Pray with Faith 3

Here is the context of that last highlighted text:

Doctrine and Covenants 88
7 Which truth shineth. This is the alight of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.


8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;

9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;

10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you astand.

11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;

12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—

13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who esitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.

Pray with Faith 2

The next sections describe the light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. I wanted to have more clarification in the similarities and differences between the two. The Bible Dictionary defines the light of Christ:

The phrase “light of Christ” does not appear in the Bible, although the principles that apply to it are frequently mentioned therein. The precise phrase is found in Alma 28: 14, Moro. 7: 18, and D&C 88: 7. Biblical phrases that are sometimes synonymous to the term “light of Christ” are “spirit of the Lord” and “light of life” (see, for example, John 1: 4; John 8: 12). The “spirit of the Lord,” however, sometimes is used with reference to the Holy Ghost, and so must not be taken in every case as having reference to the light of Christ.

The light of Christ is just what the words imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ. For instance, Christ is “the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (D&C 93: 2; John 1: 9). The light of Christ fills the “immensity of space” and is the means by which Christ is able to be “in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things.” It “giveth life to all things” and is “the law by which all things are governed.” It is also “the light that quickeneth” man’s understanding (see D&C 88: 6-13, 41). In this manner, the light of Christ is related to man’s conscience and tells him right from wrong (cf. Moro. 7: 12-19).

The light of Christ should not be confused with the personage of the Holy Ghost, for the light of Christ is not a personage at all. Its influence is preliminary to and preparatory to one’s receiving the Holy Ghost. The light of Christ will lead the honest soul who “hearkeneth to the voice” to find the true gospel and the true Church and thereby receive the Holy Ghost (see D&C 84: 46-48). Additional references are Alma 19: 6; Alma 26: 3; D&C 20: 27.

I was so excited to read the highlighted phrase. This answers my question very simply about how I rely upon the Lord for daily sustenance. He IS the source of life. Wow!

Pray with Faith

It was fun to find that this topic is a heading in "Preach My Gospel". It teaches how to pray and what to pray for...But before I dive into that, I thought I'd back up and study the chapter in which I found the pray with faith section: "Recognize the Spirit". Since this is a key to prayer.

The first personal study activity in the chapter is to: "Read Moroni 10 and write in your own words what Moroni exhorts the reader of the Book of Mormon to do."

1 - Ponder the scriptures from the beginning of the Earth until now. Think of how merciful the Lord has been to His children. (I thought of how he sends prophets to teach us and to warn us. The Lord gives us time to repent.)
2 - Sincerely ask Heavenly Father if the words in the Book of Mormon are true. In order to receive an answer you must have faith that Heavenly Father will let you know if they are true. The answer is going to come through the Holy Ghost because that is how you can know if anything is true. I think he gives a clue for how to recognize the Holy Ghost in verse 6. He says, "whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is."
3 - Do not deny the power of God. His power has been manifested through the Holy Ghost throughout the history of the Earth.
4 - Do not deny the gifts of God that are given to man for man's benefit.
5 - Remember that every good gift comes from Christ.
6 - The Lord is and has been the same throughout time. His gifts will stay with us as long as we have faith in him. If you have faith, you also need hope and charity. All three are essential. If you die in your sins, you cannot be saved.
7 - Remember all this. Soon enough you will die and be at the bar of God where the Lord will ask - "Didn't I tell you these things through Moroni? They are true."
8 - Come unto Christ and seek every good gift and don't even touch the ones that are not good.

[Verses 32-33 are a good explanation of how we are saved by grace and what that means - maybe a later study.]

Humility 4

I turned to a new source, "Preach My Gospel". In the section on Christlike Attributes humility is discussed by looking at its opposite, pride. "To be prideful means to put greater trust in oneself than in God or in His servants." This phrase sparked a thought that help me better understand my dependence on the Lord. Do I trust myself to maintain my involuntary body functions? No. When I go to sleep at night I do nothing to make sure I keep breathing. Is a little angel there blowing in my nostrils? No, however, I am created by God and it is his light that gives me life and sustains the spark of life in me - that keeps this "machine" running. Heavenly Father gives me part of the responsiblilty to eat, sleep, and be safe. He takes care of the rest of it.

