in to follow a prophet of God. I think it's really interesting that they became disbelieving only after their disobedience. We gain faith in gospel truths only as we live the gospel (see John 7:17), and as we stop living it, our faith can diminish over time.
Meanwhile, the people were becoming weak and losing access to the Spirit (“it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples”, see Helaman 4:24).
Finally, the Lord stopped protecting them as He had done before (see Helaman 4:25). It's important to point out that the Lord didn't take His help away from them before they first removed themselves from Him. The Lord wants to help us in all areas of our lives, and is constantly reaching out to us as His children. We can secure His blessings through our obedience.
for Helaman 4
for John 7:17
First, the people became wicked and corrupt. They disobeyed the commandments given to them previously by prophets Mosiah and Alma. This iniquity led to their beginning to disbelieve in the “spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation” (Helaman 5:23). In other words, they stopped believing in the main things you need to believe in to follow a prophet of God. I think it's really interesting that they became disbelieving only after their disobedience. We gain faith in gospel truths only as we live the gospel (see John 7:17), and as we stop living it, our faith can diminish over time.
Meanwhile, the people were becoming weak and losing access to the Spirit (“it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples”, see Helaman 4:24).
Finally, the Lord stopped protecting them as He had done before (see Helaman 4:25). It's important to point out that the Lord didn't take His help away from them before they first removed themselves from Him. The Lord wants to help us in all areas of our lives, and is constantly reaching out to us as His children. We can secure His blessings through our obedience.
for Helaman 4
for John 7:17
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
