D&C 1:18
Joseph Smith was called to prepare the way for the Second Coming. There are going to be calamities on the earth before Christ comes again, but the restored Church will be upon the earth also. Joseph heard the Father and the Son, and they both individually confronted him and conversed with him. How many times is it recorded that both the Father and the Son have come to talk with someone? Joseph Smith truly had a remarkable task at hand, and a marvelous work to begin.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Ye Shall Bear it if ye Are Faithful
D&C 136:37
For if we are not pure and faithful we cannot bear the glory of the Lord. If we are obedient to the prophet's voice we become worthy. The words given unto Adam to the present from the Lord are true today and will be forever. The words of the prophet from the Lord are true today and will be forever.
For if we are not pure and faithful we cannot bear the glory of the Lord. If we are obedient to the prophet's voice we become worthy. The words given unto Adam to the present from the Lord are true today and will be forever. The words of the prophet from the Lord are true today and will be forever.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Dreams and Visions
Joel 2:28-29
This scripture shows that the Lord is not bias when it come to personal revelation. He revealed things then and He does so now. There has been a history of the Lord revealing things unto His people. So what would stop Him now? Has the Lord gone away? Are we only entitled to the teachings of the Bible or those who claim they're appointed of God? Is there not always new revelation and words concerning God's church? During the Dark Ages, men such as Luther, Hus, and John Wycliffe were inspired by God and did things that paved the way for the reformation of the true Church. The same goes for today.
This scripture shows that the Lord is not bias when it come to personal revelation. He revealed things then and He does so now. There has been a history of the Lord revealing things unto His people. So what would stop Him now? Has the Lord gone away? Are we only entitled to the teachings of the Bible or those who claim they're appointed of God? Is there not always new revelation and words concerning God's church? During the Dark Ages, men such as Luther, Hus, and John Wycliffe were inspired by God and did things that paved the way for the reformation of the true Church. The same goes for today.
Divisions amongst us
1 Corinthians 11:18-19
Paul knew that there were going to be divisions in the Church and that there would be opposition against the Church. There must be an opposition in all things. It was Satan's desire to stir up the early saints and to lead them away through false prophets and teachers. Only by revealing the false teachers were the early saints going to rid them amongst themselves. However, a lot of communities failed to do so and once the apostles were killed, the false teachers moved in like wolves. This scripture applies for our day too. There were some "wolves" among the early saints and there were some who fell away and apostatized including members of the Twelve.
Paul knew that there were going to be divisions in the Church and that there would be opposition against the Church. There must be an opposition in all things. It was Satan's desire to stir up the early saints and to lead them away through false prophets and teachers. Only by revealing the false teachers were the early saints going to rid them amongst themselves. However, a lot of communities failed to do so and once the apostles were killed, the false teachers moved in like wolves. This scripture applies for our day too. There were some "wolves" among the early saints and there were some who fell away and apostatized including members of the Twelve.
Wolves shall enter among you
Acts 20:29-30
For we have seen that after Christ left the earth, that there arose false churches and those unispired or directed by the Holy Ghost. The apostles were killed and true priesthood authority was taken off the earth. There was confusion as to who was going to lead, and there were many claims of other churches being directed of God. Finally, the Roman empire took charge and constituted and guessed what was right and proffitable for the church, or basically applying the precepts of men to the Church. For thousands of years, churches were run by the wills of men and not by the will of our Heavenly Father. Even with the true Church restored today there are still divisions among the people concering which church they belong to and which is right.