Another phrase from "Preach My Gospel" helped link humility back to my initial reason for beginning this study - getting all riled up about people embracing/promoting/enforcing ideas and practices that are against principles of freedom. "Pride is competitive; those who are prideful seek to have more and presume they are better than other people. Pride usually results in feelings of anger and hatred, and it is a great stumbling block." Sometimes anger is not prideful*. However, if I am sarcastic, flippant, and putting people down - I need to check myself.

*The Lord angers at wickedness Psalm 7:11 Moses 6:27

I found myself relating to the actions of Laman and Lemuel below. They down-played the power of the Lord. I know there is more power in prayer than I access.

1 Nephi 15

7 And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the aolive-tree, and also concerning the Gentiles.

8 And I said unto them: Have ye ainquired of the Lord?
9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.
10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts?
11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.

Perhaps that will be my next topic - praying in faith.

Humility 3

Now I feel like I understand what the definition is. However I do not understand it personally. How do "I have constant need for his support?" (from the 2nd sentence of the definition of humility from the gospel topics on http://www.lds.org/.)

The next sentence of the definition helps...: "Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God."

How are they from God? Heavenly Father is literally the father of my spirit. He created me.

I think I will explore words of the modern prophets to get a more personal application.

Words of Jesus: Humility by Elder Athos M. Amorim (Ensign, March 2003)

"Humility is one of the dominant principles the Lord taught in the Beatitudes...“Blessed are they who … come down into the depths of humility and [are] baptized. … “Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  (this shows the importance of humility)
"When His disciples asked Him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus called a little child to come to Him and chided them, saying: “Whosoever … shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:1, 4). “For he that is least among you all, the same shall be great” (Luke 9:48)."  (these give us examples of who Christ considers to be humble)

These are examples of Christ's humility:
"Jesus always pointed out that His Father was the source of His power and knowledge." When I learn something, it is more than hearing information. It seems to involve some kind of light that touches my understanding. I attribute that to the Holy Ghost which is a gift from God. So Father is the source of my knowledge. As for power, I am trying to think of personally how I have power. Faith is a power. When I pray, for example, to find something, and I find it, that power to find was given to me because of my prayer from Father. How else do I have power?

"At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus went into the temple and taught: “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. … He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him” (John 7:16, 18)." When I talk about truth, I strive to learn and use Father's principles. "My doctrine" I could equate to "my testimony" is not mine but Father's for he taught me through His Spirit. Yes, others taught me but it took His Spirit to recognize the truth and to make it part of me.

"Later Jesus testified: “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things … for I do always those things that please him. … And I seek not mine own glory” (John 8:28–29, 50; see also John 12:49–50)." I think I understand this. When I sit down to plan my day or think of what I am going to do next, I base my decisions on values that I have learned from Father's principles, not my own whim.

"The Master Teacher frequently warned against pride. During dinner at the home of one of the chief Pharisees, Jesus discerned how those seated at the table thought themselves better than one another (see Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 14:7). He taught them a parable and then said, “Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11; see also Luke 18:14)." Pride is so tricky to avoid. Even writing my last comment about planning I thought, "Wow, that is pretty good. I wonder if other people do that." I was setting myself up to compare. How can I avoid that? I can turn my thoughts to gratitude for Father's guidance; I can desire to learn from others.

"Jesus taught His disciples of divine humility during their final moments together as they walked to the Mount of Olives just before His arrest and Crucifixion: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. … He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:1, 5)." What does the Savior mean by "nothing"? Perhaps I can take it as the opposite of the previous phrase which would be "to bring forth no fruit". Of what fruit is he speaking? Goodness? So if I focus on the Savior as I plan and perform my actions (which I covenant to do when I partake of the sacrament each week, to "always remember Him"), my actions will yeild goodness, my fruit will be good. If I do that which is contrary to the will of Father, I will not produce good fruit. So without the Father, I can do nothing of goodness.

for future study: knowledge, power, fruit

Humility 2

I looked up humility in the study topics on http://www.lds.org/

There I read a definition of humility that pointed me in a different direction.

Defined: To be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord...

The Savior set the example: "I can of mine own self do nothing. . . . I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" (John 5:30). (I don't feel like that. I feel like I do so much on my own...)

