Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 7:47
"Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgive, the same loveth little."
This fills my heart for I have had much to be forgiven. Only through repenting of much, has my love for the Savior deepened in gratitude. I am reminded of the words of mother Eve.
"And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."
(Moses 5:11)
There is purpose in our sins, wisdom is gained on the other side of it. For when our eyes are opened and we know the Lord, we would not have it any other way.
Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 6:46
"And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
I pondered on how the gospel is not passive, but requires action. You cannot confess the Lord and then sit back thinking you are saved. That is just a small part that just barely opened the gate on the path to eternal life. I have to do as the Lord did. I must be baptized by one with authority. Yet, there is still more. I must shake off the natural man and temper myself to do as Jesus would do. That is a lifetime of actions. It is so worth every effort put into it. Because that's how I come to know the Lord, and he will call me his.
Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 5:36
"And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old."
Today, I felt ready to ponder on this. Jesus is speaking to the scribes and Pharisees so how are they doing what he warned them off in a parable. How were they putting new cloth onto an old garment? And in the following verses new wine into old bottles? I think "new" means Jesus' teaching. They were going to pick and choose from what he said and add it to what they knew. So what is the danger of picking and choosing what you want to hear and do in the gospel and not replace the old for the new? The danger is a tear or rent, or burst bottles. The truth is distorted and polluted if co-mingled with the old and new laws. The old laws might "taste" better to them, but its not lasting. The law of Moses was going to be fulfilled and they needed to replace it with the "new testament" that Christ would give. For them to not replace the law of Moses they would totally leave out Christ. That would void the whole garment, them. Like an old garment they would be tossed out into the fire.
Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,"
When I was a child my favorite song was "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus". I sang it with my heart and in my mind I pictured "scenes by the wayside, and tales of the sea". I loved my Savior from the start. As I read this chapter I pictured each of these events. How I would have loved to sit in the synagogue that day as Jesus said these words to the people. Would I have accepted Him? Even if I only knew him as Joseph's son up to that point? I hope I would have known he was Christ. I sat the remainder of my study time watching bible videos in particular "Jesus Declares He is the Messiah", and I imagined I was there.
When he said the words "Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country." I was reminded that today is the 175th anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, the prophet of this last dispensation, who died along with his brother Hyrum Smith. If I could accept Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, and Russell M. Nelson as His living prophet today. Then I know I would have accepted Jesus Christ, even when others did not.
Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 3:16
"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose sons I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:"
What struck me was how humble John is, he knows his mission, his role, and the authority that he has. He could baptize for the remission of sins but not bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost. For that comes by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood and John the Baptist only had the Aaronic Priesthood. Jesus Christ gave that authority to his apostles. In Acts 8:14-17 I find Peter and John using that authority. It was also Peter, James, and John that came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the Melchizedek priesthood, which included the authority to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. John the Baptist having coming earlier to restore the Aaronic Priesthood and baptism for the remission of sin. All these keys had to be restored by one that had authority. I am so grateful that I live at such a time. Having been both baptized and confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is such a precious gift for me. I am grateful that my deceased ancestors that had not this opportunity can be given it vicariously through proxy baptism and confirmation for the gift of the Holy Ghost in the temples of our Lord, if they so choose to accept it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 2:39-40
"And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."
Jesus' parents took him home and raised him. I pondered on how Jesus was not left at the temple to be raised but instead remained in a humble home. This is where the best lessons of life can be taught, with both a loving mother and devoted father to raise a child. How incredible inadequate they must have felt to raise the son of God. How inadequate I have felt to raise my children. Yet, Heavenly Father sees the humble home as the place to raise our children. He gives guidance from the scriptures, and the Holy Ghost to inspire, if we but search, ponder and pray.
Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 1:17
"And he shall go before him in spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared fro the Lord."
I hadn't noticed before the part of "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children". I sounded like Elijah's mission. I looked at the footnote it even said "This is the Greek form of the Hebrew name, Elijah." Yet, I knew John the Baptist was an Elias (preparer/forerunner) and not Elijah. So I turned to this wonderful April 1965 General Conference talk by Theodore M. Burton, "The Work of Elijah". I will just quote it.
"Because of a misunderstanding of Luke 1:17, which states that the child later to be named John the Baptist would come in the spirit and power of Elias to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children many persons have thought that John the Baptist who held the office of an Elias, or messenger, was the Elijah who was to return. This verse explains that John's work was a preparatory work to "make ready a people prepared for the Lord" and not the work of sealing or completion, which keys Elijah held. When John was bluntly asked the question, he said:"
. . . I am not the Christ.
"And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias [Elijah]? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No"
This, of course, had to be true, for the prophecy stated that Elijah the Prophet should return before the second coming of the Lord, when Jesus was to come in great power, majesty, and glory as judge of all the earth. The mission of Elias held by John the Baptist comes first, and so just as John came before Elijah in the days of Jesus Christ, so John came before Elijah in these latter days to restore the preparatory Aaronic Priesthood before the greater power in the priesthood was given."
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 16:11-14
"And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the county.