For we have seen that after Christ left the earth, that there arose false churches and those unispired or directed by the Holy Ghost. The apostles were killed and true priesthood authority was taken off the earth. There was confusion as to who was going to lead, and there were many claims of other churches being directed of God. Finally, the Roman empire took charge and constituted and guessed what was right and proffitable for the church, or basically applying the precepts of men to the Church. For thousands of years, churches were run by the wills of men and not by the will of our Heavenly Father. Even with the true Church restored today there are still divisions among the people concering which church they belong to and which is right.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A Marvelous Work
2 Ne 25:17
Oh what a marvelous work and a wonder the Church is today! I rejoice at the thought of being so blessed to be born in the covenant and to experience being brought up by goodly parents. Parents who raised me in the Church and saw fit to encourage me in all my righteous endeavors. The church is truly a wonder. For it is spreading forth like a fire and the prophecy of Joseph Smith is coming true, for the Church is spreading across the earth and being heard in every land. I'm thrilled at the idea of the people of the earth being united under one banner, which is Zion, where race and culture do not clash because we are all children of God and citizens of Zion, and where we all worship the same God and have peace among one another.
Oh what a marvelous work and a wonder the Church is today! I rejoice at the thought of being so blessed to be born in the covenant and to experience being brought up by goodly parents. Parents who raised me in the Church and saw fit to encourage me in all my righteous endeavors. The church is truly a wonder. For it is spreading forth like a fire and the prophecy of Joseph Smith is coming true, for the Church is spreading across the earth and being heard in every land. I'm thrilled at the idea of the people of the earth being united under one banner, which is Zion, where race and culture do not clash because we are all children of God and citizens of Zion, and where we all worship the same God and have peace among one another.
A Famine in the Land
Amos 8:11-12
For truly there was a great famine throughout the land. Not just the land,bu the whole earth. Christ's true church was taken from the earth with the death of the apostles,the priesthood keys and ordinances were taken from the earth. This was a time when the Lord did not communicate through anyone. This was the time of the Dark Ages or medieval times. After the Restoration, we now have a man again who communicates with God.
For truly there was a great famine throughout the land. Not just the land,bu the whole earth. Christ's true church was taken from the earth with the death of the apostles,the priesthood keys and ordinances were taken from the earth. This was a time when the Lord did not communicate through anyone. This was the time of the Dark Ages or medieval times. After the Restoration, we now have a man again who communicates with God.
The Voice of the Lord Shall not Pass Away
D&C 1:38
The things which the Lord speaks will always be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Tragedy may strike may the word of the Lord will never leave and will never pass away, but everything will be fulfilled according to all that has been promised by the voice of Him or His servants the prophets. The prophets are responsible for relaying His word to the people.
The things which the Lord speaks will always be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Tragedy may strike may the word of the Lord will never leave and will never pass away, but everything will be fulfilled according to all that has been promised by the voice of Him or His servants the prophets. The prophets are responsible for relaying His word to the people.
Therefor He Sent Angels to Converse With Them
Alma 12:27-30
God dictated from the beginning that we must sooner or later experience a physical death and that will be judged after death. It is important that we are given important knowledge concerning the things of God. Angels are sent to minister unto men, namely the prophets. Our prophets receive revelation from the Lord concerning our day and what is needed from us. The scriptures have shown that God has always talked with man, especially righteous men who practice faith, repentance, and good works.
God dictated from the beginning that we must sooner or later experience a physical death and that will be judged after death. It is important that we are given important knowledge concerning the things of God. Angels are sent to minister unto men, namely the prophets. Our prophets receive revelation from the Lord concerning our day and what is needed from us. The scriptures have shown that God has always talked with man, especially righteous men who practice faith, repentance, and good works.
Many Mansions in Heavenly Father's House
D&C 98:18
It's nice to know that we have a place of rest prepared for us according to our works, here upon this earth, in this mortal life. If we do not do as we're supposed, it's a question of how big will our mansion be in the home of our Heavenly Father. If we are righteous we will get to dwell with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. So, if we do as we are commanded, let not our hearts be troubled then, for there really is a life after death.
It's nice to know that we have a place of rest prepared for us according to our works, here upon this earth, in this mortal life. If we do not do as we're supposed, it's a question of how big will our mansion be in the home of our Heavenly Father. If we are righteous we will get to dwell with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. So, if we do as we are commanded, let not our hearts be troubled then, for there really is a life after death.
