It is Christmastime, and the world is celebrating the birth of our Savior. I love this time if the year because I feel that it is indeed the ”Happiest time of the year.” I know I am an old softy but I really can relate to the words from Michael McLain’s Forgotten Carols “I Cry on the Day that they take the tree down.” I want this season to last all year long.
My thoughts today, however, are turned to another holiday; Easter. I set a goal this year to read the entire Messiah Series by Elder McConkie. I read them a little out of order but am down to my final volume, Volume 4 of “The Mortal Messiah”. I have so touched by this volume. I feel it has forever changed my life by helping me to finally really “Know” the Savior.
This volume focuses on the final year of the Saviors ministry. During this time He was very bold and a perfect example of service in the kingdom. This volume takes us up through the crucifixion and resurrection. It is of the resurrection that I would like to make comment today.
We are all familiar with the scene at the Garden Tomb where Mary mistakes the Savior for the gardener.
13 “And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because
they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and
knew not that it was Jesus.
15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing
him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (John 20).
I have often tried to imagine this scene in my mind and have always felt that it was a bit harsh for Mary not to be able to actually hold the Savior; to feel the nail prints in His hands and feet: To truly testify that He was resurrected because she saw and felt Him. Then in The Mortal Messiah I read the following:
“We cannot believe that the caution which withheld from Jesus the embrace of Mary was anything more than the building of a proper wall of reserve between intimates who are now on two sides of the veil. If a resurrected brother appeared to a mortal brother, or if a resurrected husband appeared to a mortal wife, would they be free to embrace each other on the same terms of intimacy as had prevailed when both were mortals? But perhaps there was more in Jesus' statement than Mary related or than John recorded, for in a very short time we shall see a group of faithful women hold Jesus by his feet as they worship him. The seeming refusal of Jesus to permit Mary to touch him, followed almost immediately by the appearance in which the other women were permitted to hold his feet, has always been the source of some interpretative concern. The King James Version quotes Jesus as saying "Touch me not." The Joseph Smith Translation reads "Hold me not." Various translations from the Greek render the passage as "Do not cling to me" or "Do not hold me." Some give the meaning as "Do not cling to me any longer," or "Do not hold me any longer." Some speak of ceasing to hold him or cling to him, leaving the inference that Mary was already holding him. There is valid reason for supposing that the thought conveyed to Mary by the Risen Lord was to this effect: "You cannot hold me here, for I am going to ascend to my Father." Volume 4 page 264.
As I understand this, Elder McConkie is telling us that it is possible that Jesus did indeed embrace Mary. Then He basically said “I can’t stay, don’t hold me here.” This seems to me a much more likely scenario of what happened. In fact when I read it… I wept as I thought of the love that was shared between these two and as Mary realized that it really was Him. This insight makes me feel closer to Him.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Hope
Hope
A few months ago I wrote a couple of posts on the topic of faith. If you haven’t read them, please go back and do so. The reason I make that request is that my experience is teaching me that much of becoming like the Savior is learning three important principles: Faith, Hope and Charity.
As I reflect on my own life I believe that I have a fair amount of faith. Now perhaps I need to remember Peter and the other apostles being chastised a little after they couldn’t cast out an evil spirit and Jesus responded “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” I realize that my faith may be weak in comparison to what is required but I feel I understand faith a little.
As I begin to ponder hope however, I feel a little less confident. I recently read a terrific little book called “Obtaining Your Calling and Election” by Kevan Kingsley Clawson. I stumbled onto this book while reading a book review of “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence”; a highly recommended book. While reading the review I noticed a “if you liked this book you may also be interested in” section. In it I found Obtaining your Calling and Election. This book was difficult to find. I ordered it from Benchmark Books but it even took them a couple of months to get it. It was worth the wait and is quite a little gem.
Obtaining Your Calling and Election is very different from other books I have read on the topic. It is much more about what I would describe as the temporal side of the topic rather than the spiritual side: Perhaps more nuts and bolts. None the less I found it very informative. I was most impressed by the chapter he wrote in Hope.
The author quotes Webster’d Dictionary. HOPE: desire accompanied by expectation of fulfillment.
He then quotes Bruce R. McConkie’s Mormon Doctrine (page 365) “As used in the revelations, hope is the desire of faithful people to gain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God hereafter. It is not a flimsy, ethereal desire, one without assurance that the desired consummation will be received, but a desire coupled with expectation of receiving the coveted reward.”
I particularly liked this example that Clawson gave. “If your new car suddenly stopped working and you knew absolutely nothing about engines, you would have little or no hope of fixing the car. You would be found standing on the side of the road, with the hood up, wishing there was something you could do. In reality, you would probably be forced to wait for the tow truck. On the other hand, if the same car broke down and the driver was an experienced mechanic, he would have real hope that he could fix the car with full expectation of actually doing it. The mechanics knowledge provided him with a different level of trust in his ability to understand and correct the problem. He would not have to stand idly by wishing for some miracle to occur; he would actively ensure the desired result came to pass. He could not guarantee the result (hope is not a guarantee), but, because of his knowledge, he could hope for and expect a positive result.
The same holds true for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the desire Christians have of obtaining the Kingdom of God. A person who has never read the scriptures, who only goes to church on Christmas and Easter, and whoe does not pray except, perhaps, during tome of extreme hardship, cannot develop or obtain any real hope of obtaining the Kingdom of God because he has done little or nothing to prepare himself for the goal. He would be wishing upon a star.
On the other hand, consider the example of a righteous man who has not only read all of the scriptures, but has made a lifelong study of these “textbooks;” who not only attends church every Sunday but has faithfully fulfilled a myriad of callings and responsibilities; and who not only has developed faith but has gradually increased his knowledge of God by participating in and witnessing many miracles, gifts of the Spirit, and answers to prayer. Unlike the previous example, this man has true hope of obtaining the Kingdom of God. This man can expect to receive a fulfillment of his desires. His knowledge and works have made it possible for him to enter the Kingdom.”
I will close with a scripture from the book of Ether. “And I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for man, yea, even among the mansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more excellent hope; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.”
Ether 12:32 May we all develop the hope required to achieve that which we desire most, Eternal Life in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
A few months ago I wrote a couple of posts on the topic of faith. If you haven’t read them, please go back and do so. The reason I make that request is that my experience is teaching me that much of becoming like the Savior is learning three important principles: Faith, Hope and Charity.
As I reflect on my own life I believe that I have a fair amount of faith. Now perhaps I need to remember Peter and the other apostles being chastised a little after they couldn’t cast out an evil spirit and Jesus responded “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” I realize that my faith may be weak in comparison to what is required but I feel I understand faith a little.
As I begin to ponder hope however, I feel a little less confident. I recently read a terrific little book called “Obtaining Your Calling and Election” by Kevan Kingsley Clawson. I stumbled onto this book while reading a book review of “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence”; a highly recommended book. While reading the review I noticed a “if you liked this book you may also be interested in” section. In it I found Obtaining your Calling and Election. This book was difficult to find. I ordered it from Benchmark Books but it even took them a couple of months to get it. It was worth the wait and is quite a little gem.
Obtaining Your Calling and Election is very different from other books I have read on the topic. It is much more about what I would describe as the temporal side of the topic rather than the spiritual side: Perhaps more nuts and bolts. None the less I found it very informative. I was most impressed by the chapter he wrote in Hope.
The author quotes Webster’d Dictionary. HOPE: desire accompanied by expectation of fulfillment.
He then quotes Bruce R. McConkie’s Mormon Doctrine (page 365) “As used in the revelations, hope is the desire of faithful people to gain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God hereafter. It is not a flimsy, ethereal desire, one without assurance that the desired consummation will be received, but a desire coupled with expectation of receiving the coveted reward.”
I particularly liked this example that Clawson gave. “If your new car suddenly stopped working and you knew absolutely nothing about engines, you would have little or no hope of fixing the car. You would be found standing on the side of the road, with the hood up, wishing there was something you could do. In reality, you would probably be forced to wait for the tow truck. On the other hand, if the same car broke down and the driver was an experienced mechanic, he would have real hope that he could fix the car with full expectation of actually doing it. The mechanics knowledge provided him with a different level of trust in his ability to understand and correct the problem. He would not have to stand idly by wishing for some miracle to occur; he would actively ensure the desired result came to pass. He could not guarantee the result (hope is not a guarantee), but, because of his knowledge, he could hope for and expect a positive result.
The same holds true for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the desire Christians have of obtaining the Kingdom of God. A person who has never read the scriptures, who only goes to church on Christmas and Easter, and whoe does not pray except, perhaps, during tome of extreme hardship, cannot develop or obtain any real hope of obtaining the Kingdom of God because he has done little or nothing to prepare himself for the goal. He would be wishing upon a star.
On the other hand, consider the example of a righteous man who has not only read all of the scriptures, but has made a lifelong study of these “textbooks;” who not only attends church every Sunday but has faithfully fulfilled a myriad of callings and responsibilities; and who not only has developed faith but has gradually increased his knowledge of God by participating in and witnessing many miracles, gifts of the Spirit, and answers to prayer. Unlike the previous example, this man has true hope of obtaining the Kingdom of God. This man can expect to receive a fulfillment of his desires. His knowledge and works have made it possible for him to enter the Kingdom.”
I will close with a scripture from the book of Ether. “And I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for man, yea, even among the mansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more excellent hope; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.”
Ether 12:32 May we all develop the hope required to achieve that which we desire most, Eternal Life in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Friday, October 29, 2010
1 Nephi 11
1 Nephi 11
This chapter has far many more questions for me than it does answers. The questions I will ask in this blog are questions I have asked myself for several years. They are frequently foremost in my mind as I attend the temple. I have not yet received the answer.
Vs. 2
In what form did the Spirit manifest itself? Was this the Spirit of the Lord, meaning the spirit body of Jesus Christ, the great Jehovah? Or was it simply the promptings of the Holy Spirit, meaning the Holy Ghost whispering to him as it has many times to me, whispering promptings into my ear. It appears it was more than a feeling.
Vs. 3
I have this same desire. How do I develop the faith to receive such a blessing?
Vs. 4
What is this tree? Is it really a tree or does it represent something else? Is it the same tree found in the Garden of Eden? In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were only forbidden to eat from one tree, so did they eat of the fruit of the Tree of Life? Is this fruit what kept them immortal or perhaps better named not mortal? Is that why they were told that they would “surly die” if they partook of the forbidden fruit? If this tree does represent something, what is it? It seems to be more than simply “the love of God.” It may be the love of God in a general sense but I am looking for something more specific.
Vs. 5
Does the Spirit know that I believe all the words of my Father?
Vs. 6
Does the Spirit shout “Hosanna to the Lord” at my proclamation of faith?
Vs. 7
Why is Nephi told all the things ahead of time that he is soon to see? Then he is told “and him shall ye witness; and after ye have witnessed him ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God.” Is he being called as a prophet at this point? Is the Spirit prophesying something that will soon come to pass, or is it a command “you will bear record?”
Vs. 8-9
“and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty; and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow.” Is the tree the Savior? It is white above all and precious above all. Is it the righteous branch growing out of the stem of Jesse: Jesus Christ?
Vs. 10-11
Nephi desires to know the interpretation. This is my desire as well. In verse 11 my question is clarified; It is indeed the Spirit of the Lord. I believe this to be the same that Moses saw, the great Jehovah.
Vs. 12-14
This vision of the Pre-mortal Messiah appears to come to a close and another vision is open: This one being hosted by an angel.
Vs. 15
Nephi sees Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Vs. 16-17
Nephi is asked if he knows the condescension of God. He replies “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”
I searched several online dictionaries and found condescend [ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnd]
vb (intr)
1. to act graciously towards another or others regarded as being on a lower level;
2. to do something that one regards as below one's dignity
[from Church Latin condēscendere to stoop, condescend, from Latin dēscendere to DESCEND]
I particularly like the Latin root that means to stoop or descend. It means he humbled himself down to our level.
Vs. 18-24
He sees the birth and the ministry of the Savior. He is taught that the definition of the Tree is the love of God, but what exactly does this mean? Is it truly the love that God has for us as His children, or is it the love of God in a general sense “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” John 3:16? I ask again, is the tree the Savior? If so, why were Adam and Eve blocked by an angel from partaking of it?
Vs. 25
This verse is another one that can be an entire sermon. I need to credit Brother John Pontius, author of “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” for first enlightening my mind with the ideas expressed here.
Nephi is taught that the Rod of Iron is the word of God. His vision seems to imply that everyone that hold tight to the rod (the word of God), and doesn’t stray when difficulties come, will make it to the tree and partake of Eternal Life. In the church we have come to know that the word of God spoken of is the Scriptures. If we follow this line of thinking, we would then conclude that everyone who hold fast to the Bible or the Book of Mormon will make it to the tree. We know from history that this simply isn’t the case.
History is full of stories of people who believed the Bible but acted in barbarous ways. The Crusades are simply one example of this. Additionally there are many apostates of the LDS faith that profess to believe the Book of Mormon, but are far from the truth. We can conclude then that the Word of God isn’t only the Standard Works. It must be more.
My belief is that the Word of God spoken of here is the word of God spoken to each one of us directly in the form of personal revelation. It is our testimony; our testimony of the Standard works and the living Prophet; our testimony of the Son of God and the restoration of the gospel. When we hold fast to the Iron Rod that is our personal witness… I believe that we will indeed make it to the Tree of Life.
Vs. 26-34
Nephi is then shown what the condescension of God is. He sees a detailed vision of the life of the Savior. He sees his many miracles. He sees his love toward the people. He sees his trial and judgment, and ultimately his crucifixion. He then sees the persecution of the Church by the wicked of the world.
Vs. 35-36
Nephi then sees the people of the world, “the multitudes of the earth” in a large and spacious building. He specifically calls out that the building houses the wisdom of the world. The wisdom of the world fights with the people of the church. He describes the building as the pride of the world. The pride of the world causes building to fall… and great is the fall thereof. “FOR, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Malachi 4:1
This chapter has far many more questions for me than it does answers. The questions I will ask in this blog are questions I have asked myself for several years. They are frequently foremost in my mind as I attend the temple. I have not yet received the answer.
Vs. 2
In what form did the Spirit manifest itself? Was this the Spirit of the Lord, meaning the spirit body of Jesus Christ, the great Jehovah? Or was it simply the promptings of the Holy Spirit, meaning the Holy Ghost whispering to him as it has many times to me, whispering promptings into my ear. It appears it was more than a feeling.
Vs. 3
I have this same desire. How do I develop the faith to receive such a blessing?
Vs. 4
What is this tree? Is it really a tree or does it represent something else? Is it the same tree found in the Garden of Eden? In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were only forbidden to eat from one tree, so did they eat of the fruit of the Tree of Life? Is this fruit what kept them immortal or perhaps better named not mortal? Is that why they were told that they would “surly die” if they partook of the forbidden fruit? If this tree does represent something, what is it? It seems to be more than simply “the love of God.” It may be the love of God in a general sense but I am looking for something more specific.
Vs. 5
Does the Spirit know that I believe all the words of my Father?
Vs. 6
Does the Spirit shout “Hosanna to the Lord” at my proclamation of faith?
Vs. 7
Why is Nephi told all the things ahead of time that he is soon to see? Then he is told “and him shall ye witness; and after ye have witnessed him ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God.” Is he being called as a prophet at this point? Is the Spirit prophesying something that will soon come to pass, or is it a command “you will bear record?”
Vs. 8-9
“and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty; and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow.” Is the tree the Savior? It is white above all and precious above all. Is it the righteous branch growing out of the stem of Jesse: Jesus Christ?