And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen."
This reminded me of the verse I read a couple days ago in Mark 13:22
"For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect."
So my question was how am I to know who to listen to? Christ himself warned us to not be deceived by false Christs and false prophets. I think that might partly explain why the Apostles questioned what the others were saying. Am I to believe anyone that says they saw Christ? Even later in the chapter Christ tells the signs to look for but some of these signs I know have been found among false prophets. So how is one to know what to do in the matter? After much pondering and searching I think I found my answer.
"Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
For as the ligthning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the son of man be.
For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together."
(Matthew 24:26-28)
"And now I show unto you a parable. Behold, wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together; so likewise shall mine elect be gathered from the four quarters of the earth."
(JST-Matthew 1:27)
"And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;
Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked."
(Doctrine and Covenants 29:7-8)
It's the principle of witnesses again. Mary, the other women, the apostles on the road to Emmaus were all witnesses. Christ did not appear to only one person, but did so to several in a short period of time. The witnesses were of the saints that followed Him. Those already gathered together as his elect.
I don't think the resurrected Lord's upbraideth the disciples for doubting the words of others at first. I think it was that they continued to doubt after having three separate witnesses among the faithful, included two other apostles. My son sent me this the other day and we had much discussion on it.
President Ezra Taft Benson shared the following three questions we can ask ourselves to avoid being deceived:“1. What do the standard works have to say about it? …“The Book of Mormon, Brigham Young said, was written on the tablets of his heart and no doubt helped save him from being deceived. …“2. The second guide is: what do the latter-day Presidents of the Church have to say on the subject—particularly the living President? …“3. The third and final test is the Holy Ghost—the test of the Spirit. … This test can only be fully effective if one’s channels of communication with God are clean and virtuous and uncluttered with sin. Said Brigham Young:“‘You may know whether you are led right or wrong … for every principle God has revealed carries its own convictions of its truth to the human mind. …“‘What a pity it would be if we were led by one man to utter destruction!’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1963, 16–17).
Interesting that the first means of not being deceived is not the Holy Ghost. This connects with Christ's apostles having not yet received the gift of the Holy Ghost at this point either. The scriptures, the prophet (other apostles), come before the Holy Ghost in the matter. Why is that? Because "This test can only be fully effective if one’s channels of communication with God are clean and virtuous and uncluttered with sin." I would propose then that when the channel of the Holy Ghost is clouded it is when we can be deceived. That is why the first two means are always there to guide us. I love how merciful God is to prepare a way to help us stay on the covenant path, and not be deceived.
As I watched the bible video "Christ Appears on the Road to Emmaus" I find all the council of President Ezra Taft Benson appear in that exact order. Christ as he walked with the two apostles on the road to Emmaus said "O, fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." Which would have been to recall the words of the prophets in the scriptures, and what He said to them as a great prophet while still living. Then the witness of the Holy Spirit came.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 15:47
And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid."
I pondered on how import it was to have witnesses of Christ, including his death, his body laid in the tomb, the tomb empty and the resurrected Lord. Mary Magdalene was there for all of it. She was the first the risen Lord appeared to. Some things maybe hard to witness, but being a witness can also bring incredible spiritual blessings.
"And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day."
(Ether 5:4)
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 14:36
"And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."
The motivation behind everything Jesus Christ did, was it according to the Father's will. This needs to be the motivation behind everything I do too. I loved this quote from last week's "Come, Follow Me" materials.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught: “As you submit your wills to God, you are giving Him the only thing you can actually give Him that is really yours to give. Don’t wait too long to find the altar or to begin to place the gift of your wills upon it!” (“Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been", Ensign, May 2004).
We are not truly converted until we seek the Father's will. Until then we simply have a testimony of these things.
Elder David A. Bednar said, "The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through the Savior’s Atonement. True conversion brings a change in one’s beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God (see Acts 3:19; 3 Nephi 9:20) and includes a conscious commitment to become a disciple of Christ.
(Converted Unto the Lord," General Conference - Oct 2012)
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 13:22
"For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect."
This whole chapter I could write so much on every single verse. I could study it for days and ponder on it for months. There is so much Jesus warned his apostles of, and me. I picked this verse today because it is the sorrow of my heart and greatest concern. Why is that? because I was seduced.
I was working for a company and to get my foot in the door I had to do sales. I hate sales. I get physically ill doing sales. I have no natural gift for it. I was going through my sales training and there was just me and one other girl, and the trainer. When training concluded I expressed how nervous I was about taking sales calls. They both said "It's easy, you just need to practice the law of attraction." I had never heard of it, didn't know what it was. They explained it to me and tied it to biblical things like the law of the harvest, gratitude, and faith. All very good gospel centered things. These women were faithful latter-day saints and I thought they knew more than me. I had never heard of this, and figured it must be in the old testament somewhere, because I hadn't read it very much.