There are Many Mansions
1 Corinthians 15:40
There are many glories in the heavens, mainly the celestial, telestial, and the terrestial. The celestial represents the glory of the sun, the telestial the glory the moon, and the terrestial glory the stars. Each is different in glory. Our bodies will become perfected during the resurrection, for it says in the scriptures,"It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption." When we are born, we are not perfect physically nor morally, but after the resurrection we will become physically perfect.
There are many glories in the heavens, mainly the celestial, telestial, and the terrestial. The celestial represents the glory of the sun, the telestial the glory the moon, and the terrestial glory the stars. Each is different in glory. Our bodies will become perfected during the resurrection, for it says in the scriptures,"It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption." When we are born, we are not perfect physically nor morally, but after the resurrection we will become physically perfect.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Christ the Firstfruits
1 Corinthians 15:19-23
Without Christ there would be know resurrection. Our bodies would remain in the grave and our spirits would remain the same. Also, our sins would still be laid upon us and we would experience misery and woe because our sins would not be answered for. Since Christ is the first fruits of them that slept, that means that men will die but they will now become resurrected because of Christ. Adam was the reason why we are here upon his earth due to the Fall, but through Christ we are saved.
Without Christ there would be know resurrection. Our bodies would remain in the grave and our spirits would remain the same. Also, our sins would still be laid upon us and we would experience misery and woe because our sins would not be answered for. Since Christ is the first fruits of them that slept, that means that men will die but they will now become resurrected because of Christ. Adam was the reason why we are here upon his earth due to the Fall, but through Christ we are saved.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Men Are that they might have joy
2 Ne 2:25-27
I know that the Fall was for our benefit. Without it we would not be able to choose for ourselves, we wouldn't be here in the first place, and second, the Plan would have not been moving forward. It's either captivity or death. We have the choice.
I know that the Fall was for our benefit. Without it we would not be able to choose for ourselves, we wouldn't be here in the first place, and second, the Plan would have not been moving forward. It's either captivity or death. We have the choice.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Through Christ
Moses 6:62-63
The plan of salvation focuses around Christ. Everything that is created is made to testify of the Lord and to bear record of Him. This world and the creatures that were made, and the planets and the stars were not all made by chance. There was a divine order, a higher order, that created everything that we percieve and things that we can't see. The Plan of Salvation affects everything.
The plan of salvation focuses around Christ. Everything that is created is made to testify of the Lord and to bear record of Him. This world and the creatures that were made, and the planets and the stars were not all made by chance. There was a divine order, a higher order, that created everything that we percieve and things that we can't see. The Plan of Salvation affects everything.
Plan of redemption
2 Nephi 2; 9
It was in order that our first parents partook of the tree of life and knew good from evil. We become fallen from there on. We could not enter into the kingdom of our Father in Heaven because of our fallen state. In order to make it back we needed a redeemer, a Savior of the world, someone to atone for the sins of the world. His name was Jesus Christ. He died for us. Through Him we are saved. We must remember to repent of our sins and when partaking of the sacrament to always remember Him and His sacrifice for us. At the end of this mortal life, those who have died will become reunited to their bodies in Resurrection. Christ made this possible. He conquered death and was the first to become resurrected.
It was in order that our first parents partook of the tree of life and knew good from evil. We become fallen from there on. We could not enter into the kingdom of our Father in Heaven because of our fallen state. In order to make it back we needed a redeemer, a Savior of the world, someone to atone for the sins of the world. His name was Jesus Christ. He died for us. Through Him we are saved. We must remember to repent of our sins and when partaking of the sacrament to always remember Him and His sacrifice for us. At the end of this mortal life, those who have died will become reunited to their bodies in Resurrection. Christ made this possible. He conquered death and was the first to become resurrected.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Nourish the Faith
Alma 32:40
I know that my faith needs to be nourished and watched over as would a gardener watch over his vineyard or trees. Just like a tree, I must strengthen myself against the elements, and I must be fed with scriptures and the words of the modern prophets and apostles.
