Showing posts with label scriptures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scriptures. Show all posts
January 5, 2011
Today I read an excellent article in the Ensign called Ancient Examples, Modern Promises. The author was anonymous, but shared a personal struggle of wanting to find someone to marry but having been unable to for the past 10+ years. He's been promised he will marry in his patriarchal blessing. He shares how he has found comfort in his situation through examples in the scriptures. The three examples he uses are those of Joseph in Egypt, Abraham and Isaac, and Zacharias. As I read over these familiar stories I really felt a sense of connection to these individuals in imagining what they may have felt while struggling through their particular trials. Their stories are wonderful examples to remember when I am faced with my own trials. As I read this article I thought of my gratitude for the scriptures and the stories of faithful individuals contained in them. I am so grateful to have these examples to turn to, to learn from and to emulate.
January 1, 2011
I read Helaman 3: more history of the Nephites abridged by Mormon. My favorite verses were those written by Mormon which give insight to the message of The Book of Mormon and why he included what he did. They are verses 27-30 and begin with "thus we see that..." These are the truths he points out, which are so wonderful:
- "The Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon His holy name."
- "The gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God."
- "Whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God... and land their souls at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven."
December 28, 2010
I read Elder David A. Bednar's talk from Conference called Receive the Holy Ghost. He emphasizes that the gift of the Holy Ghost isn't just something we are entitled to always as members of the Church, but that we truly must receive it. To do so he suggests we must "sincerely desire to receive the Holy Ghost, appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, and faithfully obey God's commandments." In each of my prayers I always ask the Spirit to be with me. It is something I truly do desire every moment of every day. To "appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into my life," this quote stood out to me of what not to do: "Casualness about or the breaking of covenants and commitments, failing to pray and study the scriptures, and inappropriate thoughts, actions, and language cause the Spirit to withdraw from or to avoid us altogether." I think it's especially easy to fail to pray and study the scriptures, and it is absolutely critical to my spiritual well-being. I am striving to be vigilant about that simply because I want the companionship of the Spirit with me always. I am so thankful for that wonderful gift and all that the Holy Ghost does.
Joseph Smith was quoted in this talk saying that the Holy Ghost "will whisper peace and joy to [our] souls, and it will take malice, hatred, envying, strife, and all evil from [our] hearts, and [our] whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the kingdom of God." I am so thankful to truly feel the absence of "malice, hatred, envying, strife and all evil" from my heart. It brings so much peace and calm to my soul and my relationships with others are blessed. I am so thankful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is a wonderful feeling I always want to be worthy of.
Joseph Smith was quoted in this talk saying that the Holy Ghost "will whisper peace and joy to [our] souls, and it will take malice, hatred, envying, strife, and all evil from [our] hearts, and [our] whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the kingdom of God." I am so thankful to truly feel the absence of "malice, hatred, envying, strife and all evil" from my heart. It brings so much peace and calm to my soul and my relationships with others are blessed. I am so thankful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is a wonderful feeling I always want to be worthy of.
December 25, 2010
I burned my hand today and can't write with my normal hand. I read Alma 63 and what stood out to me was verse 12. It says that all the engravings Helaman had were written out and sent among the people. I wonder how many copies were made. Even just one copy is a lot of work, so this verse shows just how important the records (scriptures) are, not just to be kept, but to be read, and not just by a few people but by as many as possible. I am really thankful for the scriptures. These records are of a great value to me.
November 12, 2010
Tonight I'm using the scripture study box on page 6 of Preach My Gospel. It asks, "What is the gospel, or doctrine, of Christ?" According to 2 Nephi 31:10-21, it is being willing to keep the commandments, repenting, being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, enduring to the end in following the example of Christ, pressing forward with a steadfast faith in Christ, and feasting on his words. In 3 Nephi 11:31-41 it says it is repentance, belief in Christ and baptism. And the last scripture I read is 3 Nephi 27:13-22. The gospel is that Christ came to this earth to give his life for us so that we can return to God. His doctrine is to repent, be baptized, and endure to the end. I should be doing the things I have "seen" Christ do. I am grateful for my testimony of the gospel and my determination to follow the doctrine of Christ as well. I think the important thing to remember is that repentance is an ongoing activity... a constant turning of my heart to Christ. It isn't just a one time thing to do. I love the gospel and doctrine of Christ because I have felt the joy and love and peace in my life that has come as a result of living the doctrine of Christ.