I listened to them, I bought the book "The Secret". Instead of listening to the scriptures, as I had just committed to, I listened to the tapes. I kept my book of gratitude and reviewed it. I faithfully practiced the things it told me to do. Then the most amazing thing happened. Brand new onto the sales floor I had great success in my sales. I could sit and just will those calls that would turn into sales right to me. I even won a beautiful medal for my sales. It was amazing. It was a miracle, and its principle worked in other things.
One day, while picking up my missionary son from his assignment I played one of those tapes in the car. He said "Mom, there is something wrong with that. It doesn't sound right can you turn it off?" I tried explaining the principles behind it to him and how biblical it was. He said "Mom, I think you need to look this up." So in order to prove my point when I got home I researched it. I found no where in the scriptures does it mention the law of attraction. So, then I searched the entire lds.org website and still nothing there. Next, I turned to the internet and what I found made my heart ill. This was not only false doctrine it was an occult practice. Most of what I found on the internet over 10 years ago is now either buried or has vanished. I know it because I tried to find it recently to help someone. Now I am sickened to see how many Christians, including latter-day saints are polluted with this deception of the adversary. Not only do they practice it, they sell it to others not realizing it's a priestcraft. Do I know that Satan can make signs and wonders happen? The answer is a resounding Yes! And you do not want to be obligated to him.
I am both horrified on how I was deceived, and yet grateful for what I learned from the experience. For God names his laws and he is clear on what they are. It's important to read, study and ponder the scriptures and not depend on anyone else's borrowed light. That is just an invitation to be deceived. If you have to take the doctrine of men and mingle it with scriptures and name it your own, it's a priestcraft. Run away from it! Satan also repackages his materials. He's moved on with "The Power of I AM", and "The Law of Creation", and to be a god. I find it interesting that he's now trying to get others to take on the role he once attempted to do to the Father and the Son. This is serious stuff because it all leads to my will be done, and not God's. That is the key feature in how he deceives. Christ would not be warning the elect about this, if it were not true, and I know that it is.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 12:32, 34
"And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any questions."
This encounter makes me reflect on the different kind of event that happened at our house yesterday. Two men came to our door proselytizing. There was an older man training a younger man. My husband answered the door and had a polite conversation with them. I sat at the computer working but could hear everything, even though they did not know I was there. My husband did well explaining our faith when they asked what he believed. Then an interesting thing happened. This older man's attitude changed. It was like I could feel him came in for the kill. Odd thing to say about another Christian. The spirit immediately left and the man started to contend. I could feel the moment the spirit left our home. That I will not have. If you remove the spirit from being in my home you leave.
I'm sitting in a wheelchair so it's not easy to get up and go to the door. But I had to end this, as I was getting up from my chair I had one goal in mind. I would say, "What is the point here? We both believe in God, but have different views. We just need to end this discussion." I would have wished them a nice day as I closed the door and ended it. Funny how when I finally got to the door I said something totally different. I said very firmly "This has to end now, have a nice day." and then I pulled the door between the two men shut and was done with it. It was curious that the first impression I had was to ask a question. When I got there the spirit shut my mouth from asking it. I hadn't wanted to be so firm. Then I realized to ask a question would have just opened it up for him to contend more. There was no point I won't have contention in my home that makes the spirit flee. My husband told me afterwards he was glad I had done it, because he had been trying to figure out how to end the conversation when it turned like that.
So, I wonder what that has to do with this verse? I'm really not sure. I would certainly think these men are not coming back to ask me any questions. I truly did not feel any desire to discuss things with them, particularly since they made the spirit flee. So I guess the question is why did the scribes dare not to ask the Savior any more questions? Well I think its because they didn't want to know the answer. OK, now I get it. I told my husband that one of the reasons I knew I had to stop the men at the door was because I did not want to hear anything from their mouths that would cast doubt, especially since they had already made the spirit flee. Any words they felt they needed to share by contenting would not be inspired by God.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 11:24
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
This is where I call the 8th Article of Faith into play.
"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."
I believe there is a very important qualifier to this verse in Mark, where the meaning would have been very plain and precious. Without it Satan will often quote it and twist it. It grieves my heart to know of people that use this to follow the occult practice of the law of attraction. This is not God's law. Anything you desire will not come to you. The qualifier is "which is right", which means the will of God. Even the Savior himself prayed, "Thy will be done."
"And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.
(3 Nephi 18:20)
"And, as it is written - Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive."
(Doctrine and Covenants 29:6)
"And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which is pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive."
(Doctrine and Covenants 11:14)
Even Nephi, the son of Helaman, who was given the sealing power had this qualifier on why it was given him. "For thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou has done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
(Helaman 10:4-5)
If this is not understood than one of two things can happen. 1. People could loose faith when their desires are not answered. 2. Satan could answer that desire. Forever, that qualifier needs to be there, that it is according to God's will. In time, through the spirit, we will know how to not ask amiss. It's important to remember the Savior was speaking to his apostles in this verse, and not to all that followed after him. Ask with faith, always but be believing that if it is according to God's will it will be answered.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 10:23-24, 27
"And Jesus looked around about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
The footnote in verse 27 is very important in understanding this story of the rich man that was told to sell all and follow Jesus, and could not.