Investigators start with faith as a seed. They first try or investigate the Church which then is but a small seed at first. Later on, as they exercise their faith, they seed becomes a sapling which then, if pruned right, can become a mighty tree. All of these things are in accordance with our diligence in keeping the commandments, studying our scriptures, praying often, and fulfilling our callings in the church.
I know that my faith needs to be nourished and watched over as would a gardener watch over his vineyard or trees. Just like a tree, I must strengthen myself against the elements, and I must be fed with scriptures and the words of the modern prophets and apostles.
Investigators start with faith as a seed. They first try or investigate the Church which then is but a small seed at first. Later on, as they exercise their faith, they seed becomes a sapling which then, if pruned right, can become a mighty tree. All of these things are in accordance with our diligence in keeping the commandments, studying our scriptures, praying often, and fulfilling our callings in the church.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
God Knows us
Jeremiah 1:5
God knows us all. We were all His children before we came upon this earth and we still are. We were chosen for this time era before the world was. I know that there was a life before this. I know that I lived with my Father in Heaven.
God knows us all. We were all His children before we came upon this earth and we still are. We were chosen for this time era before the world was. I know that there was a life before this. I know that I lived with my Father in Heaven.
This is the Time to Prepare
Alma 34:32
I know that when I'm working or in the service to others that I'm doing service to my God. I know that this is the time to prepare to meet Him and to stand worthily at judgement day. For what joy would fill my sould to hear the words,"Well done my faithful servant."
I know that when I'm working or in the service to others that I'm doing service to my God. I know that this is the time to prepare to meet Him and to stand worthily at judgement day. For what joy would fill my sould to hear the words,"Well done my faithful servant."
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Words of life
D&C 84:85
Take no thought. For I shall take no thought as to what I will say to investigators or to antagonists of the church for I know that the Lord is on my side. Therefore, I will treasure up the scriptures, the words of life, the very words that will bring men unto eternal life. I will do this continually even till the day I pass away from this life or until the Lord requires it no more.
Does " and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man" mean that everyone will have a chance to hear the gospel at some point in time?
Take no thought. For I shall take no thought as to what I will say to investigators or to antagonists of the church for I know that the Lord is on my side. Therefore, I will treasure up the scriptures, the words of life, the very words that will bring men unto eternal life. I will do this continually even till the day I pass away from this life or until the Lord requires it no more.
Does " and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man" mean that everyone will have a chance to hear the gospel at some point in time?
Much Fasting and Prayer
Alma 17:2-3
When I make the effort to fast, I notice that I feel more closer to the Spirit and my sense or understanding of the gospel and what the Lord wants is heightened. I feel I have more communion with God when fasting, prayer, and scripture study are included in my life.
It says in the scriptures that when Ammon and his brethren devoted themselves to those three things that they had received the spirit of prophecy. I wonder if that would include us as well, if we continue in fasting, prayer, and diligent scripture study.
When I make the effort to fast, I notice that I feel more closer to the Spirit and my sense or understanding of the gospel and what the Lord wants is heightened. I feel I have more communion with God when fasting, prayer, and scripture study are included in my life.
It says in the scriptures that when Ammon and his brethren devoted themselves to those three things that they had received the spirit of prophecy. I wonder if that would include us as well, if we continue in fasting, prayer, and diligent scripture study.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Prayer of Faith
D&C 42:14
Praying before studying these scriptures helps open and reveal a new light which I have never seen before in the scriptures. Communicating with Heavenly Father helps bring the Spirit which then teaches, and then you teach. Without the first step, the link cannot be completed.
Praying before studying these scriptures helps open and reveal a new light which I have never seen before in the scriptures. Communicating with Heavenly Father helps bring the Spirit which then teaches, and then you teach. Without the first step, the link cannot be completed.