Matt 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (a child is completely dependent on parents with no shame about it)

Matt 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and aprayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this ccup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (I still feel resistance to just let Him take the wheel)

(This scripture ties humility to seeking happiness) Mosiah 4:11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.
12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the alove of God, and always bretain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

Hel. 3:35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (I never really considered the Lord giving weakness. I considered him giving talents and strength.)

Humility

I wanted to improve my attitude so I started to look up verses in the scriptures with the word humility.

In 1 Ne. 13:16 I found that people who were an example of being humble. (the Gentiles who went out of captivity from countries ruled by kings and tyrants and came to America.)

But how were they humble. I thought to look at the facts about their lives as far as how they showed it. I knew from the scirptures that "the Spririt of God" was "upon them" and that they valued the bible. I also knew from history that they were prayerful people. Leaders acknowledged God's hand in establishing a nation of freedom as recorded in important documents.

Examining Doctrine -- Discarding Dogma (Part 3)

Yesterday I was disappointed to not find "curses" or "marks" in the Bible Dictionary. That was probably a good thing because the Bible Dictionary Preface states that the entries are not intended as official church doctrine. That is what I am looking for -- or the lack thereof :)

I then looked up "mark" in the Book of Mormon Index. I was caught again by Alma 3:6. Here it says that the Lamanites' skin was "dark" because of the mark that was upon them which was a curse because of iniquity. Here reference to skin is not ruled out by the fact that "black" was used differently then than it is today (as illustrated in part 1).

Then I read the two accounts of the Lord setting a mark upon Cain. Moses 5:40 nor Genesis 4:15 say what the mark was. The purpose of the mark was to preserve Cain (so people would not kill him when they saw him).

I read Joseph Smith - History 1:31-32 where he describes Moroni's robe and whole person. The Index under the entry "white" says that Joseph calls both white. In the verse this is not explicit. However, the comparison shows how inanimate things can be white and how a countenance can be white in a different manner. "Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description and his countenance truly like lightning."

Today I looked for "curses" in the Index. Verses state that part of a cursing that came upon the unrighteous was so that the people would not be enticing to the righteous. The footnote for enticing says "eternal marriage". What would make someone not enticing to marry to the righteous? My #1 was if I could not receive the coveneant of "eternal marriage" with them, ie. they did not have the priesthood.

The curse of Cain continued after the flood through Ham - his curse is told in Abraham 1:26 - "Noah, his father, who blessed him with the blessings of the earth and with the blessings of wisdom but cursed him as pertaining to the Priesthood."

"Mark" in the Index. Alma 3:10 "...whosoever suffered himself to be led away by the Lamanites was called under that head, and there was a mark set upon him." Again here, the author does not state what that mark was: a dark countenance, no priesthood, etc.? However, the Amalakites marked themselves with red on their foreheads which fullfilled the prophecy.

(If I go with the non-figurative idea that the mark was dark skin referring to the external organ, it seems odd for skin to darken when joining the Lamanites or fighting against the Nephites. Possible? The Lord is all powerful. Isn't it just as plausable that the mark is referring to something else?)

Examining Doctrine -- Discarding Dogma (Part 2)

Thank you for any who read the last post. I hope you continue.

Yesterday I saw an interview with Cecil "Chip" Murray of the First AME Church of Los Angeles, (The AME Church was founded by a former slave of Mormon pioneers), in the trailer for the DVD The Untold Story of Black Mormons.
He said that he was told by one of the leaders of the church when invited to meet in Salt Lake City with President Hinckley, "I have learned of the background/founding of your chuch and I want to apologize for whatever role the Mormon Church played, not only there, but has played in racism in America."

Today I read through the Book of Mormon index under "Lamanite" to try to find some verses that Marvin Perkins used to illustrate his hypothesis for skin color among Lamanites and Nephites.
I got sidetracked and read 3 Nephi 2:15: "And their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites."
I did not like how difficult it was for my mind to get off of thinking that this author was referring to the outside organ of people's bodies. I am thankful that in 1981, three years after the leaders of the church were "inspired...with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords," the improved footnote edition of the scriptures were published.
The footnotes took me to 2 Nephi 5:21 where "skin" has a footnote to 2 Nephi 30:6 where Nephi describes the "scales of darkness" falling from their eyes making them a "pure and delightsome people." Thank you, Nephi.