JST Mark 10:26 "....With men that trust in riches, it is impossible; but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all these things are possible."
So what I see the rich man being asked to do is give up the natural man, his love of money. Jesus cared nothing for his wealth, he wanted him to follow him. That couldn't be done until this man was willing to give up his will and seek God's. It was never the money that was the issue. It was the love of it. What each person has to give up depends on what they are trusting in more than God.
"But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good - to clothe the naked, and feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and afflicted."
(Jacob 2:18-19)
The interesting thing is the adversary also knows these scriptures. He will use it to tempt us to think that our desire for money will be used to help others, when deep inside we know it's so we can benefit first. It takes a very strong person to not be swallowed up in the love of money. For even a poor man can have a love of money too.
So how is a person to over come this? I think it is to consecrate all that we have unto the Lord. Make Him our partner and council with the him in being a wise steward in managing what we have. It's not ours its His, we are just stewards of it. A wise steward will manage it well and be self-reliant and be a strength to others. It's knowing that when we look at all that we have that it is there to build up his kingdom when asked. Then the temptation over riches is no longer ours to be tempted with. This is a sacred covenant we make with the Lord in living the law of consecration.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 9:50
"Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."
What makes salt no longer salty? It's when it has become contaminated by outside things. That is what happens to people too.
"When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the savor of men;
They are called to be the savor of men; therefore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for nothing only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men."
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:39-40)
Through making sacred covenants with the Lord we are considered the salt of the earth. Salt like covenants have amazing properties. It needs to be internalized.
Salt & Covenants
Salt is essential for the body (needed more than water)
Salt flavors
Salt preserves
Salt transforms
Salt acts as a catalyst
Salt creates thirst
Salt stays pure unless something is mixed with and contaminates it.
Covenants are essential for the soul
Covenants give flavor to life
Covenants preserve
Covenants transform
Covenants act as a catalyst
Covenants create a dependence
Covenants are eternal. They have a remarkable staying power unless we break them through sin and contaminate them that way.
If we contaminate ourselves through sin we have lost our savor and will be cast out and trodden under foot. The beautiful things with covenants is that salt can be restored through the gift of repentance. We don't have to remain in the state if we don't want to.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 8:16-17
"And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?"
This reminded me of my favorite verse the other day, Mark 6:52. Where I pondered about pondering. I felt the apostles hearts were hardened because they did not ponder the miracle of the loaves. Here they are now told to ponder that miracle again, and because they didn't earlier they could not understand Jesus' other sayings.
This shows the importance of pondering and keeping up with what the Savior is doing. Could it not be a greater message to me today, when I know the restoration of gospel is not entirely complete. There is more to come. Just like Jesus was trying to prepare his disciples.
So, the apostles were reasoning among themselves on what Jesus meant by beware of the leaven, not sure they caught the part of the Pharisees and Herod. (Which I think implies those with false doctrine and political leaders.) The apostles were still wondering if Jesus was upset that they had forgotten to take bread with them into the ship. So, I sat and pondered on how the apostle's reasoning may have went and there was a lot, but the point in the scripture was not to do what they were doing. For their hearts were hardened and that's not what I want to do.
So, what were the apostles missing that caused them not to understand what Jesus meant? What I came up with for now, is the importance of pondering multiple experiences and stories together. Not one isolated part. Don't I use the footnotes in the scriptures all the time? I learn so much when I read them and ponder these added verses with scriptures. I can also be reading and be reminded of other scripture stories and quotes from general conference talks. I have to look at things in one great whole, how the pieces fit together. Like a giant puzzle. I could look at an individual puzzle piece and never understand where it goes until I see how it fits with what I have already put together. I need to work on it piece by piece, adding to what I have already put together until one day that puzzle will be complete.
This must be why Jesus said "Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?" (Mark 8:18)
I have to take what I see and hear, and put it together with what is being brought to my remembrance, from what I learned before. Then my eyes will be opened to greater things.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 7:6-7
"He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
So interesting. Right before I read my scriptures tonight I was watching a news channel investigative video on a preacher of another faith. He absolutely mirrored an example of this verse. What shocked me was the twisting of scriptures to justify his accumulation of wealth. He even said the bible was full of the promises of wealth, and the blessing of Abraham was wealth. Nothing of covenants and eternal life, the end reward was money. I usually don't watch such things, but I was amazed at hearing his words for he was very slick and beguiling and full of flattery.
In fact at the end he grabbed the report's hands and said he wanted to pray for her. He's being all flowery and even mentions how it thrilled him, to have his face on their show. He ends in this adoration of himself and never closed the prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Truly what god was he praying to? His were empty hollow words, echoing "this people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me."
What I pondered on after hearing him was how dangerous a false prophet like him would be for people that do not read the scriptures. For man's doctrine and commandments would be pleasing to the carnal mind, and not to the ears of faith. They teach my will be done and not the Father's. The prophesy of Isaiah and of Jesus Christ are flourishing among us today.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 6:52
"For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."
