D&C 63:16
Those who lust in their heart or mind have committed adultery. And those who do so will not have the Spirit to be with them but it will be void in their lives. Those who don't even commit adultery who have lustful thoughts will still not have the Spirit with them. For all emotion takes over the mind if the thoughts are allowed to persist, and the Spirit is completely shut out. So let our minds and hearts be centered around God.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Condemn Then Forget
D&C 42:22-25
This scripture not all teaches to forsake adultery but to also forgive those that have done it. This will be hard because this is a huge sin and something not easily cast aside. But someone who repents with all their heart, forsake it, and doesn't do it anymore will be forgiven.
This scripture not all teaches to forsake adultery but to also forgive those that have done it. This will be hard because this is a huge sin and something not easily cast aside. But someone who repents with all their heart, forsake it, and doesn't do it anymore will be forgiven.
The Prophet's Words are the Lord's Words
D&C 21:4-6
We have to be reminded that what the Lord speaks, the prophet will speak what the Lord has directed him to speak. Some people complain or go against the prophet's counsel. They are forgetting that they are also going against what the Lord has spoken. If the Lord were to give us directly what directions and counsel we should do, would we follow it? Well, a person with the right mind would. Does this apply with the prophet also? That's a definite yes. The same goes for our bishop. Our bishops are inspired by the Lord for direction and give counsel that has been inspired by the Lord. We should always remember that our priesthood leaders are servants and mouthpieces of the Lord.
We have to be reminded that what the Lord speaks, the prophet will speak what the Lord has directed him to speak. Some people complain or go against the prophet's counsel. They are forgetting that they are also going against what the Lord has spoken. If the Lord were to give us directly what directions and counsel we should do, would we follow it? Well, a person with the right mind would. Does this apply with the prophet also? That's a definite yes. The same goes for our bishop. Our bishops are inspired by the Lord for direction and give counsel that has been inspired by the Lord. We should always remember that our priesthood leaders are servants and mouthpieces of the Lord.
Counsel From God
Amos 3:7
The Lord guides and directs our prophet today, Thomas S. Monson. Why would the Lord discontinue to converse with man, and to check and His church and to guide it? The true restored church is one that is directed by the Lord himself through His servants the prophets. The prophet isn't the only one to receive direction from the Lord. The apostles also receive direction and counsel from Him.
The Lord guides and directs our prophet today, Thomas S. Monson. Why would the Lord discontinue to converse with man, and to check and His church and to guide it? The true restored church is one that is directed by the Lord himself through His servants the prophets. The prophet isn't the only one to receive direction from the Lord. The apostles also receive direction and counsel from Him.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Keep Ourselves Unspotted
D&C 59:9-10
Not only is the Sabbath a day of physical rest, but it is also a day to rest from the world. We go to church to partake of the sacrament to become renewed and spiritually restrengthened. If we don't rest from the world then we will eventually become subject to it. Constantly being subject to it six days of the week is enough to bring a person down. Without the seventh day, we would be more easily enticed. I notice that when I missed church or the sacrament, for traveling purposes, that I didn't feel like I had the Spirit with me as much as I usually do, and the world then becomes more blunt and objective.
Not only is the Sabbath a day of physical rest, but it is also a day to rest from the world. We go to church to partake of the sacrament to become renewed and spiritually restrengthened. If we don't rest from the world then we will eventually become subject to it. Constantly being subject to it six days of the week is enough to bring a person down. Without the seventh day, we would be more easily enticed. I notice that when I missed church or the sacrament, for traveling purposes, that I didn't feel like I had the Spirit with me as much as I usually do, and the world then becomes more blunt and objective.
The Fourth of the Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:8-11
These scriptures are pretty straight forward. Keep the Sabbath day holy! I noticed that in the scriptures that even the Lord rested upon the seventh day of the creation of the earth. If the Lord took the time to rest I think we need to rest too. The Lord knows that we are dependent upon some form of recreation or rest, then Sunday would be the perfect time to do so, at the end of the week.