Vs. 10-11
Nephi desires to know the interpretation. This is my desire as well. In verse 11 my question is clarified; It is indeed the Spirit of the Lord. I believe this to be the same that Moses saw, the great Jehovah.
Vs. 12-14
This vision of the Pre-mortal Messiah appears to come to a close and another vision is open: This one being hosted by an angel.
Vs. 15
Nephi sees Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Vs. 16-17
Nephi is asked if he knows the condescension of God. He replies “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”
I searched several online dictionaries and found condescend [ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnd]
vb (intr)
1. to act graciously towards another or others regarded as being on a lower level;
2. to do something that one regards as below one's dignity
[from Church Latin condēscendere to stoop, condescend, from Latin dēscendere to DESCEND]
I particularly like the Latin root that means to stoop or descend. It means he humbled himself down to our level.
Vs. 18-24
He sees the birth and the ministry of the Savior. He is taught that the definition of the Tree is the love of God, but what exactly does this mean? Is it truly the love that God has for us as His children, or is it the love of God in a general sense “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” John 3:16? I ask again, is the tree the Savior? If so, why were Adam and Eve blocked by an angel from partaking of it?
Vs. 25
This verse is another one that can be an entire sermon. I need to credit Brother John Pontius, author of “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” for first enlightening my mind with the ideas expressed here.
Nephi is taught that the Rod of Iron is the word of God. His vision seems to imply that everyone that hold tight to the rod (the word of God), and doesn’t stray when difficulties come, will make it to the tree and partake of Eternal Life. In the church we have come to know that the word of God spoken of is the Scriptures. If we follow this line of thinking, we would then conclude that everyone who hold fast to the Bible or the Book of Mormon will make it to the tree. We know from history that this simply isn’t the case.
History is full of stories of people who believed the Bible but acted in barbarous ways. The Crusades are simply one example of this. Additionally there are many apostates of the LDS faith that profess to believe the Book of Mormon, but are far from the truth. We can conclude then that the Word of God isn’t only the Standard Works. It must be more.
My belief is that the Word of God spoken of here is the word of God spoken to each one of us directly in the form of personal revelation. It is our testimony; our testimony of the Standard works and the living Prophet; our testimony of the Son of God and the restoration of the gospel. When we hold fast to the Iron Rod that is our personal witness… I believe that we will indeed make it to the Tree of Life.
Vs. 26-34
Nephi is then shown what the condescension of God is. He sees a detailed vision of the life of the Savior. He sees his many miracles. He sees his love toward the people. He sees his trial and judgment, and ultimately his crucifixion. He then sees the persecution of the Church by the wicked of the world.
Vs. 35-36
Nephi then sees the people of the world, “the multitudes of the earth” in a large and spacious building. He specifically calls out that the building houses the wisdom of the world. The wisdom of the world fights with the people of the church. He describes the building as the pride of the world. The pride of the world causes building to fall… and great is the fall thereof. “FOR, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Malachi 4:1
Thursday, September 16, 2010
1 Nephi 11:1
1 Nephi 11:1
I feel a little bit overwhelmed today. I have been very busy at work, for which I am very grateful. At the same time I feel a burning desire to read all that I can. In addition to my study of the Book of Mormon, I am reading “The Mortal Messiah- Book One” (There are 4 volumes). I am also reading Hugh Nibley’s “Approaching Zion”, an amazing work.
I love reading and I want to read all of my spare time, however, of course I have many other responsibilities. I have received a burning testimony of the new Duty to God program. I feel a compelling need to implement it in the life of my two sons. It comes as an answer to many sincere prayers on what I can do to prepare my sons for Priesthood service. Implementing this program takes a lot of time and dedication in the evenings. It has changes how we have family scripture study… a topic for another day.
Now we come to the topic of my blog. I also feel a strong need to write in this blog. The ironic thing is that not that many people read it. Something inside me however is driving me to write about my reading of the Book of Mormon. I have been delaying this day because of the overwhelming topic of Nephi’s interpretation of Lehi’s Dream. This is an important topic that I have spent many hours pondering about. I hope I can do it justice.
Vs 1
“FOR it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.”
There is nearly an entire sermon taught in this verse alone. Nephi had a desire to know the things his father had seen; and he had faith that the Lord was able to make them known unto him. My immediate thoughts go to Alma’s parable of the seed.
27 “But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.”
Take note of the words “desire to believe.” This is an indication of Nephi’s faith.
Nephi sat pondering. I have learned throughout my life that I need to make time for pondering. I have found that rising early in the morning is the only time that works for me. I awaken every morning between 4:30 and 5:00 am. I spend at least an hour reading, pondering, and journaling on impressions that come to me. Without a doubt this has become the most precious time of my life. This is the time that I really begin to understand the nature of our Heavenly Father.
Additionally I attend the temple every Wednesday morning for the 6:00 am session. I can’t begin to describe the things that I have learned over the last year doing this. The temple is indeed the Lord’s university.
Nephi was “caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, to an exceedingly high mountain.” This has been a topic of many hours of pondering. Where was Nephi when this was happening? Was he in his tent? Was he somewhere in the wilderness praying? If so, why was he carried away to somewhere else? Why didn’t the Lord simply appear to him where he was?
We know from the experience of others, that the Lord appears in “Holy Places”. These have often been mountain tops. It seems that the Lord uses mountain tops when temples aren’t available. If a temple had been available, would this have happened in the temple? Then we come to how this applies to me.
If the Lord, or one of his messengers, were to appear to me, where would this take place? The temple is certainly a likely place… but it isn’t really private there. Is my home a worthy enough place? I try to make it as clean as possible but the fact that we live in the “world” makes it very difficult to keep influences of the world out. Do I need to go to a mountain? If so, which one? Will the Lord carry me away to a mountain as He did Nephi? These and many other things have been the topic of much pondering and prayer.
I feel a little bit overwhelmed today. I have been very busy at work, for which I am very grateful. At the same time I feel a burning desire to read all that I can. In addition to my study of the Book of Mormon, I am reading “The Mortal Messiah- Book One” (There are 4 volumes). I am also reading Hugh Nibley’s “Approaching Zion”, an amazing work.
I love reading and I want to read all of my spare time, however, of course I have many other responsibilities. I have received a burning testimony of the new Duty to God program. I feel a compelling need to implement it in the life of my two sons. It comes as an answer to many sincere prayers on what I can do to prepare my sons for Priesthood service. Implementing this program takes a lot of time and dedication in the evenings. It has changes how we have family scripture study… a topic for another day.
Now we come to the topic of my blog. I also feel a strong need to write in this blog. The ironic thing is that not that many people read it. Something inside me however is driving me to write about my reading of the Book of Mormon. I have been delaying this day because of the overwhelming topic of Nephi’s interpretation of Lehi’s Dream. This is an important topic that I have spent many hours pondering about. I hope I can do it justice.
Vs 1
“FOR it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.”
There is nearly an entire sermon taught in this verse alone. Nephi had a desire to know the things his father had seen; and he had faith that the Lord was able to make them known unto him. My immediate thoughts go to Alma’s parable of the seed.
27 “But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.”
Take note of the words “desire to believe.” This is an indication of Nephi’s faith.
Nephi sat pondering. I have learned throughout my life that I need to make time for pondering. I have found that rising early in the morning is the only time that works for me. I awaken every morning between 4:30 and 5:00 am. I spend at least an hour reading, pondering, and journaling on impressions that come to me. Without a doubt this has become the most precious time of my life. This is the time that I really begin to understand the nature of our Heavenly Father.
Additionally I attend the temple every Wednesday morning for the 6:00 am session. I can’t begin to describe the things that I have learned over the last year doing this. The temple is indeed the Lord’s university.
Nephi was “caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, to an exceedingly high mountain.” This has been a topic of many hours of pondering. Where was Nephi when this was happening? Was he in his tent? Was he somewhere in the wilderness praying? If so, why was he carried away to somewhere else? Why didn’t the Lord simply appear to him where he was?
We know from the experience of others, that the Lord appears in “Holy Places”. These have often been mountain tops. It seems that the Lord uses mountain tops when temples aren’t available. If a temple had been available, would this have happened in the temple? Then we come to how this applies to me.
If the Lord, or one of his messengers, were to appear to me, where would this take place? The temple is certainly a likely place… but it isn’t really private there. Is my home a worthy enough place? I try to make it as clean as possible but the fact that we live in the “world” makes it very difficult to keep influences of the world out. Do I need to go to a mountain? If so, which one? Will the Lord carry me away to a mountain as He did Nephi? These and many other things have been the topic of much pondering and prayer.
Friday, September 10, 2010
1 Nephi 10
Sorry for the dry spell. I have been out of town with work (I am writing this from Las Vegas). I will try to catch up.
1 Nephi 10
Vs 1
Nephi completes his rehearsing of his father’s story and begins on his own.
Vs. 2-3
I have been reading the book of Jeremiah from the Old Testament while reading this part of the Book of Mormon as well. Both Nephi and Jeremiah lived at the same time and were writing about many of the same events. It has been very interesting to see the fulfillment of Lehi’s prophecies in the book of Jeremiah.
Vs. 11-12
I am constantly trying to do as we are taught by likening the scriptures unto my own life and situation. The Book of Mormon continually talks about “Israel” and the “Gentiles.” Since we as Latter-Day-Saints are really both Israel and Gentiles, I am continually trying to figure out how the scriptures apply to me. These verses are a perfect example of my confusion. Any thoughts from anyone???
Vs 13
This verse seems to make it clear that I am a Gentile and Israel is the Jews. This is not always the case in other scriptures however. Was Joseph Smith a Gentile of was he a natural branch of Israel???
Vs. 17
Nephi was desirous that he might “see, hear, and know” all the things his father saw, heard and knew. This scripture says this is a gift given to “all those who diligently seek him”. This is something I desire.
Vs. 18
The way is prepared for all!
Vs. 19
This is one of my favorite scriptures. “He that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them”
Vs 20-21
We are judged for what we do. If we do wickedly we will be found unworthy!
1 Nephi 10
Vs 1
Nephi completes his rehearsing of his father’s story and begins on his own.
Vs. 2-3
I have been reading the book of Jeremiah from the Old Testament while reading this part of the Book of Mormon as well. Both Nephi and Jeremiah lived at the same time and were writing about many of the same events. It has been very interesting to see the fulfillment of Lehi’s prophecies in the book of Jeremiah.
Vs. 11-12
I am constantly trying to do as we are taught by likening the scriptures unto my own life and situation. The Book of Mormon continually talks about “Israel” and the “Gentiles.” Since we as Latter-Day-Saints are really both Israel and Gentiles, I am continually trying to figure out how the scriptures apply to me. These verses are a perfect example of my confusion. Any thoughts from anyone???
Vs 13
This verse seems to make it clear that I am a Gentile and Israel is the Jews. This is not always the case in other scriptures however. Was Joseph Smith a Gentile of was he a natural branch of Israel???
Vs. 17
Nephi was desirous that he might “see, hear, and know” all the things his father saw, heard and knew. This scripture says this is a gift given to “all those who diligently seek him”. This is something I desire.
Vs. 18
The way is prepared for all!
Vs. 19
This is one of my favorite scriptures. “He that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them”
Vs 20-21
We are judged for what we do. If we do wickedly we will be found unworthy!
Friday, September 3, 2010
1 Nephi 9
This of course is a very short chapter.
Vs 1
“And all these things did my father see and hear…”
I am continually amazed at the number of visions, dreams, and voices that Lehi saw and heard. Nephi seems to be aware of all or most of them. This is an example to me of sharing special experiences with our children.
Vs 2-4
I am reminded by these verses of the talk Elder Henry B. Eyring gave in General Conference in the October 2007 Conference titled “O Remember, Remember.”
“I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.”
In this talk he encourages us to keep a journal of how we have felt the hand of the Lord in our lives. This talk really touched me and I have done a pretty good job of this ever since.
Vs 5-6
Of course we know in hind sight that the Lord was covering for the fact that Martin Harris would lose the 116 pages of the Book of Lehi and the only record we would have would be Nephi’s version of it.
We then learn in “The Words of Mormon” that Mormon’s abridgement was written from the “Large Plates of Nephi”, and that he added this “small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this King Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi.” I quote Words of Mormon verses 6 and 7.
“6 But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.
7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.
Vs 1
“And all these things did my father see and hear…”
I am continually amazed at the number of visions, dreams, and voices that Lehi saw and heard. Nephi seems to be aware of all or most of them. This is an example to me of sharing special experiences with our children.
Vs 2-4
I am reminded by these verses of the talk Elder Henry B. Eyring gave in General Conference in the October 2007 Conference titled “O Remember, Remember.”
“I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.”
In this talk he encourages us to keep a journal of how we have felt the hand of the Lord in our lives. This talk really touched me and I have done a pretty good job of this ever since.
Vs 5-6
Of course we know in hind sight that the Lord was covering for the fact that Martin Harris would lose the 116 pages of the Book of Lehi and the only record we would have would be Nephi’s version of it.
We then learn in “The Words of Mormon” that Mormon’s abridgement was written from the “Large Plates of Nephi”, and that he added this “small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this King Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi.” I quote Words of Mormon verses 6 and 7.
“6 But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.
7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
1 Nephi 8
1 Nephi 8
I am really amazed at the number of visions and dreams that Lehi has. It appears that he doesn’t even write about all of them; or at least Nephi doesn’t write about all of his father’s dreams.
Vs 1
Why did Lehi gather seeds? Was he afraid that the promised land would have what he needed? (It was called the promised land after all, choice above all other lands). Or was this a commandment of the Lord… much like our commandment to have a year’s supply?
Vs. 5
Was the man he saw in the dream the Savior or an angel?
Vs. 6
If it was the Savior and he said “follow me”, was this literal or was this more like Jesus calling the apostles?
Vs. 10
I have a lot of thoughts and questions about this verse. Is this tree the same tree we learn about in the Garden of Eden; The Tree of Life? If its fruit was “desirable to make one happy”, why wouldn’t Laman and Lemuel partake of it? Why didn’t they want to be happy? I have siblings and relatives that won’t partake either. Why won’t they do something so simple if it makes them happy? We learn later on that the fruit of the tree represents the love of God. In light of this, and if it is the same tree found in the Garden of Eden, why was an angel set to guard it from Adam and Eve after the partake of the fruit of the other tree?
Vs 12
Feeling of the love and joy that comes from partaking of the fruit (the love of God), Lehi immediately thinks of his family.
Vs. 14
Our families need our guidance!
Vs 19
The Rod of Iron. We are taught that the Rod of Iron represents the word of God. We are taught to believe that this is the standard works. I have many thoughts on this topic but will share them in a few days when I write about Nephi’s interpretation of the dream.
Vs 20-33
The same holds true for the rest of Lehi’s dream: I will reserve my comments until we are reading Nephi’s interpretation in a few days.
Vs 23
Numberless concourses of people find their way to the path but fall away due to the mist of darkness; they were not yet holding to the rod of iron.
Vs. 24
Some are able to make it through the mist of darkness because they hold fast to the iron rod.
Vs. 25
How could someone be ashamed after they partook of the fruit? We have already learned the fruit is what makes one happy.
Vs. 30
“they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.” Did they fall down to worship as if worshiping the Savior or did they fall down out of exhaustion from the journey?
Vs 34
I find this verse a curious one. Why did Nephi see fit to include it?
Vs 37
I can understand exhorting then “with all the feeling of a tender parent.” How many times have we done this with our own children? How many time has my Heavenly Father done this with me?