Considered not = did not understand
What this verse is saying is the apostles consider not about the miracles that were happening. They didn't understand them because their hearts were hardened. It is pondering and considering the scriptures then that softens the heart so we can understand.
So what makes me understand or consider the gospel and the scriptures? It is to ponder on them. It is an active participation by myself with myself, led by the spirit through a question and answer session. The favorite verse for me each day is the one that made me pause, because the spirit promoted me with a question. Since getting rid of the books about the scriptures, and just reading the scriptures, the spirit has taught me the scriptures by pondering on them. It's not just the scriptures it's any event that the spirit guides me to reflect upon. For the apostles it would have been pondering on the miracle of the loaves and the fishes.
I was just reading 3 Nephi 17:3 and was so struck by the Savior's request that they return home and ponder.
"Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again."
President Marion G. Romney said "As I have read the scriptures, I have been challenged by the word ponder, so frequently used in the Book of Mormon. The dictionary says that ponder means 'to weigh mentally, think deeply about, deliberate, meditate'… pondering is, in my feeling, a form of prayer. It has, at least, been an approach to the Spirit of the Lord on many occasions.
I love this, ponder being a form of prayer. It made me think about taking the sacrament. Where I can intently focus on my Savior, ponder and pray. They all go so hand in hand.
This week in my Pathway's Book of Mormon class my professor Brother A. made an interesting comment on pondering. I've reflected on it a lot since then.
"Several years ago, I had five children at home, small children. Our house was not quiet. It was not a place of "pondering". In fact it was kind a nuts and psychotic sometimes now that I think back on it. Why does he send you home then knowing that that will be the environment for many families? And the answer is, that is exactly what he wants. Pondering isn't just this quiet solitude. Pondering is also the ability to talk and to discuss and to think collectively about something. This is best done in a family unit. Family's that talk about the gospel, visit about it at dinner table and family home evening, and scripture study, and various points during the day, talk about the relevance of doctrine, application of it, and gospel living and things. There is a power and a majesty that comes with that and it's glorious. What it does is helps parents and children be better acquires of spiritual knowledge. I love the principle of the home and family unit connected to learning spiritual things."
That is exactly what I have experienced. One of my favorite times of the day is family scriptures study, we have such awesome discussions. We don't have to know what everything meant in the chapter. We just pick what stood out to us. And it is always from what stood out to someone that leads to a great gospel centered discussion. I love thinking now that the Come, Follow Me - gospel centered learning we are now doing is pondering the scriptures. As Christ invited us to "prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again."
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 5:5, 9
"And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
And he said asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many."
This was a man possessed by legions of devils. What stood out to me is that he was cutting himself with stones. I hear of people now cutting themselves. Might not be a popular things to say, but could this be an indication of demon possession? I read it often in the New Testament where Jesus is casting out unclean spirits, but it isn't discussed right now. I would think that some stories I read in the news that demon possession could account for a lot of their actions. No one in their right mind would do what they do.
The beautiful things about this story is Jesus had compassion on the man and cast the legion of devils out. He was found sitting, clothed and in his right mind. He could then publish it about what Jesus had done, and all men marveled. It makes me wonder how many people could be helped if they only turned to the power of the priesthood.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 4:7, 18-19
"And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
The Savior spoke in parables and I just love how they have application to many situations I have gone through. Just today I realize I am seeing this parable happen. Once very elect people I love, have fallen among thorns and I grieve for them. I think there are always thorns around us, it's when we are not mindful and let them build up that they over take us. It takes a lot of work and care.
Sunday, when we were coming home from church I happened to glance at the fence between my neighbors house and ours. The houses are so close on that side that we didn't want to put the new fence on the property line. Having a fence like that makes it hard for both of use to do any maintenance. Instead we put the fence up so it's connecting our homes, until it opens into the backyard where we separated them. We then installed a gate to access that area for maintenance.
I happened to see green under the gate on Sunday. I asked my husband to check because we don't want wild rose bushes popping up in that area again. Instead what he found were weeds. Really big weeds. In fact one was blocking the gate so it wouldn't open all the way. If not caught in time we wouldn't be able to access that area to maintain it. Thinking about the seeds among the thorns I think that is how they can overtake us. If not mindful or through neglect, thorns can grow up to blocking the gate leading to exaltation. It will take a tremendous amounts of effort to clear the way to the covenant path.
We have to maintain the ground we are planted on. We have to cast out the weeds when they first begin to grow. We can never let a tiny plant deceive us, thinking it good and letting it grow, when its really a monster weed inside. This is what I see happening to the people I know, but how do you make them see evil when they are calling it good? I can't, but I can pray that the spirit helps me find the right words to say when the time is right. But more importantly, I can be vigilant at keeping my own weeds down.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 3:11-12
"And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known."
I pondered on why Jesus multiple times charges the unclean spirits to not make him known. Why was there a problem with them testifying who he was? I believe its because for them to testify of Christ, it would give license to "seducing spirits and doctrines of devils". (1 Tim 4:1) For Satan and his followers will always twist and manipulate. They can give 99% truth, but it's the 1% lie that casts doubts and destroys faith. Jesus knew to not even give them voice, because that is all they are capable of doing. For Satan will never cast out Satan, their purpose wasn't to testify of Christ but to be accusers of Him.