November 11, 2010
I'm doing the scripture study on page 5 of Preach My Gospel that asks, "How do you receive power?" From 1 Corinthians 2:4, I find it is from the Spirit, not "man's wisdom." From Alma 17:2-3, I find it comes from "search(ing) the scriptures diligently," "much prayer and fasting." And then from D&C 53:3 I find it comes from being ordained by the laying on of hands.
November 8, 2010
Tonight I read a Conference talk by Bishop Edgely called Faith - the Choice is Yours. "When our sacred doctrine and beliefs are challenged, this is our opportunity to choose. ... Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism." I love choosing! My choice is an active, cognitive one. By choosing faith it does not mean that I am not thinking for myself or that I am following blindly without questioning. I am choosing faith and I want to always choose faith. It isn't always easy to, either, because just like Bishop Edgely expressed, there are many things I don't know. I'm okay with not knowing everything because I really do feel like I "know the important. I know the plain and simple gospel truths that lead to salvation and exaltation." It doesn't matter how strong my faith is or ever will be, it will always be in need of "constant nourishment through continued scripture study, prayer, and the application of his word." I am very grateful for my faith and I am proud of my choice to believe.
November 5, 2010
Tonight I read a couple of articles in the September Ensign. Two (1 & 2) were on members' comments on how they've used Preach My Gospel and it really made me excited about using that book as part of my daily scripture study as well. The third article was called Finding the Lord in Tonga and was full of personal experiences and testimonies of Tongan saints. I am really thankful for the Ensign and how it helps to connect me to members worldwide. The examples of others' faith and testimony are inspiring to me and help to strengthen my own.
October 22, 2010
I'm not feeling so great. This has been a rough week for me. I really think I've been fighting off depression the whole week and slowly succumbing to it anyway. I missed school all week because I just wanted to sleep. I only feel like I've accomplished a minor amount of productive things this week and I feel a lot of guilt for all that I haven't done. I feel like crawling into a hole and curling up and ignoring everything and anything.
Earlier this morning I studied my scriptures. I wasn't feeling this bad then. I actually studied from an Ensign article called Ten Scripture Study Tools that gave suggestions of how to get more out of scripture study, with example scriptures for each suggestion. I went through all of the examples in the scriptures as I read through the article. Most of the suggestions seemed to be things that I tend to do naturally, without really thinking about it as I study the scriptures. There were a few that I hadn't tried before, like looking for scripture lists and picking out the lessons following words and phrases like "behold," "wherefore," "because," "nevertheless," and "thus we see."
I am certainly glad that I do love the scriptures and have a habit of daily study already established, else on days where I feel like I do, I fear all my weaknesses would overpower me.
Earlier this morning I studied my scriptures. I wasn't feeling this bad then. I actually studied from an Ensign article called Ten Scripture Study Tools that gave suggestions of how to get more out of scripture study, with example scriptures for each suggestion. I went through all of the examples in the scriptures as I read through the article. Most of the suggestions seemed to be things that I tend to do naturally, without really thinking about it as I study the scriptures. There were a few that I hadn't tried before, like looking for scripture lists and picking out the lessons following words and phrases like "behold," "wherefore," "because," "nevertheless," and "thus we see."
I am certainly glad that I do love the scriptures and have a habit of daily study already established, else on days where I feel like I do, I fear all my weaknesses would overpower me.
October 13, 2010
I read a talk in the August Ensign that was a "classic" by Marion G. Romney called Unity. It was awesome, and especially relevant to the thoughts that have been on my mind lately. During General Conference this month, President Packer gave a talk that has stirred up a lot of discussion and opposition. The issue is that of same sex attraction and has been something I've been thinking about for some time now as I have watched my mom's evolution of her feelings and beliefs in relations to my sister's choices to embrace the homosexual lifestyle. I was deeply touched by a blog I read today written by an LDS young man who is absolutely stalwart in the gospel and who struggles with same gender attraction. His blog gave me a lot of hope and really has helped me to understand better the importance of choosing the Lord's plan no matter what.