I am really amazed at the number of visions and dreams that Lehi has. It appears that he doesn’t even write about all of them; or at least Nephi doesn’t write about all of his father’s dreams.
Vs 1
Why did Lehi gather seeds? Was he afraid that the promised land would have what he needed? (It was called the promised land after all, choice above all other lands). Or was this a commandment of the Lord… much like our commandment to have a year’s supply?
Vs. 5
Was the man he saw in the dream the Savior or an angel?
Vs. 6
If it was the Savior and he said “follow me”, was this literal or was this more like Jesus calling the apostles?
Vs. 10
I have a lot of thoughts and questions about this verse. Is this tree the same tree we learn about in the Garden of Eden; The Tree of Life? If its fruit was “desirable to make one happy”, why wouldn’t Laman and Lemuel partake of it? Why didn’t they want to be happy? I have siblings and relatives that won’t partake either. Why won’t they do something so simple if it makes them happy? We learn later on that the fruit of the tree represents the love of God. In light of this, and if it is the same tree found in the Garden of Eden, why was an angel set to guard it from Adam and Eve after the partake of the fruit of the other tree?
Vs 12
Feeling of the love and joy that comes from partaking of the fruit (the love of God), Lehi immediately thinks of his family.
Vs. 14
Our families need our guidance!
Vs 19
The Rod of Iron. We are taught that the Rod of Iron represents the word of God. We are taught to believe that this is the standard works. I have many thoughts on this topic but will share them in a few days when I write about Nephi’s interpretation of the dream.
Vs 20-33
The same holds true for the rest of Lehi’s dream: I will reserve my comments until we are reading Nephi’s interpretation in a few days.
Vs 23
Numberless concourses of people find their way to the path but fall away due to the mist of darkness; they were not yet holding to the rod of iron.
Vs. 24
Some are able to make it through the mist of darkness because they hold fast to the iron rod.
Vs. 25
How could someone be ashamed after they partook of the fruit? We have already learned the fruit is what makes one happy.
Vs. 30
“they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.” Did they fall down to worship as if worshiping the Savior or did they fall down out of exhaustion from the journey?
Vs 34
I find this verse a curious one. Why did Nephi see fit to include it?
Vs 37
I can understand exhorting then “with all the feeling of a tender parent.” How many times have we done this with our own children? How many time has my Heavenly Father done this with me?
Monday, August 30, 2010
1 Nephi 6 and 7
1 Nephi 6
Vs 4
“For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.”
I am impressed that Nephi is always a missionary. His mission is always to bring others to Christ. This attribute is one of the primary reasons I admire Nephi and want to be like him; he is always trying to do the right thing.
1 Nephi 7
Vs 1
The Lord speaks to Lehi again. Is this face to face, in a dream, vision, or the still small voice? Once again the revelation comes to the presiding authority- Lehi. Although Nephi had received many revelations, this one didn’t come to him.
This verse is a great example of when we are obedient to one commandment… we will receive more.
Vs 2
Lehi once again sends his sons to fulfill a mission. How is this similar to the creation of the world where the Father commanded the Son(s) to go and fulfill a task?
Vs 4
Can you imagine this conversation between Lehi’s sons and the family of Ishmael? What could you say to persuade an entire family to leave all they have and follow a “dreamer?”
Vs 5-6
I’ve never understood why Laman and Lemuel just didn’t stay behind. If they didn’t want to go, why did they; especially when they now had a larger group to fuel their rebellion?
Vs. 12
“Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.”
This is a very powerful verse that we would be wise to follow.
Vs 13
If we are faithful, we too will obtain a land of promise! I know this is true, blessings come to those who are faithful. I have experienced this in my own life. Although I continue to make many mistakes, I am truly trying to be faithful. I feel once again like the “tree by the river” as spoken of in Jeremiah 17:7-8.
“7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Vs. 17-18
I always have found it interesting that Nephi prays for the strength to burst the bands, however, the Lord sees fit to simply loosen them. Would giving Nephi the strength have boosted his pride and encouraged him to rely on his own strength? Loosing the bands made Nephi remember it was the Lord’s doing.
How can I apply this to my own life? How often do I ask the Lord for something that is righteous… but will make me “look good” rather than making people turn to Christ?
Vs. 19
Was the daughter that settled down those who were angry with Nephi the one he ultimately married? The fact that her mother also was part of the peace making points to the faithfulness of the mother. She was in support of going into the wilderness to be with Lehi.
Vs 21
I have always been impressed that Nephi “did frankly forgive them and all they had done.” He was willing to forget it and move on. This is a great example of forgiveness.
Vs 22
Once again they offer sacrifice as thanks to the Lord. How do we offer sacrifice in thanks? The Lord asks us to sacrifice our will to His!
Vs 4
“For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.”
I am impressed that Nephi is always a missionary. His mission is always to bring others to Christ. This attribute is one of the primary reasons I admire Nephi and want to be like him; he is always trying to do the right thing.
1 Nephi 7
Vs 1
The Lord speaks to Lehi again. Is this face to face, in a dream, vision, or the still small voice? Once again the revelation comes to the presiding authority- Lehi. Although Nephi had received many revelations, this one didn’t come to him.
This verse is a great example of when we are obedient to one commandment… we will receive more.
Vs 2
Lehi once again sends his sons to fulfill a mission. How is this similar to the creation of the world where the Father commanded the Son(s) to go and fulfill a task?
Vs 4
Can you imagine this conversation between Lehi’s sons and the family of Ishmael? What could you say to persuade an entire family to leave all they have and follow a “dreamer?”
Vs 5-6
I’ve never understood why Laman and Lemuel just didn’t stay behind. If they didn’t want to go, why did they; especially when they now had a larger group to fuel their rebellion?
Vs. 12
“Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.”
This is a very powerful verse that we would be wise to follow.
Vs 13
If we are faithful, we too will obtain a land of promise! I know this is true, blessings come to those who are faithful. I have experienced this in my own life. Although I continue to make many mistakes, I am truly trying to be faithful. I feel once again like the “tree by the river” as spoken of in Jeremiah 17:7-8.
“7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Vs. 17-18
I always have found it interesting that Nephi prays for the strength to burst the bands, however, the Lord sees fit to simply loosen them. Would giving Nephi the strength have boosted his pride and encouraged him to rely on his own strength? Loosing the bands made Nephi remember it was the Lord’s doing.
How can I apply this to my own life? How often do I ask the Lord for something that is righteous… but will make me “look good” rather than making people turn to Christ?
Vs. 19
Was the daughter that settled down those who were angry with Nephi the one he ultimately married? The fact that her mother also was part of the peace making points to the faithfulness of the mother. She was in support of going into the wilderness to be with Lehi.
Vs 21
I have always been impressed that Nephi “did frankly forgive them and all they had done.” He was willing to forget it and move on. This is a great example of forgiveness.
Vs 22
Once again they offer sacrifice as thanks to the Lord. How do we offer sacrifice in thanks? The Lord asks us to sacrifice our will to His!
Friday, August 27, 2010
1 Nephi 5
1 Nephi 5
Vs 1-3
I wonder how long this trip took Nephi and his brothers. We know that the family was three days in the wilderness before commanded to return. It apparently took longer than Sariah had anticipated because she really began to complain to Lehi. I can imagine the tension between them prior to the boys returning.
Vs. 4-7
Lehi defends his position and tries to comfort his wife. He testifies of his calling and exercises great faith.
Vs. 8
When the sons arrive, Sariah gains a witness that her husband is following the Lord.
Vs. 9
To rejoice, they offer sacrifices to the Lord. What would be an equivalent today? Perhaps attending the temple or making a bigger commitment to obeying the commandments.
Vs. 10
Lehi delves in to studying the record. It is obviously the first time he has seen it. I ask the same question that I did a few days ago… how did Lehi know about the record? We know that Laban and Lehi were related… but how? Why wouldn’t it have been easier for Lehi to get the plates than for the sons?
Lehi was obviously already well acquainted with the scriptures. He probably had his own copy he had been studying over his lifetime. It was typical for the scriptures in that day to be written on scrolls. Did they need the brass plates simply because they were brass that would endure?
Vs 12
The brass plates were a current record… meaning they contained the history all the way up to the current king. They contained writings of Jeremiah who was still alive! Was Laban the record keeper?? He did seem to be some kind of official.
Vs 14
There is a fantastic book called The Hidden Christ by James Ferrell that goes into detail about Lehi being a descendant of Joseph is key to the fulfilling of Joseph’s dream of the sun, and moon, and stars bowing to him (see Genesis 37). I encourage all to read it. It is one of my favorite books of all time.
Through Patriarchal blessings we learn that most of us are descendants of Joseph as well. This may be by blood or adoption.
Vs 18
Again, a key element to Joseph of Egypt being an ancestor of Lehi. Joseph was promised that the gospel would be spread to the world by his seed (see Joseph in the Bible Dictionary to learn more about this).
Vs 1-3
I wonder how long this trip took Nephi and his brothers. We know that the family was three days in the wilderness before commanded to return. It apparently took longer than Sariah had anticipated because she really began to complain to Lehi. I can imagine the tension between them prior to the boys returning.
Vs. 4-7
Lehi defends his position and tries to comfort his wife. He testifies of his calling and exercises great faith.
Vs. 8
When the sons arrive, Sariah gains a witness that her husband is following the Lord.
Vs. 9
To rejoice, they offer sacrifices to the Lord. What would be an equivalent today? Perhaps attending the temple or making a bigger commitment to obeying the commandments.
Vs. 10
Lehi delves in to studying the record. It is obviously the first time he has seen it. I ask the same question that I did a few days ago… how did Lehi know about the record? We know that Laban and Lehi were related… but how? Why wouldn’t it have been easier for Lehi to get the plates than for the sons?
Lehi was obviously already well acquainted with the scriptures. He probably had his own copy he had been studying over his lifetime. It was typical for the scriptures in that day to be written on scrolls. Did they need the brass plates simply because they were brass that would endure?
Vs 12
The brass plates were a current record… meaning they contained the history all the way up to the current king. They contained writings of Jeremiah who was still alive! Was Laban the record keeper?? He did seem to be some kind of official.
Vs 14
There is a fantastic book called The Hidden Christ by James Ferrell that goes into detail about Lehi being a descendant of Joseph is key to the fulfilling of Joseph’s dream of the sun, and moon, and stars bowing to him (see Genesis 37). I encourage all to read it. It is one of my favorite books of all time.
Through Patriarchal blessings we learn that most of us are descendants of Joseph as well. This may be by blood or adoption.
Vs 18
Again, a key element to Joseph of Egypt being an ancestor of Lehi. Joseph was promised that the gospel would be spread to the world by his seed (see Joseph in the Bible Dictionary to learn more about this).
Thursday, August 26, 2010
1 Nephi 4
Vs. 1
It is humbling to me to ponder that everything belongs to our Heavenly Father and we really have and are nothing. The earth is made up of matter. All of this matter belongs to our Heavenly Father. Our homes, our cars, and most importantly our bodies are all made from His matter. When we die, the matter of our bodies simply becomes part of the earth again. It is simply by His goodness that He allows us to borrow anything. Pondering this concept makes me realize that He, and only He, is in charge of all things. This makes 1 Ne 4:1 relevant.
Vs. 3
Nephi tells his brothers “an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt?” This phrase makes me think of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, when he was speaking with Sherem found in Jacob 7:5 which reads:
“And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.”
For Jacob, seeing an angel helped him have faith that couldn’t be shaken! Such miracles only seem to strengthen the faith of the righteous; the wicked are not phased by it.
Vs. 6
How often do we need to step into the darkness relying on nothing but faith?
Vs. 10
Many times in my life I have felt a prompting to do something or perhaps not to do something and I have second guessed myself; particularly when I was younger and less experienced in following the promptings of the spirit. I have often asked myself “is this really the spirit or just my own feelings?” Did Nephi feel this way or was he experienced enough to know it was of the Lord? It appears that he knew it was a prompting of the Lord but that he didn’t want to do it at first. It was against everything he had ever been taught.
Vs. 11-12
In both these verses Nephi says “the Spirit said unto me.” Only experience can teach us to hear the still small voice of the Spirit!
Vs. 13
We learn from the experience of the Mulekites what the result would have been if they hadn’t taken the plates.
Vs. 14
Nephi writes “when I had heard these words”. Again, was it the still small voice or more literal? He goes on to write “I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness.”
Vs. 18
“I obeyed the voice of the Spirit.”
I have learned from my own experience that if I obey the voice of the Spirit, the voice comes more often and more clearly. If I disobey, the next time is slower in coming.
Vs. 30-38
I have many thoughts and questions about Zoram. It seems apparent that Zoram didn’t actually know Laban very well because Nephi was able to hide his identity. Zoram knew the armor or the clothing of Laban more than he knew the Man.
It appears that Zoram was more of a slave than a servant. There was no discussion of Zoram leaving his family behind. Nephi also promised Zoram that he would be a “free man” if he would go into the wilderness with Nephi.
I am also amazed at what binding attributes are associated with an oath in that day. Nephi writes “when Zoram made an oath with us, our fears did cease concerning him.” This seems unheard of in our day.
Another Thought
I have often pondered on how important it was that Nephi was the one successful in getting the plates from Laban. Later in the story, as the Nephites and Lamanites part ways, Nephi’s group takes the plates with them. I am convinced that if Laman had been successful in getting the Plates from Laban, that when they parted ways that there would have been a fight over the plates and Laman would have ended up with them. Think of the consequences!
It is humbling to me to ponder that everything belongs to our Heavenly Father and we really have and are nothing. The earth is made up of matter. All of this matter belongs to our Heavenly Father. Our homes, our cars, and most importantly our bodies are all made from His matter. When we die, the matter of our bodies simply becomes part of the earth again. It is simply by His goodness that He allows us to borrow anything. Pondering this concept makes me realize that He, and only He, is in charge of all things. This makes 1 Ne 4:1 relevant.
Vs. 3
Nephi tells his brothers “an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt?” This phrase makes me think of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, when he was speaking with Sherem found in Jacob 7:5 which reads:
“And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.”
For Jacob, seeing an angel helped him have faith that couldn’t be shaken! Such miracles only seem to strengthen the faith of the righteous; the wicked are not phased by it.
Vs. 6
How often do we need to step into the darkness relying on nothing but faith?
Vs. 10
Many times in my life I have felt a prompting to do something or perhaps not to do something and I have second guessed myself; particularly when I was younger and less experienced in following the promptings of the spirit. I have often asked myself “is this really the spirit or just my own feelings?” Did Nephi feel this way or was he experienced enough to know it was of the Lord? It appears that he knew it was a prompting of the Lord but that he didn’t want to do it at first. It was against everything he had ever been taught.
Vs. 11-12
In both these verses Nephi says “the Spirit said unto me.” Only experience can teach us to hear the still small voice of the Spirit!
Vs. 13
We learn from the experience of the Mulekites what the result would have been if they hadn’t taken the plates.
Vs. 14
Nephi writes “when I had heard these words”. Again, was it the still small voice or more literal? He goes on to write “I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness.”
Vs. 18
“I obeyed the voice of the Spirit.”
I have learned from my own experience that if I obey the voice of the Spirit, the voice comes more often and more clearly. If I disobey, the next time is slower in coming.
Vs. 30-38
I have many thoughts and questions about Zoram. It seems apparent that Zoram didn’t actually know Laban very well because Nephi was able to hide his identity. Zoram knew the armor or the clothing of Laban more than he knew the Man.
It appears that Zoram was more of a slave than a servant. There was no discussion of Zoram leaving his family behind. Nephi also promised Zoram that he would be a “free man” if he would go into the wilderness with Nephi.