The Pharisees were already watching Christ so they might accuse and destroy him (Mark 3:2, 6). The Scribes already said he had a devil and that was why he cast out devils. The last thing Jesus needed was devils to actually "testify" of who he was.
As I pondered on this I realized the purpose of the telling was not so much he didn't want to be made known. It was he didn't want to be made known by them. The greater lesson is how I need to take the same approach. When Satan's lies abound I need to not allow it voice. It needs to stop and not be entertained. There is no working with devils or reasoning with them. As I learned from my near-death experience, Satan knows me. That means he absolutely knows what 1% lie to say to me that will make me shake and tremble, or destroy me with pride. I cannot entertain him, no matter now enticing it is to hear 99% truth. Seriously, did they not try to tempt by acknowledging who Christ was? Christ's actions are seriously warning to us.
"Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits which are false spirits which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world."
(Doctrine and Covenants 50:2)
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 2:27
"And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath."
Have you ever wondered why Christians went from worshiping the Sabbath on Saturday to Sunday? This verse I believe explains why.
The Lord rested on the seventh day after having created the world. Before Christ's coming the sabbath was worshiped on the seventh day being Saturday. In the New Testament it went to the "Lord's day" (Rev 1:10) observing the first day of the week, when Christ was resurrected from the tomb. (Act 20:7) Not unlike the Israelites being told to worship on the seventh day to commemorate when they were delivered from bondage. (Deut 5:12-15) It is a similitude of Christ delivering us from bondage through his resurrection.
The sabbath is for man's benefit, a day of prayer and rest, when we are to worship God. Not just any type of worship, but a public worship, dividing the believers from the nonbelievers. Where we can strengthen and instruct one another, and renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament. In fact I can totally understand how the early Christians wanted to separate themselves from the nonbelievers of Jesus Christ. They instead moved the sabbath day to worship on the day of his resurrection. It was sign between them and God that this day was set aside to worship the Father and the Son.
If the sabbath is made for man then it stands as reason to worship when we as a people can best honor him. To God I do not believe the day matters. It is the heart. Though there are conditions. Being a public worship we worship with our congregations on a day set aside every seven days. It is part of the perpetual covenant to worship in this time cycle. It is the time frame God has ordained as our needing rest, and worship, otherwise we cannot feed and heal body and soul. If the congregation is worshiping on Sunday then we cannot change and say oh, but I will worship on Friday this week.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not all worship on Sunday. The majority do, but there are congregations, particularly in the Middle East, that gather other days of the week. It is both in practicality in being able to work, and in order to not give offense to the customs in that area. It is necessary so the meetings can be held when members can be present. It is conditional, for authority is given them by the prophet to meet as a congregation on a day set aside for that area. I have heard of days ranging from Thursday to Sunday, but am not aware of any Monday-Wednesday congregations. Though the possibility could still be out there.
Does it matter if some Christian faiths worship the sabbath on a Saturday or Sunday? For me, this is a matter that needs no contention.
"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (Articles of Faith 11)
I don't think God is going to ask when I worshiped him, but instead IF I worshiped as a perpetual covenant with Him.
Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 1:35
"And in the morning rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
First, I noticed in this verse my question from yesterday on time. How long was it between Mary Magdalene seeing the resurrected Lord, early in the morning and told not to touch him, and the later at sunrise when the other women could? It was a great while. It made me think of how many great lessons I am taught by the spirit in the early morning hours around 3:00 am. I could now picture Mary Magdalene going to the tomb around then. She needed time alone with her thoughts, having the example Jesus set before her.
I love to sit alone in the house, like right now, before anyone else is awake, and read and ponder the scriptures. It's such a sacred time alone for me. If Jesus being holy needed a solitary place to pray, how much more so do I? This is how I fill the oil in my lamp. This is how I come to know God. There is no other way, nor short cut. Once you seek it, and obtain it, you wouldn't want it any other way.
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 28:7, 9
"And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him."
I went back and read the other accounts of Jesus resurrection and appearances and this is the only account I could find of the women running to tell the disciplines and meeting Jesus along the way. They are mentioned in Luke's account by not that they met him.
Mary Magdalene saw the resurrected Lord first, early in the morning. She was told "Touch men not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father." It was later at sunrise the other women came to the sepulchre and found the angels there. They were instructed to tell his disciples he was risen. Obediently running along the way they meet the resurrected Lord. They held his feet and worshiped him. It was all the same day so there is a small period of time been early in the morning to sunrise. I find it interesting one was told not to touch him and others could. How much time passed between the two events? How much time did Jesus need to ascend to his Father?
After reading and pondering on the accounts I realized it all really doesn't matter to me. It is interesting, it would be good to have the complete account, but in the long run I'm fine with not understanding what exactly happened. I just know it did happen. What I wondered is what would I have done when I met Jesus along the way? I can picture many things and it all reminds of that song "I Can Only Imagine". I had to go listen to that.