These scriptures are pretty straight forward. Keep the Sabbath day holy! I noticed that in the scriptures that even the Lord rested upon the seventh day of the creation of the earth. If the Lord took the time to rest I think we need to rest too. The Lord knows that we are dependent upon some form of recreation or rest, then Sunday would be the perfect time to do so, at the end of the week.
A Light Unto the World
D&C 45:9
The covenants that are given to us are for our benefit. For our God is a just god, and it would be against the laws of Heaven if we were to sin ignorantly and know nothing about it. That is why He is gracious to set a light and a standard for us to obey and follow. When we are baptized, we have made covenants to keep the commandments. When we go to the temple we make more covenants that are sacred. We agree to follow the covenants, and as missionaries, we need to make that clear to investigators that we all make covenants through baptism and we agree to keep them.
The covenants that are given to us are for our benefit. For our God is a just god, and it would be against the laws of Heaven if we were to sin ignorantly and know nothing about it. That is why He is gracious to set a light and a standard for us to obey and follow. When we are baptized, we have made covenants to keep the commandments. When we go to the temple we make more covenants that are sacred. We agree to follow the covenants, and as missionaries, we need to make that clear to investigators that we all make covenants through baptism and we agree to keep them.
Coming Forth
Moroni 6:1-4
As a missionary I need to make sure that my investigators are ready to become baptized. They need a broken heart and a contrite spirit and that they are truly repentant. And they must be willing to serve Christ to the end. They need to be looked after also to continue on the path to be nourished by the people in the Church and by the word of Christ.
As a missionary I need to make sure that my investigators are ready to become baptized. They need a broken heart and a contrite spirit and that they are truly repentant. And they must be willing to serve Christ to the end. They need to be looked after also to continue on the path to be nourished by the people in the Church and by the word of Christ.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Being Organized
D&C 109:8
The Lord's Church is a church of order. Everything is put or assigned in its correct place. When everything is organized, things go a lot smoother. That is why we keep records of membership and other thing in the Church. Keeping record tells whether there needs to be a new meetinghouse, or a new temple, or any other needful thing in an area.
I like how it says in verse nine that our incomings and outgoings need to be in the name of the Lord. This reminds us to remember the Lord in everything we do and say, especially when we go to the temple.
The Lord's Church is a church of order. Everything is put or assigned in its correct place. When everything is organized, things go a lot smoother. That is why we keep records of membership and other thing in the Church. Keeping record tells whether there needs to be a new meetinghouse, or a new temple, or any other needful thing in an area.
I like how it says in verse nine that our incomings and outgoings need to be in the name of the Lord. This reminds us to remember the Lord in everything we do and say, especially when we go to the temple.
Spending More Time on Gospel Things
D&C 123:12-13
How true is this scripture. For it would be better if I were to waste or spend my whole life trying to bring to light the hidden things of the Gospel than to be idle and do nothing. For as I go throughout life I'm starting to see more and more of the craftiness of men and how subtle and deceiving they are. I weep within myself when I see people, and especially friends and associates, that are deceived by the ways of the world and how they are caught up in the ways of man and of corrupt denominations. I must from now be more diligent in my exhorting and uplifting of my brethren and my sisters.
How true is this scripture. For it would be better if I were to waste or spend my whole life trying to bring to light the hidden things of the Gospel than to be idle and do nothing. For as I go throughout life I'm starting to see more and more of the craftiness of men and how subtle and deceiving they are. I weep within myself when I see people, and especially friends and associates, that are deceived by the ways of the world and how they are caught up in the ways of man and of corrupt denominations. I must from now be more diligent in my exhorting and uplifting of my brethren and my sisters.
Cease to be Idle
D&C 88:124
I try to retire to bed early and then rise early, and it works like a charm. I feel great the next day, I'm doing better in my classes, and I sleep better and I feel more in harmony with man and with God. Since I've been going to bed earlier I don't feel as tired even though I get up early. And like it says in the scripture, my body and mind feel invigorated.