I am also amazed at what binding attributes are associated with an oath in that day. Nephi writes “when Zoram made an oath with us, our fears did cease concerning him.” This seems unheard of in our day.
Another Thought
I have often pondered on how important it was that Nephi was the one successful in getting the plates from Laban. Later in the story, as the Nephites and Lamanites part ways, Nephi’s group takes the plates with them. I am convinced that if Laman had been successful in getting the Plates from Laban, that when they parted ways that there would have been a fight over the plates and Laman would have ended up with them. Think of the consequences!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
1 Nephi 3
1 Nephi 3
I had a wonderful morning in the Salt Lake Temple this morning. A wonderful spirit was present and it was the perfect way to start a new day. I encourage all to attend as much as possible.
Because I was in the temple this morning, I am late in getting today’s thoughts posted. I welcome your comments.
Vs.1
Nephi returns from speaking with the Lord! Was this simply a prayer or was it a vision? Perhaps he simply heard His voice. Is this experience separate from the previous experience?
Vs 2
Lehi has another dream. He is commanded to have his sons return to Jerusalem. Why wasn’t Lehi commanded to go himself? Was his life in danger because of his previous preaching or was this some kind of lesson for his sons?
Vs. 3
I have heard several times in my life that Lehi and Laban were cousins. Is this something revealed by Joseph Smith or are we simply assuming this because Laban has the record of Lehi’s forefathers?
Vs. 5
This verse implies that Lehi has already spoken to Laman and Lemuel prior to speaking to Nephi. Lehi tells Nephi that they have already complained that it is too hard.
Vs. 7
This is one of the most beloved and quoted scriptures in the entire Book of Mormon. What a manifestation of Nephi’s faith! I have a cross reference of this scripture with Moroni 7:33 which reads; “33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. I hope to be able to develop this type of faith!
Vs. 8
I have experienced this type of joy that comes from my children exercising faith!
Vs. 10
I wonder what the population of Jerusalem was at this time? The current “old city” is about 1 square mile, however, the Bible maps found in our scriptures show the city at the time of Christ much smaller. This was even 600 years prior to Christ’s coming. Was it smaller or larger?
On a side note, some of the walls of the city that would have existed during this time have been excavated in Jerusalem. They are really remarkable to see.
Vs. 11
Why did they cast lots? Why didn’t they all go?
Vs. 14-16
They all became exceedingly sorrowful when their first attempt failed. Laman and Lemuel wanted to give up but Nephi was committed to keeping the commandments… and he considered getting the plates one of them.
Interestingly they go to plan B of their own. They didn’t seem to turn to the Lord to ask Him how to get the plates.
Vs. 19-20
Nephi seemed to really understand the importance of getting the plates. He outlines the consequences of not getting them. Did he receive this by revelation or was it told to him by his father as they were planning the trip?
Vs. 21
Nephi uses his testimony to try to persuade his brothers to keep the commandments.
Vs. 29
As Laman and Lemuel are beating their younger brothers, perhaps for having such “stupid” ideas as giving up all their gold and silver, an angel appears. Why did this not simply floor Laman and Lemuel?
Vs. 31
When the angel leaves, Laman and Lemuel go right back to murmuring. This is difficult for me to comprehend.
I wonder how many days this entire experience took? For most of my life I imagined it all happening in one night but I am now beginning to think that it was over a period of several days. It doesn’t say how long they were in the “cavity of a rock”.
I had a wonderful morning in the Salt Lake Temple this morning. A wonderful spirit was present and it was the perfect way to start a new day. I encourage all to attend as much as possible.
Because I was in the temple this morning, I am late in getting today’s thoughts posted. I welcome your comments.
Vs.1
Nephi returns from speaking with the Lord! Was this simply a prayer or was it a vision? Perhaps he simply heard His voice. Is this experience separate from the previous experience?
Vs 2
Lehi has another dream. He is commanded to have his sons return to Jerusalem. Why wasn’t Lehi commanded to go himself? Was his life in danger because of his previous preaching or was this some kind of lesson for his sons?
Vs. 3
I have heard several times in my life that Lehi and Laban were cousins. Is this something revealed by Joseph Smith or are we simply assuming this because Laban has the record of Lehi’s forefathers?
Vs. 5
This verse implies that Lehi has already spoken to Laman and Lemuel prior to speaking to Nephi. Lehi tells Nephi that they have already complained that it is too hard.
Vs. 7
This is one of the most beloved and quoted scriptures in the entire Book of Mormon. What a manifestation of Nephi’s faith! I have a cross reference of this scripture with Moroni 7:33 which reads; “33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. I hope to be able to develop this type of faith!
Vs. 8
I have experienced this type of joy that comes from my children exercising faith!
Vs. 10
I wonder what the population of Jerusalem was at this time? The current “old city” is about 1 square mile, however, the Bible maps found in our scriptures show the city at the time of Christ much smaller. This was even 600 years prior to Christ’s coming. Was it smaller or larger?
On a side note, some of the walls of the city that would have existed during this time have been excavated in Jerusalem. They are really remarkable to see.
Vs. 11
Why did they cast lots? Why didn’t they all go?
Vs. 14-16
They all became exceedingly sorrowful when their first attempt failed. Laman and Lemuel wanted to give up but Nephi was committed to keeping the commandments… and he considered getting the plates one of them.
Interestingly they go to plan B of their own. They didn’t seem to turn to the Lord to ask Him how to get the plates.
Vs. 19-20
Nephi seemed to really understand the importance of getting the plates. He outlines the consequences of not getting them. Did he receive this by revelation or was it told to him by his father as they were planning the trip?
Vs. 21
Nephi uses his testimony to try to persuade his brothers to keep the commandments.
Vs. 29
As Laman and Lemuel are beating their younger brothers, perhaps for having such “stupid” ideas as giving up all their gold and silver, an angel appears. Why did this not simply floor Laman and Lemuel?
Vs. 31
When the angel leaves, Laman and Lemuel go right back to murmuring. This is difficult for me to comprehend.
I wonder how many days this entire experience took? For most of my life I imagined it all happening in one night but I am now beginning to think that it was over a period of several days. It doesn’t say how long they were in the “cavity of a rock”.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
1 Nephi 2
1 Nephi 2
vs 1
Lehi sees Christ in a dream… or at least hears his voice.
Vs 2
Lehi receives a commandment from the Lord intended for his family only. This is an example of the personal revelation we should be receiving for our own families.
Vs 3
Lehi obeys the prompting. I have had personal experiences where I have obeyed promptings… but I have also had experiences where I have ignored promptings. Think of the consequences of Lehi ignoring this prompting because it was hard or inconvenient.
Vs 4
Lehi shows his willingness to give up the world and to not put his trust in the arm of the flesh. He leaves it all behind to follow the Lord. He only took his family and his provisions… perhaps his “year’s supply.”
Vs 7
Lehi continues to be obedient to the commandments and obeys the law of sacrifice. Think of the difficulty of performing the law of sacrifice in the wilderness without the “comforts of home”. It would be a bloody mess. How willing are we to obey when we are out of convenience? Perhaps when we are on vacation or away on business?
Vs 13
Laman and Lemuel didn’t believe that Jerusalem could be destroyed. I would like to interject a quote from Elder McConkie about Jerusalem here.(The Millennial Messiah; pg 462)
“Jerusalem is the Holy City, the city of David, the city of the Great King. It is the city where Melchizedek, the king of Salem and the prince of peace, reigned in righteousness and with his people served the Lord in spirit and in truth. Jerusalem, captured by David from the Jebusites, became the capital city in Israel and later the capital of the kingdom of Judah.
In her environs the Son of God was born; in her streets the Holy Messiah ministered; and in her temple the witness was borne of his divine Sonship. Outside her walls, in a garden called Gethsemane, suffering in agony beyond compare, he took upon himself the sins of all men on conditions of repentance. Outside her walls at a place called Golgotha, he was nailed to a cross and crucified for the sins of the world. Outside her walls in a quiet garden, he burst the bands of death, arose from the Arimathean's tomb, and brought life and immortality to light.
Jerusalem, in the days of her sorrow, was sacked by Nebuchadnezzar, conquered by Rome, put to the torch by Titus. And now for nearly two millenniums she has been trodden down of the Gentiles, and the end of her sorrow is not yet. In the days ahead some of the faithful will gather again within her walls and shall build the promised temple, a temple whose functions and uses will be patterned after the house of the Lord in Salt Lake City. Thereafter two prophets—valiant, mighty witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ—will teach and testify and prophesy in her streets for three and a half years, at which time they will be slain, resurrected, and caught up to heaven. In the midst of the great war of Armageddon then in progress, Jerusalem will fall, the Lord will come, and the remnant of Judah that remains will accept the Nazarene as their King.
Jerusalem has ascended to the heights and descended to the depths. The Lord Omnipotent, who was and is from everlasting to everlasting, made the dust of her streets holy because the soles of his feet found footing there. The blood of prophets cries from that same dust for vengeance against godless wretches to whom innocent blood was of no more worth than sour wine. Jerusalem has been and yet again will be destroyed for her iniquities. When Nebuchadnezzar pillaged and burned and slew and carried the Jews into Babylon, it was because they had rejected Jeremiah and Lehi and the prophets. It was because they walked in an evil course. When Titus tore her asunder, slew most of her citizens, and made slaves of the rest, it was a just retribution because she had crucified her King. And when she falls again, amid the horror and brimstone and blood and fire of Armageddon, it will be because she has again slain the prophets and chosen to worship Baal and Bel and Merodach and all the idols of the heathen rather than the Lord Jehovah.”
Vs 15
This is not the only place that Nephi points out that his father dwelt in a tent. Dwelling in a tent seems to be a symbol of his sacrifice. In what way am I willing to “dwell in a tent?”
Vs 16
Nephi has “a great desire” to know the mysteries of God. There is a belief among the LDS to leave the mysteries alone. However, Nephi goes on to say that it is because of this great desire of the mysteries that he “did cry unto the Lord: and behold he did visit me.” I can only conclude that seeking these mysteries must be done personally and privately… and not in classes and quorums.
Vs 17
Nephi shares these things with his trusted friend and brother Sam. Sam trusts and believes him.
Vs 19
The Lord speaks to Nephi: Is this separate from verse 16 or part of the same revelation? Was it really the voice of the Lord or was it “the still small voice of the Spirit”? The Lord compliments Nephi for his diligence.
Vs 20
“In as much as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper.” What a promise of the Lord! It reminds me of a scripture I read only a couple of days ago in Jeremiah (a contemporary of Lehi and Nephi).
Jeremiah 7:7-8 “7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Vs 21-24
The promises of the Lord seem sure. If I obey I will be blessed. If I rebel I will be cursed. I choose obedience!
vs 1
Lehi sees Christ in a dream… or at least hears his voice.
Vs 2
Lehi receives a commandment from the Lord intended for his family only. This is an example of the personal revelation we should be receiving for our own families.
Vs 3
Lehi obeys the prompting. I have had personal experiences where I have obeyed promptings… but I have also had experiences where I have ignored promptings. Think of the consequences of Lehi ignoring this prompting because it was hard or inconvenient.
Vs 4
Lehi shows his willingness to give up the world and to not put his trust in the arm of the flesh. He leaves it all behind to follow the Lord. He only took his family and his provisions… perhaps his “year’s supply.”
Vs 7
Lehi continues to be obedient to the commandments and obeys the law of sacrifice. Think of the difficulty of performing the law of sacrifice in the wilderness without the “comforts of home”. It would be a bloody mess. How willing are we to obey when we are out of convenience? Perhaps when we are on vacation or away on business?
Vs 13
Laman and Lemuel didn’t believe that Jerusalem could be destroyed. I would like to interject a quote from Elder McConkie about Jerusalem here.(The Millennial Messiah; pg 462)
“Jerusalem is the Holy City, the city of David, the city of the Great King. It is the city where Melchizedek, the king of Salem and the prince of peace, reigned in righteousness and with his people served the Lord in spirit and in truth. Jerusalem, captured by David from the Jebusites, became the capital city in Israel and later the capital of the kingdom of Judah.
In her environs the Son of God was born; in her streets the Holy Messiah ministered; and in her temple the witness was borne of his divine Sonship. Outside her walls, in a garden called Gethsemane, suffering in agony beyond compare, he took upon himself the sins of all men on conditions of repentance. Outside her walls at a place called Golgotha, he was nailed to a cross and crucified for the sins of the world. Outside her walls in a quiet garden, he burst the bands of death, arose from the Arimathean's tomb, and brought life and immortality to light.
Jerusalem, in the days of her sorrow, was sacked by Nebuchadnezzar, conquered by Rome, put to the torch by Titus. And now for nearly two millenniums she has been trodden down of the Gentiles, and the end of her sorrow is not yet. In the days ahead some of the faithful will gather again within her walls and shall build the promised temple, a temple whose functions and uses will be patterned after the house of the Lord in Salt Lake City. Thereafter two prophets—valiant, mighty witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ—will teach and testify and prophesy in her streets for three and a half years, at which time they will be slain, resurrected, and caught up to heaven. In the midst of the great war of Armageddon then in progress, Jerusalem will fall, the Lord will come, and the remnant of Judah that remains will accept the Nazarene as their King.
Jerusalem has ascended to the heights and descended to the depths. The Lord Omnipotent, who was and is from everlasting to everlasting, made the dust of her streets holy because the soles of his feet found footing there. The blood of prophets cries from that same dust for vengeance against godless wretches to whom innocent blood was of no more worth than sour wine. Jerusalem has been and yet again will be destroyed for her iniquities. When Nebuchadnezzar pillaged and burned and slew and carried the Jews into Babylon, it was because they had rejected Jeremiah and Lehi and the prophets. It was because they walked in an evil course. When Titus tore her asunder, slew most of her citizens, and made slaves of the rest, it was a just retribution because she had crucified her King. And when she falls again, amid the horror and brimstone and blood and fire of Armageddon, it will be because she has again slain the prophets and chosen to worship Baal and Bel and Merodach and all the idols of the heathen rather than the Lord Jehovah.”
Vs 15
This is not the only place that Nephi points out that his father dwelt in a tent. Dwelling in a tent seems to be a symbol of his sacrifice. In what way am I willing to “dwell in a tent?”
Vs 16
Nephi has “a great desire” to know the mysteries of God. There is a belief among the LDS to leave the mysteries alone. However, Nephi goes on to say that it is because of this great desire of the mysteries that he “did cry unto the Lord: and behold he did visit me.” I can only conclude that seeking these mysteries must be done personally and privately… and not in classes and quorums.
Vs 17
Nephi shares these things with his trusted friend and brother Sam. Sam trusts and believes him.
Vs 19
The Lord speaks to Nephi: Is this separate from verse 16 or part of the same revelation? Was it really the voice of the Lord or was it “the still small voice of the Spirit”? The Lord compliments Nephi for his diligence.
Vs 20
“In as much as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper.” What a promise of the Lord! It reminds me of a scripture I read only a couple of days ago in Jeremiah (a contemporary of Lehi and Nephi).
Jeremiah 7:7-8 “7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Vs 21-24
The promises of the Lord seem sure. If I obey I will be blessed. If I rebel I will be cursed. I choose obedience!