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 27:40-42
"And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Likewise also the chief priest mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross and we will believe him."
So much in this chapter but it was actually these verses of Jesus being mocked that cut me to the core and grieved me. I was just talking with the family tonight during scripture reading that we never know how prophesy will be fulfilled, but it will be. The people that mocked Christ had no idea what would happen three days later. The temple he had referred to was the temple of his body. He had to stay on that cross so he could save not only himself, but everyone else that believed. He also did it even if they didn't believe.
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 26:39, 42, 44
"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words."
This chapter of the last supper, betrayal and Christ in the garden of Gethsemane always makes me cry. I did however spot something new. I hadn't realized he asked three times for the cup to pass from him, but still said "thy will be done". This experience was beyond comprehension. It took a God to give the infinite atonement for our sins.
President Russell M Nelson said in his Oct 1996 General Conference talk “The Atonement”,
“[Jesus Christ’s] Atonement is infinite—without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering. It was infinite in time, putting an end to the preceding prototype of animal sacrifice. It was infinite in scope—it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being.”
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 25:27
"Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury."
I was pondering on the parable of the talents with the eyes of testimony and sharing the gospel. When I got to this verse I wondered how would it fit, and what does it mean? How would you have usury with a testimony and who would the money exchangers be?
This is what I see. The man with one talent buried his testimony. He never fed it with the money exchangers, being those that had a testimony too. He didn't read the scriptures, possibly go to church or the temple, but just held his membership in name only. He did not strengthen his brothers or sisters or even let them strengthen him. He was afraid to serve or immerse himself fully in the gospel, because he knew not his master. That is sad. No wonder the Lord took away the very talent he had, because over time the man lost his testimony.
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 24:40-41
"Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
I know the rapture is a false doctrine, but this sure sounds like what is falsely believed. That the righteous will be raised up and taken from the earth, missing all of the end times. These verses are also found in Luke 17 and it is there that I came to understand their meaning. This is what is found in the Joseph Smith Translation for Luke 17:36-40.
"And they answered and said unto him, Where Lord, shall they be taken?
And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is gathered; or, in other words, whithersoever the saints are gathered, thither will the eagles be gathered together; or, thither will the remainder be gathered together.
This he spake, signifying the gathering of his saints; and of angels descending and gathering the remainder unto them; the one from the bed, the other from the grinding, and the other from the field, whithersoever he listeth.
For verily there shall be new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
And there shall be no unclean thing; for the earth becoming old, even as a garment, having waxed in corruption, wherefore it vanisheth away, and the footstool remaineth sanctified, cleansed from all sin."
(JST Luke 17:36-40)
It reminds me of this what happened to Nephi, son of Helaman. Also Philip after baptizing an eunuch was carried away in the spirit.
"And it came to pass that when Nephi had declared unto them the word, behold, they did still harden their hearts and would not hearken unto his words; therefore they did revile against him, and did seek to lay their hands upon him that they might cast him into prison.
But behold, the power of God was with him, and they could not take him to cast him into prison, for he was taken by the Spirit and conveyed away out of the midst of them.
And it came to pass that thus he did go forth in the Spirit, from multitude to multitude, declaring the word of God, even until he had declared it unto them all, or sent it forth among all the people.
(Helaman 10:15-17)
"And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."
(Acts 8:39)
Bottom line, I will not worry about what happens during the end time. If the Lord wants to move me to a different location to gather with the saints in can be done.
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 23:5-6
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,"
This verse meant something to me today, because I was talking to someone that felt alone in a crowd of people. They are an introvert like me, and it was agony for them to try to be an extrovert. While we were talking about this the spirit taught me a truth. I was impressed to say, "I could never force myself to be an extrovert when it's not my nature. It would require me to have pride and a desire to be seen of men. If that is the case then the Lord would have me an introvert and work with it." That settled the matter for them, because they knew they needed to fit in their own skin, and work with the Lord. For the Lord's opinion of us is the only one that matters.
From there we discussed how for a natural extrovert it is not an issue of pride, it's in their nature to be outgoing. Though crossovers on either side can suffer from the same issue as the scribes and Pharisees. We can't do things insincerely to be seen of men. We have to bloom where we are planted, even in an introvert body. If we focus on the Savior and serve where he has sent us to serve opportunities open up to interact with others naturally. He knows where we need to be.
Besides all that, visiting with others in the chapel just isn't what the Lord wants us to do. There is to much of that, and it's getting far to loud and destroying the peace we are coming to seek. Seriously, I debated bringing ear plugs with me to church today so I could quietly sit and read the scriptures before our meeting began. If we are focusing on how others have lots of friends and are visiting and having fun, then our hearts are not in the right place on why we came to worship. If you want to get up and go join in with the crowd then that is exactly what the adversary is trying to make you do.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland even made an apostolic plea about this in April's General Conference talk "Behold the Lamb of God".