I try to retire to bed early and then rise early, and it works like a charm. I feel great the next day, I'm doing better in my classes, and I sleep better and I feel more in harmony with man and with God. Since I've been going to bed earlier I don't feel as tired even though I get up early. And like it says in the scripture, my body and mind feel invigorated.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Serve With all Your Might
D&C 4:2
We are to serve God by every means possible. With all our might, mind, and strength and by the companionship of the Holy Ghost. If we do all these things we will stand blameless before God at the last day. If we are to not use every means possible we could be held accountable. Such service could definitely be home teaching, supporting our ward activities, and participating in service projects whenever we can.
We are to serve God by every means possible. With all our might, mind, and strength and by the companionship of the Holy Ghost. If we do all these things we will stand blameless before God at the last day. If we are to not use every means possible we could be held accountable. Such service could definitely be home teaching, supporting our ward activities, and participating in service projects whenever we can.
By Small and Simple Means
Alma 37:7-8, 28-29, 41
One thing that I have learned in life so far(it's not much) that great and terrible things are brought to pass by small and simple things. Such examples could be a little kindness and can change some one's heart, or by not following the smallest of commandments can affect our salvation.
Another thing, that is true is that those who do not support the means of freedom in this country or those who support the works of darkness will be destroyed. This land is meant for freedom and for a people who will worship God and live in righteousness. Those who do not will be destroyed as were the Nephites, and later a huge portion of the Lamanites by the Gentiles.
One thing that I have learned in life so far(it's not much) that great and terrible things are brought to pass by small and simple things. Such examples could be a little kindness and can change some one's heart, or by not following the smallest of commandments can affect our salvation.
Another thing, that is true is that those who do not support the means of freedom in this country or those who support the works of darkness will be destroyed. This land is meant for freedom and for a people who will worship God and live in righteousness. Those who do not will be destroyed as were the Nephites, and later a huge portion of the Lamanites by the Gentiles.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Do As Christ Did
2 Ne 31:13, 17
One of the things in this scripture that jumps out at me is the part about hypocrisy. I never really started noticing it or even thinking about until I read this scripture. We sometimes are busy preaching that we don't really take the time and to stop and think about what little things are we doing wrong or in what areas are we being hypocritical. We should follow Christ with a full purpose of heart meaning in everything we do and not rationalize the little things in our lives. The gate we enter is repentance and baptism by water and by fire by the Holy Ghost. With real intent and with the name of Christ we must not only enter the waters of baptism but to also to partake of the sacrament worthily.
One of the things in this scripture that jumps out at me is the part about hypocrisy. I never really started noticing it or even thinking about until I read this scripture. We sometimes are busy preaching that we don't really take the time and to stop and think about what little things are we doing wrong or in what areas are we being hypocritical. We should follow Christ with a full purpose of heart meaning in everything we do and not rationalize the little things in our lives. The gate we enter is repentance and baptism by water and by fire by the Holy Ghost. With real intent and with the name of Christ we must not only enter the waters of baptism but to also to partake of the sacrament worthily.
Become Born of Water and of the Spirit
John 3:5
In order to be truly converted and to come into the fold we must first become baptized of water for the remission of our sins, and being baptized by the Spirit which is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Without these two basic processes we cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Being born of water and of the Spirit symbolizes our rebirth as a new person, not a literal rebirth, but what is also another a symbol is becoming anew and converted into Christ's church.
In order to be truly converted and to come into the fold we must first become baptized of water for the remission of our sins, and being baptized by the Spirit which is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Without these two basic processes we cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Being born of water and of the Spirit symbolizes our rebirth as a new person, not a literal rebirth, but what is also another a symbol is becoming anew and converted into Christ's church.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Our Faith Springeth Up
Alma 32:7-8, 28-29, 41
If we become truly penitent and humble, as did the people who were being taught by Alma, then will our faith be allowed to take root in our hearts and will start to grow. If we are humble, faith has an easier time of growing. Pride is like gasoline, it fuels the angry fire and it kills out the good plant, or our faith. Once we get rid of the pride we become more humble and subjective to the teachings of the gospel. Our faith will become strong like unto a tree and it will feel good to us, and we will then climb up the tree which reaches to eternal salvation.