Monday, August 23, 2010
1 Nephi 1
1 Nephi 1:1
Nephi says that he has had “a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God”. I ask myself, What are the mysteries spoken of? Brother John Pontius, the author of two of the most powerful books I have ever read, writes on this topic. (Please follow Brother Pontius at www.followthelight.org )
“There are greater and lesser mysteries. The lesser mysteries are those things which
many mortals understand, which missionaries deliver, and which the scriptures teach withplainness. Most of humanity is exposed to these mysteries throughout their lives, but do not receive what is freely given. The greater mysteries are those truths which are not commonly known, or even spoken of, yet are true. They are held in reverent silence because once obtained, it is generally not allowed for someone so blessed to speak openly of these things.
And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to knowthe mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall notimpart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men,according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. (Alma 12.)
These things remain mysteries only because those who have obtained them through
diligence and righteous obedience, are commanded to give nothing more than the portion which God has ordained. These things are the “Mysteries of God” of which the scriptures speak, and of which the lives and blessings of the faithful bear witness.
They are grand mysteries for now because one must pass a rigorous process of preparation before the greater light of the gospel is even visible to the mortal eye. The fact that they are mysteries in the beginning is the divine order of growth. But, they must not forever remain a mystery. The door must open and the light of revealed glory must be fully received in this life. We have at times heard that we should leave the mysteries alone. Yet, such a statement is not scriptural. The scriptures specifically instruct us to seek the mysteries, and promise that these are the very truths which bring eternal life. In fact, eternal life comes in no other way. This isn’t a way to immortal glory, it is the way.
Consider these scriptures:
7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. (D&C 6:7)
11 And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways. (D&C 6:11)
5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.
6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.
7 And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.
9 And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught.
10 For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man. (D&C 76:5-10)
61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. (D&C 42:61)
10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. (Luke 8:10)
(The Triumph of Zion, John M. Pontius, Unpublished manuscript page 104.)
Within the body of Gospel truth there are two distinct levels of understanding, or
portions of the truth. There is the lesser portion and the greater portion. Let us come to understand the terms, the lesser and greater portion, then we will discuss what it has to do with the fullness of the Gospel.”
Nephi 1:2
How were children educated in Lehi’s day? Nephi knew two languages, was this common or were most illiterate? This perhaps makes an important statement about the type of parents that Lehi and Sariah were.
1 Nephi 1:5
What prompted Lehi to pray in behalf of his people? How do I develop this type of love for others that will cause me to pray for others… strangers? Who are my people? Are they my family, my neighbors, all of America, all of the world? Was it this love of others that caused the “pillar of fire” to appear?
1 Nephi 1:7-8
Where was Lehi when he had his vision? He was in his home on his bed. Is my home a place where a visitation like this could occur?
1 Nephi 1:11
“and the first came and stood before my father.” Was Lehi actually standing face to face with the Savior? What was the book?
1 Nephi 1:14
In Moroni’s promise at the end of the Book of Mormon we read (Moroni 10:3)
“Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts”.
Moroni asks us to ponder how merciful the Lord has been. 1 Nephi 1:14 begins to give us an indication of this mercy. See also verse 20 0f this same chapter.
1 Nephi 1:15
Lehi praises God. Do I praise God enough? How do I praise?
1 Nephi 1:18
After Lehi saw these things he began to go among his people. Is this the point that Lehi is actually called as a prophet?
Nephi says that he has had “a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God”. I ask myself, What are the mysteries spoken of? Brother John Pontius, the author of two of the most powerful books I have ever read, writes on this topic. (Please follow Brother Pontius at www.followthelight.org )
“There are greater and lesser mysteries. The lesser mysteries are those things which
many mortals understand, which missionaries deliver, and which the scriptures teach withplainness. Most of humanity is exposed to these mysteries throughout their lives, but do not receive what is freely given. The greater mysteries are those truths which are not commonly known, or even spoken of, yet are true. They are held in reverent silence because once obtained, it is generally not allowed for someone so blessed to speak openly of these things.
And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to knowthe mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall notimpart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men,according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. (Alma 12.)
These things remain mysteries only because those who have obtained them through
diligence and righteous obedience, are commanded to give nothing more than the portion which God has ordained. These things are the “Mysteries of God” of which the scriptures speak, and of which the lives and blessings of the faithful bear witness.
They are grand mysteries for now because one must pass a rigorous process of preparation before the greater light of the gospel is even visible to the mortal eye. The fact that they are mysteries in the beginning is the divine order of growth. But, they must not forever remain a mystery. The door must open and the light of revealed glory must be fully received in this life. We have at times heard that we should leave the mysteries alone. Yet, such a statement is not scriptural. The scriptures specifically instruct us to seek the mysteries, and promise that these are the very truths which bring eternal life. In fact, eternal life comes in no other way. This isn’t a way to immortal glory, it is the way.
Consider these scriptures:
7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. (D&C 6:7)
11 And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways. (D&C 6:11)
5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.
6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.
7 And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.
9 And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught.
10 For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man. (D&C 76:5-10)
61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. (D&C 42:61)
10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. (Luke 8:10)
(The Triumph of Zion, John M. Pontius, Unpublished manuscript page 104.)
Within the body of Gospel truth there are two distinct levels of understanding, or
portions of the truth. There is the lesser portion and the greater portion. Let us come to understand the terms, the lesser and greater portion, then we will discuss what it has to do with the fullness of the Gospel.”
Nephi 1:2
How were children educated in Lehi’s day? Nephi knew two languages, was this common or were most illiterate? This perhaps makes an important statement about the type of parents that Lehi and Sariah were.
1 Nephi 1:5
What prompted Lehi to pray in behalf of his people? How do I develop this type of love for others that will cause me to pray for others… strangers? Who are my people? Are they my family, my neighbors, all of America, all of the world? Was it this love of others that caused the “pillar of fire” to appear?
1 Nephi 1:7-8
Where was Lehi when he had his vision? He was in his home on his bed. Is my home a place where a visitation like this could occur?
1 Nephi 1:11
“and the first came and stood before my father.” Was Lehi actually standing face to face with the Savior? What was the book?
1 Nephi 1:14
In Moroni’s promise at the end of the Book of Mormon we read (Moroni 10:3)
“Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts”.
Moroni asks us to ponder how merciful the Lord has been. 1 Nephi 1:14 begins to give us an indication of this mercy. See also verse 20 0f this same chapter.
1 Nephi 1:15
Lehi praises God. Do I praise God enough? How do I praise?
1 Nephi 1:18
After Lehi saw these things he began to go among his people. Is this the point that Lehi is actually called as a prophet?
Sunday, August 22, 2010
A new type of Blog.
It has become obvious to all of you that I haven’t been writing in my blog for a long time. I am really sorry. I have continued to read over the past couple of months but I have been reading things that are very difficult to blog about. I have been primarily continuing to read from Elder McConkie’s “Messiah” series and have absolutely been overwhelmed by the greatness of these volumes. I encourage everyone to read them prayerfully and great things will be revealed to you.
In the mean time I felt a strong prompting yesterday to blog in a different way. I am going to start reading the Book of Mormon again tomorrow. I started a month or so ago but feel I need to start over again with you. This is what I am proposing.
Every day I will read from the Book of Mormon. I am hoping that some of you will follow along. Every day I will write the promptings and feeling that come to me. I am hoping you will do the same and that we can edify one another. I promise that I will read every day and never miss. However, there may be days that I am unable to write but I promise to make an effort to write every day.
My dear friend and mentor Denver Snuffer has done something similar. I encourage you to follow his blog as well. He is much further along spiritually than I. I certainly don’t want to compare myself to him or take anything away from him but I feel I have something to offer none the less.
If you feel this would be helpful for you, please follow along. Please post your comments. As we do this, perhaps we can grow together and really help one another become faithful followers of Christ.
With love and appreciation,
Scott
In the mean time I felt a strong prompting yesterday to blog in a different way. I am going to start reading the Book of Mormon again tomorrow. I started a month or so ago but feel I need to start over again with you. This is what I am proposing.
Every day I will read from the Book of Mormon. I am hoping that some of you will follow along. Every day I will write the promptings and feeling that come to me. I am hoping you will do the same and that we can edify one another. I promise that I will read every day and never miss. However, there may be days that I am unable to write but I promise to make an effort to write every day.
My dear friend and mentor Denver Snuffer has done something similar. I encourage you to follow his blog as well. He is much further along spiritually than I. I certainly don’t want to compare myself to him or take anything away from him but I feel I have something to offer none the less.
If you feel this would be helpful for you, please follow along. Please post your comments. As we do this, perhaps we can grow together and really help one another become faithful followers of Christ.
With love and appreciation,
Scott
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Faith and Belief
Once again I have been really taken by a wonderful book by author John Pontius titled “The Triumph of Zion.” This book is definitely in the top five of the best and most influential books I have ever read. It has caused me to think of things I have never thought of before and it has helped me understand the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants better. It seems to make the entire Plan of Salvation make more sense and has helped me understand what is meant when we hear that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel.
The topic I would like to write about today is found toward the end of the book and is a small section titled “Faith and Belief.” He explains the difference between faith and belief and then goes on to explain how our beliefs have a tendency to squash of faith. I hope to be able to explain.
“Faith is a result of exposure to the Spirit of the Lord and is a gift of God. Faith does not naturally reside in man. When we obey some principle of truth, a commandment of God, or any whispering of the Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord touches our souls with a tiny increase of faith regarding that principle.
One can only have faith in things that are true (Alma 32:21). We can’t have faith in a falsehood. Only to the extent that a principle contains truth can we exercise faith in it. For this reason, faith is always centered in Christ, because all truth flows from Christ.
Unlike faith, which is always pure, our belief structure includes both elements of truth and impurities of human assumption, tradition, false conclusions, and out-and-out lies. Most of what we believe comes from the experience of our lifetime, all of which occur in the natural world, and most of which are in some way tainted. Such false beliefs are hostile to our progress unless overridden by revealed truth.”
I will give a personal example of how belief squashes faith. For most of my adult life I believed that it was not possible or perhaps unlikely that faithful members of the church were able to have a personal visit by the Savior while in this life. I believed this blessing was only reserved for Apostles and Prophets… and I wasn’t even sure about all of them. This was my belief! However, over the past 18 mos. or so, my belief has totally changed. I was introduced to Denver Snuffer’s “The Second Comforter” and had a very powerful witness born to me that this great blessing is indeed available to all who seek it. Since that time I have read several books on the topic including very clear teachings from Elder Bruce R. McConkie in “The Promised Messiah” and “The Millennial Messiah” that have taught me the truth of this matter. The Book of Mormon teaches this topic abundantly. I now have overwhelming faith in the matter that Christ will appear to each of us if we are faithful and as we “seek His face.”
Brother Pontius goes on to write “Our every act is driven by a belief. Whether that belief is based upon truth, or upon misconception, determines whether the act is righteous or evil. Often, faith can be profound, while our belief about how that faith applies to us can limit, or even eliminate, our enjoyment of the fruits of our faith. Such faith-opposing believing is called “unbelief” in the scriptures. It is not necessarily an absence of faith and can coexist with faith quite companionably. But it is nevertheless an effective and often long-lived damnation of our faith.
An example might be: We may have faith that Heavenly Father loves us and has the power to heal an illness or disease we may have. But we simultaneously believe (or assume because of what others have taught us) that Heavenly Father wants us to learn some lesson through our suffering, or that we must seek a medical solution first, only turning to Him as a last resort. Or, we may conclude that since we haven’t personally seen this magnitude of healing with our own eyes, He may just not be doing healings of this degree nowadays, and thus, we doubt the will of God to heal us—not His power, but His intention to do so. We have great faith He can, we just don’t believe He will, and thus uninspired belief (unbelief) smothers our faith.
Another example may be: We read the scriptures and have complete faith that the brother of Jared (or any other righteous figure) truly experienced the profound blessings, visions, revelations and angelic visitations they record. And, even though the same prophet records that God is no respecter of persons and liberally grants the same blessings to all who righteously seek them, we believe that the scriptures are largely for our education and not a prototype of our personal spiritual potential. We may conclude that such things do not happen in this day, or if they do, that would happen to someone more highly placed or more obedient. We thereby doubt, not God’s power, which is a by-product of our faith, but His will to grant us a place within His promises. Such doubt by definition is unbelief.
We extinguish the fire of faith with the cold rains of unbelief. The Lord told Moroni 4:
7 ‘And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are.’
This verse contains one of the most incredible pronouncements of promise this dispensation has ever been given.” In fact, I personally believe (Scott Webb speaking) that this is part of what is meant when we hear that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel. Pontius goes on to write “It is saying when—notice that it doesn’t say if, it implies when—we rend the veil of unbelief and develop faith like the brother of Jared’s, God will unfold unto us all of His revelations, which means that we will know all things, which would enable us to part the veil in many places and lay hold upon all promised blessings. This promise isn’t being made just to the Quorum of the Twelve. This is a promise that is held out to every person who chooses to seek and obtain it. We have access to the same gifts in this day, in this priesthood, in this Church, as the brother of Jared used to rend the heavens in his day, which lit up sixteen stones and his eternity.”
I encourage all who are reading this blog to look at your own life… find the places where belief is overpowering your faith, then go to the Lord in earnest prayer and ask for His help in overcoming your unbelief. I have experienced this in my own life and testify of its efficacy. May we all seek His face.
The topic I would like to write about today is found toward the end of the book and is a small section titled “Faith and Belief.” He explains the difference between faith and belief and then goes on to explain how our beliefs have a tendency to squash of faith. I hope to be able to explain.
“Faith is a result of exposure to the Spirit of the Lord and is a gift of God. Faith does not naturally reside in man. When we obey some principle of truth, a commandment of God, or any whispering of the Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord touches our souls with a tiny increase of faith regarding that principle.
One can only have faith in things that are true (Alma 32:21). We can’t have faith in a falsehood. Only to the extent that a principle contains truth can we exercise faith in it. For this reason, faith is always centered in Christ, because all truth flows from Christ.
Unlike faith, which is always pure, our belief structure includes both elements of truth and impurities of human assumption, tradition, false conclusions, and out-and-out lies. Most of what we believe comes from the experience of our lifetime, all of which occur in the natural world, and most of which are in some way tainted. Such false beliefs are hostile to our progress unless overridden by revealed truth.”
I will give a personal example of how belief squashes faith. For most of my adult life I believed that it was not possible or perhaps unlikely that faithful members of the church were able to have a personal visit by the Savior while in this life. I believed this blessing was only reserved for Apostles and Prophets… and I wasn’t even sure about all of them. This was my belief! However, over the past 18 mos. or so, my belief has totally changed. I was introduced to Denver Snuffer’s “The Second Comforter” and had a very powerful witness born to me that this great blessing is indeed available to all who seek it. Since that time I have read several books on the topic including very clear teachings from Elder Bruce R. McConkie in “The Promised Messiah” and “The Millennial Messiah” that have taught me the truth of this matter. The Book of Mormon teaches this topic abundantly. I now have overwhelming faith in the matter that Christ will appear to each of us if we are faithful and as we “seek His face.”
Brother Pontius goes on to write “Our every act is driven by a belief. Whether that belief is based upon truth, or upon misconception, determines whether the act is righteous or evil. Often, faith can be profound, while our belief about how that faith applies to us can limit, or even eliminate, our enjoyment of the fruits of our faith. Such faith-opposing believing is called “unbelief” in the scriptures. It is not necessarily an absence of faith and can coexist with faith quite companionably. But it is nevertheless an effective and often long-lived damnation of our faith.
An example might be: We may have faith that Heavenly Father loves us and has the power to heal an illness or disease we may have. But we simultaneously believe (or assume because of what others have taught us) that Heavenly Father wants us to learn some lesson through our suffering, or that we must seek a medical solution first, only turning to Him as a last resort. Or, we may conclude that since we haven’t personally seen this magnitude of healing with our own eyes, He may just not be doing healings of this degree nowadays, and thus, we doubt the will of God to heal us—not His power, but His intention to do so. We have great faith He can, we just don’t believe He will, and thus uninspired belief (unbelief) smothers our faith.