Examining Doctrine/Scripture/My Father's Words -- Discarding Dogma

I attended a fireside presented by Marvin Perkins as part of the African-American outreach efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I learned. He invited me to not take his word as truth but to find out for myself. Here is my search for truth. I invite you to search for yourself.

Search for "skin" in the scriptures.
Press CTRL+F to search on that page for modern descriptions of skin (ie. "white", "black")

The first references to white skin deal with leprosy.

The next reference to white: Jacob 3:8 O my brethren, I fear that unless ye shall repent of your sins that their skins will be whiter than yours, when ye shall be brought with them before the throne of God.


Will Heavenly Father judge us by the color of one of our organs, our skin?
How will Heavenly Father judge us? What is His doctrine?
3 Nephi 11:32-41

Then what is this verse and many others talking about when referring to "white" or "black" "skin"? (Job 30: 30, 2 Ne. 5: 21, 3 Ne. 2: 15...)

First, what color is your skin? Is it white like a white shirt? Is it black like the sky at night?
Second, when did people start referring to skin as black or white? According to Wikipedia, the 1600's. Way after the scriptures were written. (Compare the map from that last link to this one to see where differing skin colors may come from NASA Map of World Solar Energy Potential.)

So what were people talking about in the scriptures when they spoke of "skin" that was "white" or "black"?

Remember that the scriptures you read in English are a translation from an ancient language. I heard there are three different ways to say "you're welcome" in Spanish and none of them directly translate to "you-are-welcome". 1) "de nada" (of nothing) 2) "por nada" (for nothing) 3) i forgot. Applying that to "skin" of "whiteness" or "blackness" consider a Hebrew idiom referring to a countenance (skin) of righteousness (whiteness) or wickedness (blackness).

This scripture helps me see the analogy: 2 Ne. 30: 6 (skin is like these scales that cover eyes).

More to come - what about "curses of black skin", what happened with the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

See http://www.blacksinthescriptures.com/ for more information.

War in Heaven on Earth

Teaching Children About Agency...
oops ran out of time...more later...importance of agency and how it is being attacked today as the war in heaven continues on Earth.

Poor in Spirit

"Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, 3 Nephi 12:3)

Definition: spiritually needy (Teachings of the Prophet: Harold B. Lee)
Opposite: proud; self-conceit (Teachings of the Prophet: Harold B. Lee)
Examples:
What do the poor in spirit look like?
"...those who are facing personal trials and family struggles, those who endure conflicts fought in the lonely foxholes of the heart, those trying to hold back floodwaters of despair that sometimes wash over us like a tsunami of the soul...[those] who feel your lives are broken, seemingly beyond repair." (Elder Jeffery R. Holland, Broken Things to Mend)
What do the poor in spirit think?
They acknowledge dependance upon the Lord for clothes, food, air, health, and life. (Teachings of the Prophet: Harold B. Lee)
What do the poor in spirit do?
They pray for guidance, forginveness, strength, and fervent thanksgiving daily. (Teachings of the Prophet: Harold B. Lee)
Application: Pray as the poor in spirit do; what else?
Question(s): I feel grateful to the Lord for my life and sustinance. I don't fully understand how I am dependent on the Lord. I believe I readily accept the idea, I just don't understand how I am dependent when thinking of - If he gives me my "daily bread" does that mean he witholds daily bread from others that don't have it? Any thoughts?

I felt this one...

1Nephi 1:20 And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.
Fear not what man can do

Importance of History

I am listening to 1Nephi19 where Nephi tells about his record. I think it is important to record history. I have been wanting to learn more about America and what is going on with its government. I like to listen to Glenn Beck. I want to learn more about the basics though. There is a free BYU class I can take on this topic. I'll check it out. Maybe some people would want to join in.

Focus...

Sometimes it is hard for me to be "in the zone". Wouldn't this be cool - "and he [the Lord] also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ" Alma 31:34 Granted this is talking about missionaries with a special role. I think we are meant to suffer some to strengthen and for us to know that God gave us all freedom and some people are going to choose poorly and it hurts. But what if I could tap into this even a little for what I just let "get" to me. I could think of the joy of Christ. That would be awesome I think. I'm going to try it today. Come on affliction...bring it on...(so the point of being "in the zone" is having an eternal perspective on life. If I did, most problems would show their true colors and pale in comparison to Christ's victory!)

Just Wondering...

Do both Catholic and Protestants believe in the Nicene Creed?