This talk on unity was very powerful coming from this frame of reference and these are the parts that stood out most to me:
"Some members assume that one can be in full harmony with the Spirit of the gospel, enjoy full fellowship in the Church, and at the same time be out of harmony with the leaders of the Church and the counsel and direction they give. Such a position is wholly inconsistent, because the guidance of this Church comes not alone from the written word but also from continuous revelation, and the Lord gives that revelation to the Church through his chosen prophet. It follows, therefore, that those who profess to accept the gospel and who at the same time criticize and refuse to follow the counsel of the prophet are assuming an indefensible position. Such a spirit leads to apostasy."
The quoted scripture 3 Nephi 11:28-29: "He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another."
"Unity comes by following the light from above. It does not come out of the confusions below."
"The way to unity is for us to learn the will of the Lord and then to do it."
"The major reason for the world's troubles today is that men are not seeking to know the will of the Lord and then to do it. Rather do they seek to solve their problems in their own wisdom and in their own way."
Quoted scripture D&C 1:15-16: "They have strayed from mine ordinances and have broken mine everlasting covenant; they seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way."
"If we will study the word of the Lord as it comes to us through the standard works and through the instructions of the living prophet and not harden our hearts, but humble ourselves and develop a real desire to understand its application to us in our own particular circumstances, and then to ask the Lord in faith, believing that we shall receive, all the while being diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord, surely the path we should follow will be made known unto us, and we will be able to face the world as a solid unit."
I really, really loved this article. It helped to realign my thinking and to keep me anchored on the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life.
This talk on unity was very powerful coming from this frame of reference and these are the parts that stood out most to me:
"Some members assume that one can be in full harmony with the Spirit of the gospel, enjoy full fellowship in the Church, and at the same time be out of harmony with the leaders of the Church and the counsel and direction they give. Such a position is wholly inconsistent, because the guidance of this Church comes not alone from the written word but also from continuous revelation, and the Lord gives that revelation to the Church through his chosen prophet. It follows, therefore, that those who profess to accept the gospel and who at the same time criticize and refuse to follow the counsel of the prophet are assuming an indefensible position. Such a spirit leads to apostasy."
The quoted scripture 3 Nephi 11:28-29: "He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another."
"Unity comes by following the light from above. It does not come out of the confusions below."
"The way to unity is for us to learn the will of the Lord and then to do it."
"The major reason for the world's troubles today is that men are not seeking to know the will of the Lord and then to do it. Rather do they seek to solve their problems in their own wisdom and in their own way."
Quoted scripture D&C 1:15-16: "They have strayed from mine ordinances and have broken mine everlasting covenant; they seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way."
"If we will study the word of the Lord as it comes to us through the standard works and through the instructions of the living prophet and not harden our hearts, but humble ourselves and develop a real desire to understand its application to us in our own particular circumstances, and then to ask the Lord in faith, believing that we shall receive, all the while being diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord, surely the path we should follow will be made known unto us, and we will be able to face the world as a solid unit."
I really, really loved this article. It helped to realign my thinking and to keep me anchored on the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life.
October 9, 2010
I read Alma chapter 33. The people are asking him more details about how they can plant the word in their hearts and what it is. He uses the existing scriptures to teach them that it is through constant, daily prayer, and through scripture study that they can do so. The thing I love most about this chapter is when he reminds them of Moses and when he lifted the serpent on the stake and all the people had to do to be healed was to look at it. But even with how simple that was, many wouldn't even look at it because they didn't believe it would heal them. Their unbelief kept them from performing an amazingly simple and easy task that would have saved their lives. This illustrates to me the vitalness of my choice to believe. When I choose to believe, it is easy to obey and do the things that will bring healing and wholeness to me. But with disbelief, I perish. I want to always, always be a believer. I want to always choose to believe and then subsequently be obedient. I trust in the Lord. I will keep the faith.
September 25, 2010
Tonight I attended a wonderful spiritual feast at the General Relief Society meeting. For my personal study, I read a talk from the last General Young Women's meeting by Ann M. Dibb called Be of a Good Courage. I loved the definition of courage: "a mental or moral strength to persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty." She discusses four ways to "help us overcome our obstacles, complete our journey, and enjoy the blessings of the Lord in our 'land of promise.'" The four ways she talks about are:
- Prayer
- Obedience to the commandments
- Scripture study, and
- Following the prophet.