"In that same spirit, we make an apostolic plea for the reduction of clamor in the sanctuary of our buildings. We love to visit with each other, and we should—it is one of the joys of church attendance—but it ought not be pursued so vocally in space specifically dedicated for worship. I fear that visitors not of our faith are shocked by what can sometimes be noisy irreverence in a setting that is supposed to be characterized by prayer, testimony, revelation, and peace. Perhaps heaven is a little shocked as well."
The place to visit is outside of the chapel. That is the blessing of ministering and having callings. Of all places where it's good to feel alone is in the chapel. We need to take that time to focus on our relationship with Christ. In fact we both left feeling it was a blessing to be an introvert. It's like a special blessing being given us, to help us avoid pride and irreverence if we let it. Trying to understand humility and relying on Christ takes on deeper meanings. We will never feel alone. Things are just the way they are suppose to be.
Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 22:14
"For many are called, but few are chosen."
When I read this verse it reminded me of a dream I had many, many years ago. I stopped my reading and tried to find my record of it. I knew I had written is somewhere. I searched my Personal Historian database (where I am compiling my journals and personal history), but couldn't find it. However, I was amazed how many times I recorded a dream in there. I had forgotten most, but interestingly this dream that has stayed with me over the years was not there. Over the years I will remember it at the most random moments. It's like my brain wants to make sure I don't forget it.
I found the dream among my other records and added it to my Personal Historian. It really, really, really needed to be put there. This dream has been so important to me. I will share it only if those reading this put themselves in my place in the dream.
"I dreamed I was in the temple. It was a temple I do not ever remember being in before, only in my dreams. I was walking along with a crowd of people. I didn't seem to notice if I knew anyone there. I believe I was on my way to an endowment room.
A small elderly man slowly walked over to us. He motioned to me and whispered; "Excuse me Sister could you come with me for a minute?" I agreed and followed him. He hadn't called me by name so I felt no reason to believe he had singled me out. I thought possibly they needed another sister for a sealing.
We rode on the elevator going up. I don't know which floor we arrived at. There was a waiting area, like you find outside of sealing rooms, with at least three doors coming off of it. A small crowd of people sat on chairs, couches, or stood off to a side. It was very quiet. Several people whispered quietly to each other. As I stood waiting I saw a man come out of a room. I didn't pay attention to which one. I was attracted to him and wondered at him. He seemed lost and just stood off to a side.
The elderly man quietly came to my side, he whispered to me, "You are to chose which one of these doors you would like to go in." This statement rather surprised me. I looked around and saw no one paying any attention to me. I stood off to a side and wondered which of the three doors in front of me I should go in. I asked myself, "Am I on Let's Make a Deal?" I knew that wasn't it. The thought entered my mind. The Savior is behind one of these doors. I wondered which one to choose. I don't know which one I did choose. I walked to a door, opened it and went in for a period of time. In the next part of my dream I came out of the door. I looked around, I didn't know what to do.
The thought came to me. I had been told to not tell anyone what had happened. I moved to the side of the room. Trying to gather my thoughts, to know what to do now. I watched the elderly man as he quietly went about this same process with other people. I saw people choosing doors and coming out of doors and seem lost as they came out. It was a very busy scene, when you realized what was taking place. The thing was no one could speak of what was behind those doors. I felt very humble, small and quiet inside. I felt a deeper sense of the spirit with me from this experience.
I was just standing there thinking, when a group of people came to me. I recognized them, all people I had admired or been in some way involved with them in church callings. I recognized a former bishop. He was a bishop who was very prideful in nature. If I had to pick someone in my life who was prideful and ruled unrighteous dominion, I would pick him.
He was leading this group of people. He much too loudly asks of me; "Where have you been? We've been hunting for you. What is this place? I've never been up in this floor of the temple. What have you been doing here?" I was very quiet and lost as to what to say. As he spoke I sadly realized they were so full of themselves they missed completely that something of a sacred nature was occurring right beside them.
I told them; "Well they needed a sister and I came to help. I can leave now." The group of us left, they were very much enjoying any attention someone paid to them. I walked thinking of this scene.
When I awoke, I had the impression this was the scripture, "Many are called but few are chosen." It is a scripture I had known previously and had wondered about. But I now pondered it's meaning anew. I realized - everyone was called, all of us as members of the church. In the temple anyone could be chosen, but we were the one's to choose. It was really our choice if we were "chosen".
How pride and honors of men can in reality keep us from being "chosen". It's us who unlocks, or turns the knob on the door we chose to enter. It's having the Holy Spirit as our guide that makes us know which way to go. We stop ourselves. The Savior is waiting, always, for us to come to him. We are the ones to choose, in this sense we are thus chosen.
I have a new understanding and appreciation of these scriptures from the Doctrine and Covenants.." D&C 95:5 - "But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen." D&C 105:35 - "There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing; and let those be chosen that are worthy." D&C 121:34, 35, 40 - "Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen, Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men... Hence many are called, but few are chosen."
After having re-read this powerful dream, it would appear the I have more thinking to do on how it applies to me today. I'm not the same person, as when I had this dream. The issue of pride though is always there.