Faith by hearing
Romans 10:17
Our faith comes from when we take time to listen to the prophets and to act upon their words. When we hear the word of God we can gain faith and then it later becomes strengthened later on. I love listening to general conference. It's such a time to become edified and spiritually restored and strengthened. I especially loved priesthood session since I didn't get a chance to see it last time, and I could feel the words of the apostles and prophet pierce my soul and lift it up unto rejoicing in my God. I was feeling kind of down, but boy did that session lift my spirits up and I felt like a new person when walking out of teh building.
Hear, gain faith, and obey.
Our faith comes from when we take time to listen to the prophets and to act upon their words. When we hear the word of God we can gain faith and then it later becomes strengthened later on. I love listening to general conference. It's such a time to become edified and spiritually restored and strengthened. I especially loved priesthood session since I didn't get a chance to see it last time, and I could feel the words of the apostles and prophet pierce my soul and lift it up unto rejoicing in my God. I was feeling kind of down, but boy did that session lift my spirits up and I felt like a new person when walking out of teh building.
Hear, gain faith, and obey.
Lift up your voices
D&C 100:5-8
I feel relieved that the Lord will help us with what to say and that men will not confound us. We must remember to be humble. It's hard today to remember to be humble and speak with meekness unto our brethren. Often, we get caught up in the moment and hot words will be spoken, but by being humble and with kind words we can soften hearts and the Holy Ghost becomes invited. As long as we invite the Spirit, the Lord will provide the way and the means necessary to bring forth the work.
I have found that when being aggressively confronted that it's good to always smile and reply with a soft and positive reply. A smile will disarm one who is angry and bitter.
I feel relieved that the Lord will help us with what to say and that men will not confound us. We must remember to be humble. It's hard today to remember to be humble and speak with meekness unto our brethren. Often, we get caught up in the moment and hot words will be spoken, but by being humble and with kind words we can soften hearts and the Holy Ghost becomes invited. As long as we invite the Spirit, the Lord will provide the way and the means necessary to bring forth the work.
I have found that when being aggressively confronted that it's good to always smile and reply with a soft and positive reply. A smile will disarm one who is angry and bitter.
Speaking by power
2 Nephi 33:1
When Nephi says that he cannot write all the things which were taught to his people, it makes me wonder how much things were prophesied and taught by Nephi to his people. There must have been wonderful things spoken by this man. If he says he is not mighty in writing, but his words are edifying enough, then I wonder what type of speaker this man was. He says he is not a mighty speaker but his humility and meekness touch my soul. For Nephi is mighty in the gospel and he preaches with such simplicity and plainess that I enjoy reading from his passages of scripture. Nephi has truly spoken by the Holy Ghost for his words have been carried unto my heart and I feel peace and serenity flood my soul.
When Nephi says that he cannot write all the things which were taught to his people, it makes me wonder how much things were prophesied and taught by Nephi to his people. There must have been wonderful things spoken by this man. If he says he is not mighty in writing, but his words are edifying enough, then I wonder what type of speaker this man was. He says he is not a mighty speaker but his humility and meekness touch my soul. For Nephi is mighty in the gospel and he preaches with such simplicity and plainess that I enjoy reading from his passages of scripture. Nephi has truly spoken by the Holy Ghost for his words have been carried unto my heart and I feel peace and serenity flood my soul.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Seek out of the Best Best Books
D&C 88:118
When it says teach each other words of wisdom I interpret that as looking out for each other and expounding and exhorting each other to do what it is right. We're supposed to seek the best of books which means that we're supposed to become learned and to learn as much as we can. Getting an education will truly bless us. It even says in the scriptures that we're supposed to study even though our teachers tell us to study, but we're supposed to also seek learning by faith. This means that we will learn from the scriptures when we take to heart what they say and apply them in our lives.
When it says teach each other words of wisdom I interpret that as looking out for each other and expounding and exhorting each other to do what it is right. We're supposed to seek the best of books which means that we're supposed to become learned and to learn as much as we can. Getting an education will truly bless us. It even says in the scriptures that we're supposed to study even though our teachers tell us to study, but we're supposed to also seek learning by faith. This means that we will learn from the scriptures when we take to heart what they say and apply them in our lives.
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