- Daily prayer
- Daily scripture study
- Obedience, and
- Service.
- Daily prayer
- Daily scripture study, and
- Obedience to the commandments.
August 22, 2010
Tonight I finished reading the talk I began last night about the blessings of scripture. The scriptures make it "clear that real happiness lies ... in repentance and forgiveness through the atoning grace of the son of God." I have found that true in my own life. The scriptures teach us of Jesus Christ and strengthen our faith in Him. That is something I want, especially in this time in the world. "Faith comes by the witness of the Holy Spirit to our souls, spirit to spirit, as we hear or read the word of God. And faith matures as we continue to feast upon the word." I have felt that "spirit to spirit" communication and could never deny it. I know there is a divine power outside of myself that has inspired me, prompted me and led me to do good, to repent and to forgive. I am grateful I have always had a love for the scriptures. I am grateful to have been encouraged as a child to read the Book of Mormon. I am grateful for the time I've spent in Seminary and Institute studying the scriptures. And I am extremely grateful for the time I've spent these past few months, studying, reading and pondering the scriptures daily. I have felt my faith strengthened and I have felt a greater desire to do what is right. I have felt protected from the influence of the adversary.
August 21, 2010
Tonight I read part of a Conference talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson called The Blessing of Scripture. He speaks a lot of the history of the translation of the Bible to English and it becoming more readily available to the masses. He says, "Today the Bible and other scripture are readily at hand, yet there is a growing scriptural illiteracy because people will not open the books." I find that is so interesting that we still struggle with a scriptural illiteracy today but not for the same reason as in history. I'm really tired tonight so I've only read a part of this talk. I really am grateful that it has got me thinking about the importance of the scriptures and all I can learn from them and continue to apply in my own life. I know I can do better at opening my scriptures and learning the stories found within. I believe there is great power found within the pages of scripture.
July 7, 2010
We've been traveling in the car all day today and it is difficult to do my study like I'd like to. I'm going to just open up my scriptures and read a few verses. I read D&C 64:32-34. I love love these verses, each one of them. I think verse 33 is especially relevant for me tonight. It says, "Be not weary in well doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." I believe that and that is part of the reason why I am doing this, opening my scriptures with a pen in hand. It is a small thing, but I believe each time I do it consecutively that the effects and blessings will compound over time and my faith will be greatly strengthened. I think many "great things" will come to pass because of my consistent daily study and I am looking forward to seeing and experiencing the blessings of this in my life. I don't know that I've ever consistently done this every single day for this many days in a row as I have, so I have yet to experience the blessings that come from my simple, consistent efforts. I love the gospel and love my Savior and am so grateful for His example.
July 3, 2010
Tonight I am reading Julie B. Beck's conference talk called And Upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit. Sister Beck expresses that she feels that there has never been a greater need for faith, personal righteousness, strong families and homes, and never been more to help others in need. If that is truly the case, then I feel humbled and grateful that I have oriented my life to focus on these exact things. I appreciate her reminder that the way to "navigate this life confidently" is through personal revelation. I am learning more and more about how to receive this and I am loving the journey. I remember her saying at Women's Conference that she strives to spend some time in the scriptures every day. That is what inspired me to do this gospel study every day, with paper and pen in hand, which is something she reiterates again in this talk. I love what she said, "Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day." It's like a bank account and every day I have spent studying the gospel is depositing insight into my "personal revelation account." I want to have as much as I can deposited into this account. My favorite part of her talk is her measure of success to use. I like this measurement a lot. She says we can know we're "doing well when we develop attributes of Christ and strive to obey his commandments with exactness, when we seek to improve ourselves and do our best, when we increase faith, personal righteousness and strengthen homes and families, seek out and help others in need and when we live to qualify to receive the Spirit and know how to follow it." I liked this quote: "We may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves." What a treasure... to so live as to not be disappointed in oneself. That is what I am striving to do and I must say I am pleased with where I am and the way I am growing.