If we become truly penitent and humble, as did the people who were being taught by Alma, then will our faith be allowed to take root in our hearts and will start to grow. If we are humble, faith has an easier time of growing. Pride is like gasoline, it fuels the angry fire and it kills out the good plant, or our faith. Once we get rid of the pride we become more humble and subjective to the teachings of the gospel. Our faith will become strong like unto a tree and it will feel good to us, and we will then climb up the tree which reaches to eternal salvation.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Steadfastness in Christ
2 Ne. 31:19-20
Once we are in the strait and narrow path, or once we have chosen the path of righteousness, there is still more work to be done. We are to remain steadfast in the gospel and in Christ. It is through Christ and our unshaken faith through Him that we have made it thus far in the path of righteousness. So if you have overcome an obstacle, do not think that is it, for there are callings in the ward and other obstacles in life that will tempt and test us. Behold, we must endure to the end and then we will be granted eternal life from the Father, but not only enduring but also feasting upon the words of Christ.
Once we are in the strait and narrow path, or once we have chosen the path of righteousness, there is still more work to be done. We are to remain steadfast in the gospel and in Christ. It is through Christ and our unshaken faith through Him that we have made it thus far in the path of righteousness. So if you have overcome an obstacle, do not think that is it, for there are callings in the ward and other obstacles in life that will tempt and test us. Behold, we must endure to the end and then we will be granted eternal life from the Father, but not only enduring but also feasting upon the words of Christ.
Yielding our Hearts Unto God
Helaman 3:35
The Nephites had their faith strengthened when they prayed and fasted often. It says in the scripture that they did wax stronger in humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, and even until their souls were filled with joy and consolation. We have to immerse ourselves in the Gospel. Praying and fasting are good ways to yield ourselves to God. Once we become humble we start having more communion with God. Peace and joy enter our lives if we humble ourselves and become steadfast in the faith of Christ.
The Nephites had their faith strengthened when they prayed and fasted often. It says in the scripture that they did wax stronger in humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, and even until their souls were filled with joy and consolation. We have to immerse ourselves in the Gospel. Praying and fasting are good ways to yield ourselves to God. Once we become humble we start having more communion with God. Peace and joy enter our lives if we humble ourselves and become steadfast in the faith of Christ.
We Become Unshaken
Jacob 4:6
We do search the prophets. We hear them talk at General Conference, we read their words in books and in Church magazines. We can receive revelations and we definitely have the spirit of prophecy. Patriarchs in our stakes give us personal revelations from the Lord. With these witnesses it's easy to think how we could ever become unshaken. We can easily become shaken if we are not steadfast and if we don't increase our faith and remain idle in the gospel. Only through work and exercising our faith will it become strengthened, and we will be able to command anything in the name of the Lord.
We do search the prophets. We hear them talk at General Conference, we read their words in books and in Church magazines. We can receive revelations and we definitely have the spirit of prophecy. Patriarchs in our stakes give us personal revelations from the Lord. With these witnesses it's easy to think how we could ever become unshaken. We can easily become shaken if we are not steadfast and if we don't increase our faith and remain idle in the gospel. Only through work and exercising our faith will it become strengthened, and we will be able to command anything in the name of the Lord.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Have Perfect Faith
2 Ne 9:23
For what does it mean to have perfect faith? I think it means that we must have faith that is unwavering. Having faith that our Savior, Jesus Christ, died for us for a remission of our sins, and that through Him we can be forgiven and live to return with our Father in Heaven. Having perfect faith can also mean having faith to where we are converted or ready to enter the waters of baptism.