Another example may be: We read the scriptures and have complete faith that the brother of Jared (or any other righteous figure) truly experienced the profound blessings, visions, revelations and angelic visitations they record. And, even though the same prophet records that God is no respecter of persons and liberally grants the same blessings to all who righteously seek them, we believe that the scriptures are largely for our education and not a prototype of our personal spiritual potential. We may conclude that such things do not happen in this day, or if they do, that would happen to someone more highly placed or more obedient. We thereby doubt, not God’s power, which is a by-product of our faith, but His will to grant us a place within His promises. Such doubt by definition is unbelief.
We extinguish the fire of faith with the cold rains of unbelief. The Lord told Moroni 4:
7 ‘And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are.’
This verse contains one of the most incredible pronouncements of promise this dispensation has ever been given.” In fact, I personally believe (Scott Webb speaking) that this is part of what is meant when we hear that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel. Pontius goes on to write “It is saying when—notice that it doesn’t say if, it implies when—we rend the veil of unbelief and develop faith like the brother of Jared’s, God will unfold unto us all of His revelations, which means that we will know all things, which would enable us to part the veil in many places and lay hold upon all promised blessings. This promise isn’t being made just to the Quorum of the Twelve. This is a promise that is held out to every person who chooses to seek and obtain it. We have access to the same gifts in this day, in this priesthood, in this Church, as the brother of Jared used to rend the heavens in his day, which lit up sixteen stones and his eternity.”
I encourage all who are reading this blog to look at your own life… find the places where belief is overpowering your faith, then go to the Lord in earnest prayer and ask for His help in overcoming your unbelief. I have experienced this in my own life and testify of its efficacy. May we all seek His face.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Voices
I first want to apologize for the length of time since I last posted on this blog. I have had quite a few people really quite upset about it and I am sorry. My excuse is two-fold: I have been very busy at work (for which I am very grateful), and I set a goal to read the Messiah Series by Elder Mcconkie this year and this has been a bit overwhelming. His subject matter is very deep and difficult to blog about.
A couple of weeks ago a couple of books were recommended to me by a reader of this blog. Karen is a great friend and someone I highly admire. Both books are by John Pontius. The first one is “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” and the other is “The Triumph of Zion”. I have read the first one, “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” and have really learned from it. It is this book that is the inspiration of this post.
In the second chapter of this book is a section called “Voices”. In the June 2006 Ensign, President James, E. Faust wrote the following: “But we hear other voices. Paul said, ‘There are… so many kinds of voices in the world…’ (1 Corinth. 14:10) that compete with the voice of the Spirit. Such is the situation in the world.”
Brother Pontius writes “There are three main sources of voices in a healthy mind. The first is the voice of your own mind. You hear yourself think. You talk with yourself, discuss things with yourself, argue with yourself, berate, praise and jabber with yourself all day long. This voice is distinguishable because it is unsure, or in other words, it questions things, and is seldom decisive. It almost always asks questions. “What was that? Who said that? Why did you say that? What does it mean? Do you suppose? What would happen if? I wonder? Even when it is emphatic, it leaves open the possibility of change. “I’m definitely going to bed now- Okay?” “I’m going to town- if the car will start.” You will notice this voice usually takes the personal case; “I think I should fast today.” The Holy Ghost would have said “Fast today.”
The second voice comes from Satan’s realm. It is unlikely that we receive much attention from the king of that kingdom personally. Rather, we deal with his minions, his messengers, and his tempters. These beings have been in the business of tempting mankind as long as the earth has existed, perhaps longer. They are undoubtedly very skilled and highly motivated. Each have probably thousands of people like ourselves. They have spent thousands of years of intimate contact with mortals. They have much more experience with tempting mortals than we have in resisting it.
When we hear a voice from this source, it will be cleverly disguised and enticing. It will appeal to the natural, carnal, sensual, and devilish side of us. There is rea; intelligence in the message, the malice aforethought. They plan and plot against us, and their messages are carefully chosen.”
In the same article, President Faust says “The adversary tries to smother the voice of the Holy Spirit with a multitude of loud, persistent, persuasive, and appealing voices: murmuring voices, conjuring up perceived injustices; whining voices, abhorring challenge and work; seductive voices, offering sensual enticements; soothing voices, lulling into carnal security; intellectual voices, professing sophistication and superiority: proud voices, relying on the arm of the flesh; flattering voices, puffing us up with pride; cynical voices, destroying hope; entertaining voices, promoting pleasure seeking; commercial voices, tempting us to ‘spend money for that which hath no worth’ and our ‘labor for that which cannot satisfy…’ (2ne. 9:51), and delirious voices, spawning the desire for a ‘high’… which is death-defying experiences for nothing more than a thrill.”
Pontius continues “ A prompting from this source will nearly always be stated as an absolute. “Don’t let him get away with that. I’m too tired to pray. You deserve better. Pay him back. No one will notice. It should be yours anyway—just take it. She is your wife—not your mother. Football only happens once a year, the church can get along without you for one Sunday. She wants you—it is only natural. He loves you more than your husband, how can you not love him back?”
These promptings will always lead us away from the truth. They prompt us to disobey, not to pray, to abandon church and family responsibilities, to commit sin and walk in forbidden paths. They do not limit themselves to voices alone. They draw from the trash stored in our minds to dredge up old memories which will either lure us away from purity and virtue, or keep our minds harrowed up with memories of our sins—even after we have repented of them.
The evil ones cannot read our minds or hear our silent prayers. It seems they hear what the Holy Spirit says to us, for they respond immediately. When the Holy Spirit prompts “say your prayers,” you immediately hear, “Don’t say your prayers, you are too tired.”
“Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest the thoughts and intents of thy heart.” (D&C 6:16)
The Third source of information in our minds is the voice of the Lord through the Holy Spirit. It begins with the conscience, the light of Christ, and is a free gift. It its most rudimentary stages it is quiet urging to choose the right, to abandon wrong choices, and to seek greater truth. This voice grows in content and quality as one heeds its direction until it becomes a significant guide, and the measure of truth. Following baptism and the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit assumes greater power and authority, and though remaining a still small voice it becomes a comfort, guide, and source of great strength as we learn to obey it.
This voice always entices us to do good, to believe, serve, pray and repent. It nearly always prompts contrary to where you were headed. If you were lying under the car on Sunday morning, it would tell you to go to church. If you were already on your way to church, it would prompt nothing, but would give a feeling of comfort and satisfaction.
The voice of conscience is easy to recognize, because it is the only one of the three which prompts to do good. These promptings come as absolute statements. The Holy Spirit would say, “Fast today.” Your mind would have said, “I wonder if I should fast today,” or “Perhaps I should fast.” Any time you have a prompting to do good, it has come from God.
Perhaps the term promptings needs clarification. A prompting is information that originates outside of one’s mind. The Holy Spirit prompts us to do good, the devil prompts to do evil. Our minds consider and analyze the promptings, and make decisions concerning them. These promptings all appear, and sound, exactly like our own thoughts, the only way to differentiate between them is the way we have already discussed. Good comes from God. Evil comes from the adversary. Questions and analysis come from within. It really is just that simple.
In Moroni 7 we read “12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
13 But behold, 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.”
This section of this book was very revealing to me and clarified much in my mind. Ann and I have discussed these voices on numerous occasions but it was never very clear. I feel I have a much greater understanding now.
I know personally that I can think back on times in my life that I have heard and listened to each of these voices. I wish I could say that I have always followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit but I haven’t. I feel however that as I really try to obey the still small voice, and often write the prompting down, that I am becoming more adept at following the Holy Spirit.
A couple of weeks ago a couple of books were recommended to me by a reader of this blog. Karen is a great friend and someone I highly admire. Both books are by John Pontius. The first one is “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” and the other is “The Triumph of Zion”. I have read the first one, “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” and have really learned from it. It is this book that is the inspiration of this post.
In the second chapter of this book is a section called “Voices”. In the June 2006 Ensign, President James, E. Faust wrote the following: “But we hear other voices. Paul said, ‘There are… so many kinds of voices in the world…’ (1 Corinth. 14:10) that compete with the voice of the Spirit. Such is the situation in the world.”
Brother Pontius writes “There are three main sources of voices in a healthy mind. The first is the voice of your own mind. You hear yourself think. You talk with yourself, discuss things with yourself, argue with yourself, berate, praise and jabber with yourself all day long. This voice is distinguishable because it is unsure, or in other words, it questions things, and is seldom decisive. It almost always asks questions. “What was that? Who said that? Why did you say that? What does it mean? Do you suppose? What would happen if? I wonder? Even when it is emphatic, it leaves open the possibility of change. “I’m definitely going to bed now- Okay?” “I’m going to town- if the car will start.” You will notice this voice usually takes the personal case; “I think I should fast today.” The Holy Ghost would have said “Fast today.”
The second voice comes from Satan’s realm. It is unlikely that we receive much attention from the king of that kingdom personally. Rather, we deal with his minions, his messengers, and his tempters. These beings have been in the business of tempting mankind as long as the earth has existed, perhaps longer. They are undoubtedly very skilled and highly motivated. Each have probably thousands of people like ourselves. They have spent thousands of years of intimate contact with mortals. They have much more experience with tempting mortals than we have in resisting it.
When we hear a voice from this source, it will be cleverly disguised and enticing. It will appeal to the natural, carnal, sensual, and devilish side of us. There is rea; intelligence in the message, the malice aforethought. They plan and plot against us, and their messages are carefully chosen.”
In the same article, President Faust says “The adversary tries to smother the voice of the Holy Spirit with a multitude of loud, persistent, persuasive, and appealing voices: murmuring voices, conjuring up perceived injustices; whining voices, abhorring challenge and work; seductive voices, offering sensual enticements; soothing voices, lulling into carnal security; intellectual voices, professing sophistication and superiority: proud voices, relying on the arm of the flesh; flattering voices, puffing us up with pride; cynical voices, destroying hope; entertaining voices, promoting pleasure seeking; commercial voices, tempting us to ‘spend money for that which hath no worth’ and our ‘labor for that which cannot satisfy…’ (2ne. 9:51), and delirious voices, spawning the desire for a ‘high’… which is death-defying experiences for nothing more than a thrill.”
Pontius continues “ A prompting from this source will nearly always be stated as an absolute. “Don’t let him get away with that. I’m too tired to pray. You deserve better. Pay him back. No one will notice. It should be yours anyway—just take it. She is your wife—not your mother. Football only happens once a year, the church can get along without you for one Sunday. She wants you—it is only natural. He loves you more than your husband, how can you not love him back?”
These promptings will always lead us away from the truth. They prompt us to disobey, not to pray, to abandon church and family responsibilities, to commit sin and walk in forbidden paths. They do not limit themselves to voices alone. They draw from the trash stored in our minds to dredge up old memories which will either lure us away from purity and virtue, or keep our minds harrowed up with memories of our sins—even after we have repented of them.
The evil ones cannot read our minds or hear our silent prayers. It seems they hear what the Holy Spirit says to us, for they respond immediately. When the Holy Spirit prompts “say your prayers,” you immediately hear, “Don’t say your prayers, you are too tired.”
“Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest the thoughts and intents of thy heart.” (D&C 6:16)
The Third source of information in our minds is the voice of the Lord through the Holy Spirit. It begins with the conscience, the light of Christ, and is a free gift. It its most rudimentary stages it is quiet urging to choose the right, to abandon wrong choices, and to seek greater truth. This voice grows in content and quality as one heeds its direction until it becomes a significant guide, and the measure of truth. Following baptism and the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit assumes greater power and authority, and though remaining a still small voice it becomes a comfort, guide, and source of great strength as we learn to obey it.
This voice always entices us to do good, to believe, serve, pray and repent. It nearly always prompts contrary to where you were headed. If you were lying under the car on Sunday morning, it would tell you to go to church. If you were already on your way to church, it would prompt nothing, but would give a feeling of comfort and satisfaction.
The voice of conscience is easy to recognize, because it is the only one of the three which prompts to do good. These promptings come as absolute statements. The Holy Spirit would say, “Fast today.” Your mind would have said, “I wonder if I should fast today,” or “Perhaps I should fast.” Any time you have a prompting to do good, it has come from God.
Perhaps the term promptings needs clarification. A prompting is information that originates outside of one’s mind. The Holy Spirit prompts us to do good, the devil prompts to do evil. Our minds consider and analyze the promptings, and make decisions concerning them. These promptings all appear, and sound, exactly like our own thoughts, the only way to differentiate between them is the way we have already discussed. Good comes from God. Evil comes from the adversary. Questions and analysis come from within. It really is just that simple.
In Moroni 7 we read “12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
13 But behold, 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.”
This section of this book was very revealing to me and clarified much in my mind. Ann and I have discussed these voices on numerous occasions but it was never very clear. I feel I have a much greater understanding now.
I know personally that I can think back on times in my life that I have heard and listened to each of these voices. I wish I could say that I have always followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit but I haven’t. I feel however that as I really try to obey the still small voice, and often write the prompting down, that I am becoming more adept at following the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Alma and Our Day
It has been quite some time since I have posted anything new on my blog. In fact, my last blog was just after Fast Sunday and we have already had another one. Oh how time flies.
My mind has been swimming with thoughts and ideas on what to blog about and I likely have two or three that I will post in a pretty short time frame so please check back often.
I am continuing to read in the Book of Mormon and am currently reading in the first few chapters of Alma. My thoughts have really been drawn to what is happening in these chapters. Alma sees that wickedness has crept in to the lives of the people so he has stepped down as chief judge and is devoting all his time to being the high priest. He is traveling from city to city preaching the gospel and calling the people to repentance.
Alma was successful in the city of Zarahemla. In Alma 6 we read: “1 AND now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church.
2 And it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church who repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, and were received into the church.
3 And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the church that did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves before God—I mean those who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts—the same were rejected, and their names were blotted out, that their names were not numbered among those of the righteous.
4 And thus they began to establish the order of the church in thecity of Zarahemla.”
Alma moves on to the cities of Gideon and then to Melek. In both cities he found success and baptized many. He called and ordained others to preside when he departed. He then moves to the city of Ammonihah where he found a much greater challenge.
In the city of Ammonihah he found the people to be particularly stubborn and he was rejected. In Alma 9 we read: “13 Now when the people had said this, and withstood all his words, and reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he should be cast out of their city, he departed thence and took his journey towards the city which was called Aaron.” Alma was discouraged by this rejection and it weighed upon him heavily. The next verse in Alma reads: “14 And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying:
15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you.
16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them.
17 For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people.
18 Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the city of Ammonihah.”
The most poignant of these verses to me verse 17 “For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people.”
For the first time since I started this blog I am making a political statement that may offend some readers… but I feel it is appropriate for our time. Last week when the Healthcare Bill was passed which appears to be contrary to the desires of the majority of citizens, I felt that this very moment in Book of Mormon history was being repeated. Indeed there are those in Washington that “do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people.”
I have become very afraid for our nation. Although the failing of our government has been prophesied for many years, it is difficult to watch it happen. In Alma 10, Alma quotes Mosiah by saying: “19 Yea, well did Mosiah say, who was our last king, when he was about to deliver up the kingdom, having no one to confer it upon, causing that this people should be governed by their own voices—yea, well did he say that if the time should come that the voice of this people should choose iniquity, that is, if the time should come that this people should fall into transgression, they would be ripe for destruction.”