June 28, 2010
I am finishing the talk I began yesterday. Some of the things that I liked in this talk go along with what I read about in another magazine article today called The Compound Effect, which in essence, is the principle that it is by "small and simple means that great things are brought to pass." It takes a consistent effort, diligently over time, to change. These are the quotes from the talk I read. Although speaking of Priesthood duties, I feel like I can apply in my life as well.
"We are to learn our duty from the Lord, and then we are to act in all diligence, never being lazy or slothful. The pattern is simple but not easy to follow."
"When I find myself drawn away from my duties by other itnerests and when my body begs for rest, I give to myself this rallying cry: 'remember Him.'"
The pattern is consistent diligence, and true, that is simple, but it is not easy to do, especially since the results of our diligence are not seen right away like most things we are used to in this day and age. It helps me so much too, to "remember Him." In fact, truly when I am so tired and just want to go to sleep, that is what helps me to stay awake long enough to do this study. Remembering Him makes it easier and easier to maintain that pattern of consistent diligence and to not give in to weariness.
The last quote is counsel that Elder Eyring gives which I loved and am striving to follow: "Ponder deeply and diligently in the scriptures and in the words of the living prophets. Persist in prayer for the Holy Ghost to reveal to you the nature of God the Father and His Beloved Son. Plead that the Spirit will show you what the Lord wants you to do. Plan to do it. Promise Him to obey. Act with determination until you have done what He asked. And then pray to give thanks for the opportunity to serve and to know what you might do next."
"We are to learn our duty from the Lord, and then we are to act in all diligence, never being lazy or slothful. The pattern is simple but not easy to follow."
"When I find myself drawn away from my duties by other itnerests and when my body begs for rest, I give to myself this rallying cry: 'remember Him.'"
The pattern is consistent diligence, and true, that is simple, but it is not easy to do, especially since the results of our diligence are not seen right away like most things we are used to in this day and age. It helps me so much too, to "remember Him." In fact, truly when I am so tired and just want to go to sleep, that is what helps me to stay awake long enough to do this study. Remembering Him makes it easier and easier to maintain that pattern of consistent diligence and to not give in to weariness.
The last quote is counsel that Elder Eyring gives which I loved and am striving to follow: "Ponder deeply and diligently in the scriptures and in the words of the living prophets. Persist in prayer for the Holy Ghost to reveal to you the nature of God the Father and His Beloved Son. Plead that the Spirit will show you what the Lord wants you to do. Plan to do it. Promise Him to obey. Act with determination until you have done what He asked. And then pray to give thanks for the opportunity to serve and to know what you might do next."
June 10, 2010
Today I'm starting my gospel study in the Gospel Principles manual chapter 10 on the scriptures. I read a few of the additional scriptures and have pondered on what scriptures mean to me. The manual says, "if we desire to avoid the evils of this world, we must feed our minds with the truth and righteousness found in the scriptures (p.49)." I believe that is true and I know I always feel good and strengthened when I read the scriptures. The scriptures are writings by the Lord's servants written "under the influence of the Holy Ghost (p.45)." They include all of the standard works as well as the General Conference talks and the Ensign. As I was reading and pondering, I thought a lot about my own personal history, genealogy and the things that I have written under the influence of the Spirit. I believe that those writings are also scripture to my eternal family. I am grateful for my love of writing and recording history. I am grateful for the scriptures and the strength they bring to my life. I am grateful that it feels right and natural for me to believe in God and Jesus Christ. Even though the world swirls around me, I feel I truly am built on the solid, unwavering foundation of my Redeemer and I am grateful for His protection. I love my faith and am grateful for how living by faith makes me feel and for all the things I learn by living by faith and all the experiences that my faith leads me to.
June 7, 2010
Well, I didn't write yesterday, but I did read a chapter in the Book of Mormon from where I'm at there, Alma 13, before I went to sleep. I found it ironic that in that chapter was the very scripture I made reference to a few days ago: "Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction." Well, I just followed some footnotes around and discovered the actual meaning of the word "wrest." It means to twist or distort. I have used it in the context of the spelling "rest," with the idea that if I am not picking up and reading from the scriptures, it will lead me away from God. I am glad I followed this footnote because understanding this meaning of the word "wrest" helps too. It is an important reminder that the scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit and the meaning of them is not to be changed.