For what does it mean to have perfect faith? I think it means that we must have faith that is unwavering. Having faith that our Savior, Jesus Christ, died for us for a remission of our sins, and that through Him we can be forgiven and live to return with our Father in Heaven. Having perfect faith can also mean having faith to where we are converted or ready to enter the waters of baptism.
The Lord is Able to do all Things
1 Ne 7:12
For how can we forget that the Lord is able to do all things? We are swamped with the world everyday with negative, provoking, and slanderous thoughts, that sometimes we find ourselves caught up in it. When we feel negative, we need to remember that through the Lord everything will be all right. It's through His will that things are done, not our will. Like Nephi says in so simple words, "Let us be faithful to Him."
For how can we forget that the Lord is able to do all things? We are swamped with the world everyday with negative, provoking, and slanderous thoughts, that sometimes we find ourselves caught up in it. When we feel negative, we need to remember that through the Lord everything will be all right. It's through His will that things are done, not our will. Like Nephi says in so simple words, "Let us be faithful to Him."
The Priesthood of Aaron
D&C 13:1
It's humbling to know that as a holder of the Aaronic priesthood I have the capability to baptize, I have the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance. Just as a deacon, I had the keys of ministering angels. What an awesome power. This priesthood prepares young men for the bigger responsibility of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
It's humbling to know that as a holder of the Aaronic priesthood I have the capability to baptize, I have the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance. Just as a deacon, I had the keys of ministering angels. What an awesome power. This priesthood prepares young men for the bigger responsibility of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Out of Darkness
D&C 1:30
We, as members of the Church, are given commandments concerning laying the foundations for the Church. We have the power to lay the foundations, to work mightily, to perform missionary work, and to fulfill our callings. To bring it forth, the Church, out of the darkness of the world, and the obscurity of the great abominable church, and to show to the world that Christ's church is back on the earth. For the Lord does not speak individually but collectively to everyone in the Church. As Zion, and as emissaries for our Lord Savior Jesus Christ, we will go forth and serve.
We, as members of the Church, are given commandments concerning laying the foundations for the Church. We have the power to lay the foundations, to work mightily, to perform missionary work, and to fulfill our callings. To bring it forth, the Church, out of the darkness of the world, and the obscurity of the great abominable church, and to show to the world that Christ's church is back on the earth. For the Lord does not speak individually but collectively to everyone in the Church. As Zion, and as emissaries for our Lord Savior Jesus Christ, we will go forth and serve.
Monday, November 3, 2008
A Record of a Fallen People
D&C 20:8-12
Joseph Smith was the first Elder of the Church was prepared before the world was to bring forth the Restoration. The record translated by Joseph Smith is a record of a fallen people who became blinded by sin, became prideful in their hearts, and forgot their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This serves as an example if one whole nation becomes wicked, that they will become destroyed from off the face of the earth if they put God out of their lives. The Book of Mormon was translated by inspiration and was then testified and ministered by angels unto individuals who read the book, who then declared the work unto the inhabitants of the world. This work shows unto the world that God has not stopped giving inspiration and direction to the inhabitants of the earth. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Joseph Smith was the first Elder of the Church was prepared before the world was to bring forth the Restoration. The record translated by Joseph Smith is a record of a fallen people who became blinded by sin, became prideful in their hearts, and forgot their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This serves as an example if one whole nation becomes wicked, that they will become destroyed from off the face of the earth if they put God out of their lives. The Book of Mormon was translated by inspiration and was then testified and ministered by angels unto individuals who read the book, who then declared the work unto the inhabitants of the world. This work shows unto the world that God has not stopped giving inspiration and direction to the inhabitants of the earth. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Record Among the Gentiles
1 Ne 13:40
The records of the Jews will be among the Gentiles and will be used as scriptural reference, or also known as the Bible. Although the Bible is of Holy writ, it has lost many plain and precious truths, which were later found by Joseph Smith after re-translating the Bible. The Bible has made known the teachings of the first twelve apostles of the Lord. But once again, the plain and precious truths were lost during the Great Apostasy. The Book of Mormon was brought forth to complete the Bible basically, and to proclaim that the Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God and the Son of the Eternal Father.