Although this is a frightening thought, I do feel optimistic for the future. I know that the Lord loves and blesses the righteous (and those of us who are striving to be). In a subsequent verse in Alma 10 he states: “ 22 Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
23 But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent.” Now is the time for us to step up!
The Brethren have been very clear in the last couple of conferences that the times that we live in now are those that have been prophesied of for many years. We are in the last days and the Savior will return soon. I get great comfort once again from the words of Alma found in Chapter 13. “25 And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.
26 And it shall be made known unto just and holy men, by the mouth of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers may be fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken concerning him, which was according to the spirit of prophecy which was in them.
27 And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance;
28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;
29 Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.
30 And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye may not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down by the chains of hell, that ye may not suffer the second death.”
Verse 26 above makes it clear that “just and holy men” will be key in guiding us in the last days. How appropriate that General Conference is in a few days. May we all listen intently.
My mind has been swimming with thoughts and ideas on what to blog about and I likely have two or three that I will post in a pretty short time frame so please check back often.
I am continuing to read in the Book of Mormon and am currently reading in the first few chapters of Alma. My thoughts have really been drawn to what is happening in these chapters. Alma sees that wickedness has crept in to the lives of the people so he has stepped down as chief judge and is devoting all his time to being the high priest. He is traveling from city to city preaching the gospel and calling the people to repentance.
Alma was successful in the city of Zarahemla. In Alma 6 we read: “1 AND now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church.
2 And it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church who repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, and were received into the church.
3 And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the church that did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves before God—I mean those who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts—the same were rejected, and their names were blotted out, that their names were not numbered among those of the righteous.
4 And thus they began to establish the order of the church in thecity of Zarahemla.”
Alma moves on to the cities of Gideon and then to Melek. In both cities he found success and baptized many. He called and ordained others to preside when he departed. He then moves to the city of Ammonihah where he found a much greater challenge.
In the city of Ammonihah he found the people to be particularly stubborn and he was rejected. In Alma 9 we read: “13 Now when the people had said this, and withstood all his words, and reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he should be cast out of their city, he departed thence and took his journey towards the city which was called Aaron.” Alma was discouraged by this rejection and it weighed upon him heavily. The next verse in Alma reads: “14 And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying:
15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you.
16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them.
17 For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people.
18 Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the city of Ammonihah.”
The most poignant of these verses to me verse 17 “For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people.”
For the first time since I started this blog I am making a political statement that may offend some readers… but I feel it is appropriate for our time. Last week when the Healthcare Bill was passed which appears to be contrary to the desires of the majority of citizens, I felt that this very moment in Book of Mormon history was being repeated. Indeed there are those in Washington that “do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people.”
I have become very afraid for our nation. Although the failing of our government has been prophesied for many years, it is difficult to watch it happen. In Alma 10, Alma quotes Mosiah by saying: “19 Yea, well did Mosiah say, who was our last king, when he was about to deliver up the kingdom, having no one to confer it upon, causing that this people should be governed by their own voices—yea, well did he say that if the time should come that the voice of this people should choose iniquity, that is, if the time should come that this people should fall into transgression, they would be ripe for destruction.”
Although this is a frightening thought, I do feel optimistic for the future. I know that the Lord loves and blesses the righteous (and those of us who are striving to be). In a subsequent verse in Alma 10 he states: “ 22 Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
23 But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent.” Now is the time for us to step up!
The Brethren have been very clear in the last couple of conferences that the times that we live in now are those that have been prophesied of for many years. We are in the last days and the Savior will return soon. I get great comfort once again from the words of Alma found in Chapter 13. “25 And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.
26 And it shall be made known unto just and holy men, by the mouth of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers may be fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken concerning him, which was according to the spirit of prophecy which was in them.
27 And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance;
28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;
29 Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.
30 And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye may not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down by the chains of hell, that ye may not suffer the second death.”
Verse 26 above makes it clear that “just and holy men” will be key in guiding us in the last days. How appropriate that General Conference is in a few days. May we all listen intently.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Our Earthly Mission
As with most Latter-day-Saints, this past Sunday was Fast Sunday, the day set aside each month where faithful members of the church abstain from eating for 24 hours. The purpose of this fast is two-fold; it is a time to put off the natural man and rely more upon the spirit, and it is a time to donate money to those in need by contributing to the church, the money saved by skipping meals. Those who fast meaningfully and with purpose are blessed with greater spirituality and their faith is strengthened.
We are encouraged to fast with a purpose. This generally means that we keep an issue or a person forefront in our hearts and minds while fasting and ask Heavenly Father for increased help in behalf of this need. It is common to fast in behalf of someone who is sick or to fast while seeking help with a particular need or problem. Fasting without a purpose is really just going hungry.
This past Sunday I had several things I was fasting for. I always ask Heavenly Father for help in becoming more humble and being more receptive to his spirit. I always fast in behalf of my children, that they too can be more receptive of the things of the spirit. This time, however, I fasted for several others as well. I fasted in behalf of a child in my Ward that is struggling with controlling epilepsy. His parents are beside themselves with worry as they strive to help their little boy. I fasted in behalf of my niece whose husband recently passed away leaving her to care for her four children without him. I fasted in behalf of the young son of a niece who seems to have an unexplained illness. And finally I fasted in behalf of a dear friend who is really suffering from the result of sin in his life. All these are real needs that have been in my thoughts and prayers continuously.
The reason I mention these things is because they are all examples of how this life is really hard and full of difficult challenges. It is amazing that all these difficult circumstances, along with many more, are going on in the tiny circle of people that I know and love. No one is exempt from the difficulties of this life. More importantly, none of have really any control of what happens to us here. God only is in control.
I am certain that most of you have already heard of or seen the letter from Sister Lisa Laylock that was recently published in Meridian Magazine. Sister Laylock and her husband President Larry Laylock are currently presiding over the Santiago Chile East Mission. About two weeks prior to the recent Chilean earthquake, Sister Laylock had a dream warning her of the earthquake. President and Sister Laylock spent the next two weeks preparing their missionaries for the earthquake. She wrote “We learned an important lesson: our preparation helped us to avoid panic and fear, but the Lord, in His wisdom, allowed us to experience enough discomfort to know that He has all power. He is in charge. We are nothing without Him. We are dependent upon Him for every breath we take. Only He can save us from death and destruction. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is our perfect example. If we follow Him, we will be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of His Gospel.”
I too have learned from personal experience that I am not in control. I have previously written a blog that dealt with a serious accident with my oldest daughter. No matter how much we want to protect our children and those we love, we don’t really have the power to do so. All we are and all we have rests in God’s hands.
As we try to be in control, we should be reminded of the scripture found in Doctrine and Covenants 121: 33 “How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty…” I have often thought of how the Lord must see us as “puny armed” as we try to be in control.
One question I have often asked myself throughout my life is “why do I make life harder than it already is?” Life is already full of difficult challenges, so why do we make it worse? We have already established that there are many awful things that we are subjected to in this life that we have no control over, however, many difficulties in this life are brought on by carelessness, disobedience and rebellion.
A wise and dear friend has shared an analogy of life that he feels came to him by revelation: I believe he is right. He once told me that this life experience is very similar to preparing for, serving, and coming home from a full-time mission. We anticipate it and prepare for it for many years. We know the rules before we go and generally know what will be expected of us while there. We go for a specific purpose. We have people that have gone before us to help us while there. When we depart for it our family and friends are there to see us off. While serving we are confronted by many challenges that we didn’t anticipate and that may be very difficult. Some dedicate themselves and are faithful and hard working. Others try to do as little as possible and slide through with as little effort as possible. Some become ill but recover. Others become ill and need to come home. Some are in accidents and may be injured. Some may be killed. Some give up and go home early. Some make poor choices and are constantly in trouble. Others rebel and are sent home early. Some barely make it through; others are faithful through the end. Under most scenarios, when we return home there is a celebration. Family and friends are there to greet us. We are able to rest briefly knowing we have served well.
The most difficult missionaries seem to be those that are rebellious; those that are constantly and knowingly breaking the rules. They want to get away with as much as possible without getting sent home. They make foolish and often dangerous choices. They simply don’t want to leave the world behind.
Most of us who have served missions know missionaries that were described by one of these examples (I am sure there are fewer rebellious ones now since the “bar” has been raised). I had one as a companion. It was very difficult.
Similarly in life we have many eternal brothers and sisters that have many difficulties because of foolish choices. Some cut their lives short by participating in extreme and dangerous activities. Others are openly rebellious (all of us are rebellious to some extent) and are involved in disobeying the law of chastity or some other immoral or perverted activity. Sometimes we are injured in accidents that are no fault of our own: Other times our accidents are consequences of our actions. Sometimes we become ill by no fault of our own, other times we bring illnesses upon us by not taking care of ourselves. This may include smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating, or other unhealthy actions.
Thankfully we have a Heavenly Father that loves us and has prepared a way for us to return to Him… no matter what kind of missionary we have been. I have learned through the crucible of my own life that “wickedness never was happiness,” and that true joy and happiness only comes by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
I have learned through my own experience and can therefore testify with authority that the atonement of Jesus Christ is real. We can be forgiven of our wickedness and our sins. Even those we were openly rebellious about, if we will turn from our rebellion and turn to Christ. We must forsake our rebellious nature and ask our Savior to change our hearts. By so doing, we will one day be greeted with the words “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
We are encouraged to fast with a purpose. This generally means that we keep an issue or a person forefront in our hearts and minds while fasting and ask Heavenly Father for increased help in behalf of this need. It is common to fast in behalf of someone who is sick or to fast while seeking help with a particular need or problem. Fasting without a purpose is really just going hungry.
This past Sunday I had several things I was fasting for. I always ask Heavenly Father for help in becoming more humble and being more receptive to his spirit. I always fast in behalf of my children, that they too can be more receptive of the things of the spirit. This time, however, I fasted for several others as well. I fasted in behalf of a child in my Ward that is struggling with controlling epilepsy. His parents are beside themselves with worry as they strive to help their little boy. I fasted in behalf of my niece whose husband recently passed away leaving her to care for her four children without him. I fasted in behalf of the young son of a niece who seems to have an unexplained illness. And finally I fasted in behalf of a dear friend who is really suffering from the result of sin in his life. All these are real needs that have been in my thoughts and prayers continuously.
The reason I mention these things is because they are all examples of how this life is really hard and full of difficult challenges. It is amazing that all these difficult circumstances, along with many more, are going on in the tiny circle of people that I know and love. No one is exempt from the difficulties of this life. More importantly, none of have really any control of what happens to us here. God only is in control.
I am certain that most of you have already heard of or seen the letter from Sister Lisa Laylock that was recently published in Meridian Magazine. Sister Laylock and her husband President Larry Laylock are currently presiding over the Santiago Chile East Mission. About two weeks prior to the recent Chilean earthquake, Sister Laylock had a dream warning her of the earthquake. President and Sister Laylock spent the next two weeks preparing their missionaries for the earthquake. She wrote “We learned an important lesson: our preparation helped us to avoid panic and fear, but the Lord, in His wisdom, allowed us to experience enough discomfort to know that He has all power. He is in charge. We are nothing without Him. We are dependent upon Him for every breath we take. Only He can save us from death and destruction. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is our perfect example. If we follow Him, we will be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of His Gospel.”
I too have learned from personal experience that I am not in control. I have previously written a blog that dealt with a serious accident with my oldest daughter. No matter how much we want to protect our children and those we love, we don’t really have the power to do so. All we are and all we have rests in God’s hands.
As we try to be in control, we should be reminded of the scripture found in Doctrine and Covenants 121: 33 “How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty…” I have often thought of how the Lord must see us as “puny armed” as we try to be in control.
One question I have often asked myself throughout my life is “why do I make life harder than it already is?” Life is already full of difficult challenges, so why do we make it worse? We have already established that there are many awful things that we are subjected to in this life that we have no control over, however, many difficulties in this life are brought on by carelessness, disobedience and rebellion.
A wise and dear friend has shared an analogy of life that he feels came to him by revelation: I believe he is right. He once told me that this life experience is very similar to preparing for, serving, and coming home from a full-time mission. We anticipate it and prepare for it for many years. We know the rules before we go and generally know what will be expected of us while there. We go for a specific purpose. We have people that have gone before us to help us while there. When we depart for it our family and friends are there to see us off. While serving we are confronted by many challenges that we didn’t anticipate and that may be very difficult. Some dedicate themselves and are faithful and hard working. Others try to do as little as possible and slide through with as little effort as possible. Some become ill but recover. Others become ill and need to come home. Some are in accidents and may be injured. Some may be killed. Some give up and go home early. Some make poor choices and are constantly in trouble. Others rebel and are sent home early. Some barely make it through; others are faithful through the end. Under most scenarios, when we return home there is a celebration. Family and friends are there to greet us. We are able to rest briefly knowing we have served well.
The most difficult missionaries seem to be those that are rebellious; those that are constantly and knowingly breaking the rules. They want to get away with as much as possible without getting sent home. They make foolish and often dangerous choices. They simply don’t want to leave the world behind.
Most of us who have served missions know missionaries that were described by one of these examples (I am sure there are fewer rebellious ones now since the “bar” has been raised). I had one as a companion. It was very difficult.
Similarly in life we have many eternal brothers and sisters that have many difficulties because of foolish choices. Some cut their lives short by participating in extreme and dangerous activities. Others are openly rebellious (all of us are rebellious to some extent) and are involved in disobeying the law of chastity or some other immoral or perverted activity. Sometimes we are injured in accidents that are no fault of our own: Other times our accidents are consequences of our actions. Sometimes we become ill by no fault of our own, other times we bring illnesses upon us by not taking care of ourselves. This may include smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating, or other unhealthy actions.
Thankfully we have a Heavenly Father that loves us and has prepared a way for us to return to Him… no matter what kind of missionary we have been. I have learned through the crucible of my own life that “wickedness never was happiness,” and that true joy and happiness only comes by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
I have learned through my own experience and can therefore testify with authority that the atonement of Jesus Christ is real. We can be forgiven of our wickedness and our sins. Even those we were openly rebellious about, if we will turn from our rebellion and turn to Christ. We must forsake our rebellious nature and ask our Savior to change our hearts. By so doing, we will one day be greeted with the words “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Blessed are the Pure in Heart
My head has been whirling for the past several days about a topic I could blog about. I am currently reading “The Book of Mormon” as well as “The Promised Messiah” and a great book titled “Bonds That Make us Free”. I have had some really amazing insights from all three books and I will write about each of them but the topic I would like to discuss today comes from my reading of the Book of Mormon.
As I have mentioned before, I am reading the Book of Mormon this time with journal in hand. This is in response to Elder Scotts talk in conference that explained how to better receive inspiration. He said “I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you.” I am trying to do this. I must admit that I pay much closer attention to what I am reading and I really try to understand what each verse is saying. As I go back and read the notes I have written, a flood of emotion comes over me as I realize the amazing insights found in the Book of Mormon.
This morning as I was reading in Jacob 3, I was impressed by verses 1-3 that talk about the pure in heart. I quote “1 BUT behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
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; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
3 But, wo, wo, unto you that are not pure in heart, that are filthy this day before God; for except ye repent the land is cursed for your sakes;
The topic of being pure in heart has been on my mind quite a bit lately. It started a couple of years ago when Elder Bednar gave a conference address that was titled “Clean Hands and a Pure Heart”. I will address that talk in a minute, but more recently I was in the Mesa Arizona Temple, where above one of the doors leading into the endowment room was the inscription “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”. This inscription went straight to my heart. Being pure in heart is a difficult process but something I really want in my own life.