Anyway, today for my gospel study I am going to read in the Gospel Principles manual, chapter 7 on the Holy Ghost. There are two questions in the manual that I want to answer. Why did Adam and Eve need the guidance of the Holy Ghost? And how is our need for guidance from the Holy Ghost similar to that of Adam and Eve? My answer is that because we have been separated from the presence of God, because of Adam and Eve's choice, and because we have the veil over our eyes, we need the guidance of the Holy Ghost so that we can be taught by the Lord and sot hat we can receive a testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ and that we can return to live with them and be like them. I am thankful for the role of the Holy Ghost in my life. I am thankful that, like it quotes Joseph Fielding Smith in the manual, "through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten."
As I was reading some of the additional scriptures listed, I read Luke 12:2 which says, "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." (Haha! I wondered what that scripture had to do with the Holy Ghost and I just realized as I was writing down the reference that I had read the wrong verse. The manual refers to Luke 12:12 which is about the Holy Ghost. But I really liked the scripture I read and wanted to comment on it. I've always found comfort in this teaching, knowing that anything that I do not understand now, that one day I will understand. Another way that this teaching impacts my life is that I know that there is nothing that I do or think in "secret" that won't one day be revealed in the light, if I have not repented of it. So I always try to live my life, my personal, private life, honorably because I know that nothing will be hid forever.
Anyway, today for my gospel study I am going to read in the Gospel Principles manual, chapter 7 on the Holy Ghost. There are two questions in the manual that I want to answer. Why did Adam and Eve need the guidance of the Holy Ghost? And how is our need for guidance from the Holy Ghost similar to that of Adam and Eve? My answer is that because we have been separated from the presence of God, because of Adam and Eve's choice, and because we have the veil over our eyes, we need the guidance of the Holy Ghost so that we can be taught by the Lord and sot hat we can receive a testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ and that we can return to live with them and be like them. I am thankful for the role of the Holy Ghost in my life. I am thankful that, like it quotes Joseph Fielding Smith in the manual, "through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten."
As I was reading some of the additional scriptures listed, I read Luke 12:2 which says, "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." (Haha! I wondered what that scripture had to do with the Holy Ghost and I just realized as I was writing down the reference that I had read the wrong verse. The manual refers to Luke 12:12 which is about the Holy Ghost. But I really liked the scripture I read and wanted to comment on it. I've always found comfort in this teaching, knowing that anything that I do not understand now, that one day I will understand. Another way that this teaching impacts my life is that I know that there is nothing that I do or think in "secret" that won't one day be revealed in the light, if I have not repented of it. So I always try to live my life, my personal, private life, honorably because I know that nothing will be hid forever.
June 3, 2010
A week and a half has gone by since the last time I studied. It is interesting what happens to my thoughts when I have "wrested the scriptures." I feel a huge difference. The power really does come from opening the scriptures and my heart and studying the gospel rather than thinking about doing it or even thinking about what I've experience from doing it in the past.
Anyway, today I really need the power of the word of God to work in me. I need His strength. I don't feel worthy of it. I'm going to begin my study today in the most recent conference report by reading the scriptures listed in the back that are listed as the most often referred to scriptures this conference.
The first is Joshua 1:9 which says, "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." A footnote to this verse is D&C 38:7 which says, "Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me." It is a comfort to me to know that He is watching me and is with me always. It does help me to be strong and courageous when I remember that He is there with me always.
The next scripture is John 14:6 which says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." This is a foundational doctrine that I want to always keep in my remembrance.
Next is John 14:27 which says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." I remember when I was around 12 years old, I wanted to make a special scripture sampler: something that was profound and powerful. I searched and searched the scriptures and this was the one I chose. Although I never made the sampler, I have always remembered this scripture with fondness. I find great comfort in the peace of the Lord.
The next scripture is John 19:30 which says, "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." I am grateful that Jesus finished His work.
The next scripture is Galations 5:22 which says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." I am grateful to know of these fruits so I can constantly evaluate my feelings and see if I truly am partaking of the fruit of the Spirit.
