“And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, ... and they teach all men that they should do good.” -2 Nephi 33:10
1 - "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." -Mosiah 4:9
2 - "And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them." -Mosiah 4:10
3,4,5,6 - "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 bremission 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." -Mosiah 4:11
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, August 2, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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.]
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.]
Monday, July 26, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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.)
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.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)