In October of 2007, Elder Bednar gave the talk I referenced above. I listened to it over and over again, really listening to what its message was. I encourage all to read it but I will do my best to summarize it.
Elder Bednar starts out by reminiscing about learning the stories of the Book of Mormon as a child from his mother. One of his favorites was the story of Christ appearing to the Nephites at the temple in Bountiful. Elder Bednar says “As the Savior’s time with the people was drawing to a close, He succinctly summarized the fundamental principles of His gospel.
Said He, “Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:20).
The gate of baptism leads to the strait and narrow path and to the destination of putting off the natural man and becoming a saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord (see Mosiah 3:19). The purpose of our mortal journey is not merely to see the sights on earth or to expend our allotment of time on self-centered pursuits; rather, we are to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4), to become sanctified by yielding our hearts unto God (see Helaman 3:35), and to obtain “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
We are commanded and instructed to so live that our fallen nature is changed through the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. President Marion G. Romney taught that the baptism of fire by the Holy Ghost “converts [us] from carnality to spirituality. It cleanses, heals, and purifies the soul. . . . Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and water baptism are all preliminary and prerequisite to it, but [the baptism of fire] is the consummation. To receive [this baptism of fire] is to have one’s garments washed in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ” (Learning for the Eternities, comp. George J. Romney [1977], 133; see also 3 Nephi 27:19–20).
Hence, as we are born again and strive to always have His Spirit to be with us, the Holy Ghost sanctifies and refines our souls as if by fire (see 2 Nephi 31:13–14, 17). Ultimately, we are to stand spotless before God.
The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. Repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness are spiritually necessary, and we must always do so. But remission of sin is not the only or even the ultimate purpose of the gospel. To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that “we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2), as did King Benjamin’s people, is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin.
Prophets throughout the ages have emphasized the dual requirements of (1) avoiding and overcoming bad and (2) doing good and becoming better. Consider the penetrating questions posed by the Psalmist:
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3–4).
Brothers and sisters, it is possible for us to have clean hands but not have a pure heart. Please notice that both clean hands and a pure heart are required to ascend into the hill of the Lord and to stand in His holy place.”
There are some amazing doctrines taught in these few paragraphs. We should ponder and pray about all of them. However, I spent hours and hours pondering the words “Brothers and sisters, it is possible for us to have clean hands but not have a pure heart.” I went through my life over and over again asking myself what this means to me. I concluded that we can indeed have clean hands… and not a pure heart. We can refrain from various forms of sin but in our hearts or in our minds still “wish” we could participate. This is a form of clean hands but not a pure heart. I have really made an effort to invite the Holy Spirit into my life to purify my heart. This is a life-long process.
Elder Bednar continues “Some who hear or read this message may think the spiritual progress I am describing is not attainable in their lives. We may believe these truths apply to others but not to us.
We will not attain a state of perfection in this life, but we can and should press forward with faith in Christ along the strait and narrow path and make steady progress toward our eternal destiny. The Lord’s pattern for spiritual development is “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” (2 Nephi 28:30). Small, steady, incremental spiritual improvements are the steps the Lord would have us take. Preparing to walk guiltless before God is one of the primary purposes of mortality and the pursuit of a lifetime; it does not result from sporadic spurts of intense spiritual activity.
I witness that the Savior will strengthen and assist us to make sustained, paced progress. The example in the Book of Mormon of “many, exceedingly great many” (Alma 13:12) in the ancient Church who were pure and spotless before God is a source of encouragement and comfort to me. I suspect those members of the ancient Church were ordinary men and women just like you and me. These individuals could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence, and they “were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God” (v. 12). And these principles and this process of spiritual progress apply to each of us equally and always.
Elder Bednar concludes with this thought and his testimony “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ. . . .
“And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot” (Moroni 10:32–33;
I add my testimony that these principles are true. I have had confirmation of them through the Holy Spirit. It is a constant battle to put off the natural man; We all fail and all make mistakes, but as we continually strive to do what is right, the Lord will make up the difference!
As I have mentioned before, I am reading the Book of Mormon this time with journal in hand. This is in response to Elder Scotts talk in conference that explained how to better receive inspiration. He said “I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you.” I am trying to do this. I must admit that I pay much closer attention to what I am reading and I really try to understand what each verse is saying. As I go back and read the notes I have written, a flood of emotion comes over me as I realize the amazing insights found in the Book of Mormon.
This morning as I was reading in Jacob 3, I was impressed by verses 1-3 that talk about the pure in heart. I quote “1 BUT behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
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; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
3 But, wo, wo, unto you that are not pure in heart, that are filthy this day before God; for except ye repent the land is cursed for your sakes;
The topic of being pure in heart has been on my mind quite a bit lately. It started a couple of years ago when Elder Bednar gave a conference address that was titled “Clean Hands and a Pure Heart”. I will address that talk in a minute, but more recently I was in the Mesa Arizona Temple, where above one of the doors leading into the endowment room was the inscription “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”. This inscription went straight to my heart. Being pure in heart is a difficult process but something I really want in my own life.
In October of 2007, Elder Bednar gave the talk I referenced above. I listened to it over and over again, really listening to what its message was. I encourage all to read it but I will do my best to summarize it.
Elder Bednar starts out by reminiscing about learning the stories of the Book of Mormon as a child from his mother. One of his favorites was the story of Christ appearing to the Nephites at the temple in Bountiful. Elder Bednar says “As the Savior’s time with the people was drawing to a close, He succinctly summarized the fundamental principles of His gospel.
Said He, “Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:20).
The gate of baptism leads to the strait and narrow path and to the destination of putting off the natural man and becoming a saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord (see Mosiah 3:19). The purpose of our mortal journey is not merely to see the sights on earth or to expend our allotment of time on self-centered pursuits; rather, we are to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4), to become sanctified by yielding our hearts unto God (see Helaman 3:35), and to obtain “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
We are commanded and instructed to so live that our fallen nature is changed through the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. President Marion G. Romney taught that the baptism of fire by the Holy Ghost “converts [us] from carnality to spirituality. It cleanses, heals, and purifies the soul. . . . Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and water baptism are all preliminary and prerequisite to it, but [the baptism of fire] is the consummation. To receive [this baptism of fire] is to have one’s garments washed in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ” (Learning for the Eternities, comp. George J. Romney [1977], 133; see also 3 Nephi 27:19–20).
Hence, as we are born again and strive to always have His Spirit to be with us, the Holy Ghost sanctifies and refines our souls as if by fire (see 2 Nephi 31:13–14, 17). Ultimately, we are to stand spotless before God.
The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. Repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness are spiritually necessary, and we must always do so. But remission of sin is not the only or even the ultimate purpose of the gospel. To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that “we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2), as did King Benjamin’s people, is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin.
Prophets throughout the ages have emphasized the dual requirements of (1) avoiding and overcoming bad and (2) doing good and becoming better. Consider the penetrating questions posed by the Psalmist:
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3–4).
Brothers and sisters, it is possible for us to have clean hands but not have a pure heart. Please notice that both clean hands and a pure heart are required to ascend into the hill of the Lord and to stand in His holy place.”
There are some amazing doctrines taught in these few paragraphs. We should ponder and pray about all of them. However, I spent hours and hours pondering the words “Brothers and sisters, it is possible for us to have clean hands but not have a pure heart.” I went through my life over and over again asking myself what this means to me. I concluded that we can indeed have clean hands… and not a pure heart. We can refrain from various forms of sin but in our hearts or in our minds still “wish” we could participate. This is a form of clean hands but not a pure heart. I have really made an effort to invite the Holy Spirit into my life to purify my heart. This is a life-long process.
Elder Bednar continues “Some who hear or read this message may think the spiritual progress I am describing is not attainable in their lives. We may believe these truths apply to others but not to us.
We will not attain a state of perfection in this life, but we can and should press forward with faith in Christ along the strait and narrow path and make steady progress toward our eternal destiny. The Lord’s pattern for spiritual development is “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” (2 Nephi 28:30). Small, steady, incremental spiritual improvements are the steps the Lord would have us take. Preparing to walk guiltless before God is one of the primary purposes of mortality and the pursuit of a lifetime; it does not result from sporadic spurts of intense spiritual activity.
I witness that the Savior will strengthen and assist us to make sustained, paced progress. The example in the Book of Mormon of “many, exceedingly great many” (Alma 13:12) in the ancient Church who were pure and spotless before God is a source of encouragement and comfort to me. I suspect those members of the ancient Church were ordinary men and women just like you and me. These individuals could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence, and they “were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God” (v. 12). And these principles and this process of spiritual progress apply to each of us equally and always.
Elder Bednar concludes with this thought and his testimony “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ. . . .
“And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot” (Moroni 10:32–33;
I add my testimony that these principles are true. I have had confirmation of them through the Holy Spirit. It is a constant battle to put off the natural man; We all fail and all make mistakes, but as we continually strive to do what is right, the Lord will make up the difference!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
An Answer to Prayer
Over the past 10 days or so I have been really struggling with an important personal decision in my life. It was a decision I wasn’t sure I had the ability to make due to its difficulty. I haven’t known how to handle a certain situation and I have made it a matter of earnest personal prayer. I want to write how the Lord has answered my prayer… but in a way far different than the way I expected.
For the past few weeks I have been reading “The Promised Messiah” by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. I have discovered that it is a true treasure that we have in our midst and one that I have under appreciated. I encourage all to take the time to read it.
As I have read this book, along with my reading of The Book of Mormon, I have begun to have a greater understanding of, or perhaps a greater desire for the “ministering of angels.” I have learned that we as faithful Latter-day-Saints are entitled to this divine gift, so selfish me wanted this blessing in my life. So as I went to the Lord for help on the important decision spoken of, I wanted it to come in a way that included a divine manifestation.
I have spent long hours on numerous occasions in prayer on this matter. I have wept many tears and really plead. A few nights ago I awoke at 1:00 am and poured my heart out to the Lord for over two hours. I knew He was listening… I had some distinct impressions… but no clear answer, and no divine manifestation.
Several nights later I drove up Millcreek Canyon and hiked up Rattlesnake Gulch in the dark! I found a spot to pray and spent another couple of hours pouring my heart out to the Lord. Still no answer. I hiked back to my car and read from the Book of Mormon. I prayed as I read. Still no answer. When I started my car to drive home, my car audio system began to play our latest General Conference. Right at the time I needed it, Elder Richard G. Scott spoke these words: “What can you do to enhance your capacity to be led to correct decisions in your life? What are the principles upon which spiritual communication depends? What are the potential barriers to such communication that you need to avoid?
President John Taylor wrote: “Joseph Smith, upwards of forty years ago, said to me: ‘Brother Taylor, you have received the Holy Ghost. Now follow the influence of that Spirit, and it will lead you into all truth, until by and by, it will become in you a principle of revelation.’ Then he told me never to arise in the morning without bowing before the Lord, and dedicating myself to him during that day.”
Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly. In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness.
I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit.
What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit. Your confidence in the direction you receive from the Holy Ghost will also become stronger. I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear.
Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it. These two capacities come together. That’s why Nephi could say, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.” He knew the spiritual laws upon which inspiration and power are based. Yes, God answers prayer and gives us spiritual direction when we live obediently and exercise the required faith in Him.”
This message was directed perfectly to me. I am certain that had an angel appeared to me, he would have given me the exact same counsel. The whole thing was as if the Lord was speaking directly to me but I was particularly touched by the words “I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear.” I learned I don’t need an angel to appear to receive the counsel I need!
Elder Scott said that spirituality yields two fruits: The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is the power or capacity to do it. Very clearly the answer came to me of what to do. In fact I knew exactly what to do! The second part however was the more difficult part… the part that required faith: I had to do what the Lord wanted me to do and it required me to go against what I believed to be the truth. I felt like Nephi when told to kill Laban. “And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him.
And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord; and he also had taken away our property.
And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands;”
Doing what I needed to do was going to require me to swallow my pride. Like Nephi I said (with a little grumbling) I will go and do the thing which the Lord has commanded. I know it is the right thing and I know I will be blessed for it.
This experience has taught me once again that the Lord loves us and He answers our prayers. He does allow us to have difficulties in our lives to help us grow. I am grateful for my knowledge of His love for me. I am grateful for inspired leaders like Elder Scott that can follow the promptings of the spirit to help those in need. I know he wrote that talk for me and others with similar struggles.
For the past few weeks I have been reading “The Promised Messiah” by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. I have discovered that it is a true treasure that we have in our midst and one that I have under appreciated. I encourage all to take the time to read it.
As I have read this book, along with my reading of The Book of Mormon, I have begun to have a greater understanding of, or perhaps a greater desire for the “ministering of angels.” I have learned that we as faithful Latter-day-Saints are entitled to this divine gift, so selfish me wanted this blessing in my life. So as I went to the Lord for help on the important decision spoken of, I wanted it to come in a way that included a divine manifestation.
I have spent long hours on numerous occasions in prayer on this matter. I have wept many tears and really plead. A few nights ago I awoke at 1:00 am and poured my heart out to the Lord for over two hours. I knew He was listening… I had some distinct impressions… but no clear answer, and no divine manifestation.
Several nights later I drove up Millcreek Canyon and hiked up Rattlesnake Gulch in the dark! I found a spot to pray and spent another couple of hours pouring my heart out to the Lord. Still no answer. I hiked back to my car and read from the Book of Mormon. I prayed as I read. Still no answer. When I started my car to drive home, my car audio system began to play our latest General Conference. Right at the time I needed it, Elder Richard G. Scott spoke these words: “What can you do to enhance your capacity to be led to correct decisions in your life? What are the principles upon which spiritual communication depends? What are the potential barriers to such communication that you need to avoid?
President John Taylor wrote: “Joseph Smith, upwards of forty years ago, said to me: ‘Brother Taylor, you have received the Holy Ghost. Now follow the influence of that Spirit, and it will lead you into all truth, until by and by, it will become in you a principle of revelation.’ Then he told me never to arise in the morning without bowing before the Lord, and dedicating myself to him during that day.”
Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly. In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness.
I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit.
What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit. Your confidence in the direction you receive from the Holy Ghost will also become stronger. I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear.
Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it. These two capacities come together. That’s why Nephi could say, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.” He knew the spiritual laws upon which inspiration and power are based. Yes, God answers prayer and gives us spiritual direction when we live obediently and exercise the required faith in Him.”
This message was directed perfectly to me. I am certain that had an angel appeared to me, he would have given me the exact same counsel. The whole thing was as if the Lord was speaking directly to me but I was particularly touched by the words “I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear.” I learned I don’t need an angel to appear to receive the counsel I need!
Elder Scott said that spirituality yields two fruits: The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is the power or capacity to do it. Very clearly the answer came to me of what to do. In fact I knew exactly what to do! The second part however was the more difficult part… the part that required faith: I had to do what the Lord wanted me to do and it required me to go against what I believed to be the truth. I felt like Nephi when told to kill Laban. “And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him.
And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord; and he also had taken away our property.
And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands;”
Doing what I needed to do was going to require me to swallow my pride. Like Nephi I said (with a little grumbling) I will go and do the thing which the Lord has commanded. I know it is the right thing and I know I will be blessed for it.
This experience has taught me once again that the Lord loves us and He answers our prayers. He does allow us to have difficulties in our lives to help us grow. I am grateful for my knowledge of His love for me. I am grateful for inspired leaders like Elder Scott that can follow the promptings of the spirit to help those in need. I know he wrote that talk for me and others with similar struggles.
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