Next is 2 Nephi 2:11, "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility." This is the symbol I see in my mind when I read that verse:
Anyway, today I really need the power of the word of God to work in me. I need His strength. I don't feel worthy of it. I'm going to begin my study today in the most recent conference report by reading the scriptures listed in the back that are listed as the most often referred to scriptures this conference.
The first is Joshua 1:9 which says, "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." A footnote to this verse is D&C 38:7 which says, "Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me." It is a comfort to me to know that He is watching me and is with me always. It does help me to be strong and courageous when I remember that He is there with me always.
The next scripture is John 14:6 which says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." This is a foundational doctrine that I want to always keep in my remembrance.
Next is John 14:27 which says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." I remember when I was around 12 years old, I wanted to make a special scripture sampler: something that was profound and powerful. I searched and searched the scriptures and this was the one I chose. Although I never made the sampler, I have always remembered this scripture with fondness. I find great comfort in the peace of the Lord.
The next scripture is John 19:30 which says, "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." I am grateful that Jesus finished His work.
The next scripture is Galations 5:22 which says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." I am grateful to know of these fruits so I can constantly evaluate my feelings and see if I truly am partaking of the fruit of the Spirit.
Next is 2 Nephi 2:11, "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility." This is the symbol I see in my mind when I read that verse:
There is perfect balance and wholeness with opposition, which is an interesting principle. I wonder how the "opposition": wickedness, misery, bad, death, corruption and insensibility will hold a place during the Millennium? If we need these things to be able to have righteousness, happiness, good, life, incorruption and sensibility, all of which will exist in the Millennium, then where will the opposition come from? What will give us the proper balance?
The next scripture is Mosiah 18:9, "Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." If this is the desire of our heart, we are ready to be baptized to show the Lord that we covenant to serve Him and keep His commandments. His promise to us is to pour out His Spirit abundantly upon us. This is the desire of my heart, so I know that I made the right decision for me to be baptized.
The next scripture is Helaman 5:12, "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds; yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." I love this scripture. It is definitely one of my favorites. I love the imagery it brings to my mind about the power, in the midst of the storm, that comes from building on the foundation of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to know that by being built on that foundation, I cannot fall.
The next scripture is D&C 13:1, "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of the Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness." I am grateful for the restoration of the Priesthood of God on earth. I believe these keys are given to worthy Priesthood holders today.
Next is D&C 19:16, "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent." This is such an amazing and humbling gift and I am grateful for it.
Next is D&C 25:13, "Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made." Wow, I really love that phrase: cleave unto the the covenants which thou hast made. I have come to realize over the years the importance of this and it has become one of my prime motivations for choosing to continue my belief in the Church and my desire to keep being LDS. I have made covenants and I will keep them.
The last most referred to scripture was Moses 1:39, of course, which reads: "For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." This is another of my favorite scriptures because it reminds me of the whole purpose of the Lord's plan. It is the why.
This has been an enjoyable study session and I want to work on memorizing each of these scriptures.
The next scripture is Mosiah 18:9, "Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." If this is the desire of our heart, we are ready to be baptized to show the Lord that we covenant to serve Him and keep His commandments. His promise to us is to pour out His Spirit abundantly upon us. This is the desire of my heart, so I know that I made the right decision for me to be baptized.
The next scripture is Helaman 5:12, "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds; yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." I love this scripture. It is definitely one of my favorites. I love the imagery it brings to my mind about the power, in the midst of the storm, that comes from building on the foundation of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to know that by being built on that foundation, I cannot fall.
The next scripture is D&C 13:1, "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of the Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness." I am grateful for the restoration of the Priesthood of God on earth. I believe these keys are given to worthy Priesthood holders today.
Next is D&C 19:16, "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent." This is such an amazing and humbling gift and I am grateful for it.
Next is D&C 25:13, "Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made." Wow, I really love that phrase: cleave unto the the covenants which thou hast made. I have come to realize over the years the importance of this and it has become one of my prime motivations for choosing to continue my belief in the Church and my desire to keep being LDS. I have made covenants and I will keep them.
The last most referred to scripture was Moses 1:39, of course, which reads: "For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." This is another of my favorite scriptures because it reminds me of the whole purpose of the Lord's plan. It is the why.
This has been an enjoyable study session and I want to work on memorizing each of these scriptures.
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