The records of the Jews will be among the Gentiles and will be used as scriptural reference, or also known as the Bible. Although the Bible is of Holy writ, it has lost many plain and precious truths, which were later found by Joseph Smith after re-translating the Bible. The Bible has made known the teachings of the first twelve apostles of the Lord. But once again, the plain and precious truths were lost during the Great Apostasy. The Book of Mormon was brought forth to complete the Bible basically, and to proclaim that the Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God and the Son of the Eternal Father.
We Preach of Christ
2 Ne 25:23, 26
For as Nephi said, it seems that we labor diligently in the Church to bring are children and brethren unto Christ. The Church is not only preaching unto the world but also acting as a charity and relieving those in Africa or third world countries, or even in the states that are in need of assistance financially or physically.
As to pertaining of writing of Christ so our children will know, I think what it means by children is also meant by our posterity or our grandchildren. Our children and their children need to know what we stand for and how we acted righteously and in the Lord. That is one of the reasons why we are supposed to keep a journal of all our proceeding and events in our lives.
For as Nephi said, it seems that we labor diligently in the Church to bring are children and brethren unto Christ. The Church is not only preaching unto the world but also acting as a charity and relieving those in Africa or third world countries, or even in the states that are in need of assistance financially or physically.
As to pertaining of writing of Christ so our children will know, I think what it means by children is also meant by our posterity or our grandchildren. Our children and their children need to know what we stand for and how we acted righteously and in the Lord. That is one of the reasons why we are supposed to keep a journal of all our proceeding and events in our lives.
That I may Persuade men to Come Unto Christ
1 Ne 6:4
For the purpose of my intent is to also persuade men to come unto Christ just as Nephi said. For the God we all worship that is of the Jews, and of the Gentiles, is the same God. God never changes, for He was the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob. I am excited at the thought of serving a mission and persuading men to come unto Christ.
For the purpose of my intent is to also persuade men to come unto Christ just as Nephi said. For the God we all worship that is of the Jews, and of the Gentiles, is the same God. God never changes, for He was the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob. I am excited at the thought of serving a mission and persuading men to come unto Christ.
Joseph, A Seer and Prophet of the Lord
D&C 124:125
Joseph Smith was ordained by God to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and a prophet. What it means in the scripture as to be a presiding elder over the Church means that he was supposed to watch over the Church and to be the mouthpiece of the Lord. Joseph was mostly responsible for modern revelations and other scriptural material revealed in this dispensation. The Lord gives unto us His servant Joseph.
Joseph Smith was ordained by God to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and a prophet. What it means in the scripture as to be a presiding elder over the Church means that he was supposed to watch over the Church and to be the mouthpiece of the Lord. Joseph was mostly responsible for modern revelations and other scriptural material revealed in this dispensation. The Lord gives unto us His servant Joseph.
Joseph the Seer
2 Ne 3:11-12
Joseph Smith was given power from God to translate the things in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon was written by the Nephites who were descendants of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. The Nephites brought forth the Book of Mormon while the seed of Judah, or the Jews, brought forth the Bible. Together, the two books cast away false teachings and are a duo for the teaching the words of the Lord, and for establishing peace. I know that both the Book of Mormon and the Bible are tools and instruments for bringing souls unto Christ and that they work together.
Joseph Smith was given power from God to translate the things in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon was written by the Nephites who were descendants of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. The Nephites brought forth the Book of Mormon while the seed of Judah, or the Jews, brought forth the Bible. Together, the two books cast away false teachings and are a duo for the teaching the words of the Lord, and for establishing peace. I know that both the Book of Mormon and the Bible are tools and instruments for bringing souls unto Christ and that they work together.
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