Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 53:7
"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."
This verse made me ponder on how I came to understand the wisdom in being silent. How acting as the Savior did allowed me to endure and have peace. It has also been a protection to me. So much is learned and so much is gained when you don't have to have the last word. There is comfort in knowing when your right your right, but allow others to think whatever they choose to, especially when they want to twist my words. It's ok to me if we see things very differently. The only opinion that matters to me is the Lord's. In the end the truth always comes out. This has helped me learn patience like nothing else could.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 130:5
"I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope."
I can wait, I never used to be able to do that. Hurry up, it had to be right now. Now I see waiting for the Lord a beautiful thing. He will make it right. His plan is always a better plan. Waiting is hoping and there is joy in that. Waiting and his word go hand in hand. I must read and ponder the scriptures. Then when he's ready to teach me so much understanding opens up. Even my trials will make sense. I see his timing is exactly the way it was needful for me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 82:6
"I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High."
Immediately I thought of the primary song "I am a child of God." Which we also sang at church today.
Then I reflected on being made in God's image.
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"
(Genesis 1:26)
I am also commanded to be perfect like Him.
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
(Matthew 5:48)
I think God is telling me I have divine potential, someday I can become like Him. Thankfully it comes line upon line, precept upon precept, and not something expected of me all at once. There is beauty in the journey for it can only come as I yoke myself to Him.
"Be patient with yourself. Perfection comes not in this life but in the next life. Don't demand things that are unreasonable. But demand of yourself improvement. As you let the Lord help you through that, He will make the difference."
(President Russell M. Nelson)
"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; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
(Ether 12:27)
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Right now I am weak, but someday I will be strong. I am on a beautiful journey and I am so grateful for every step as I learn to walk in my Savior's footsteps. Being humble as a little child, having faith in my Father's plan for me, will make me everything he knows I can be.
I am a Child of God
I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows too late.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will,
I’ll live with him once more.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
I am a child of God.
His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine
If I can but endure.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 37:7
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
That first part of the verse made me ponder on patience. How I once prayed for it and all I received were more trials. Opportunities to try my patience further. I was told by others never to pray for patience. But, I needed it desperately, especially with my autistic son. As time passed and with more trials my patience shortened until I was a complete mess. It was only when I was completely broken in body and spirit that I turned to the Lord and he strengthened me. I learned to trust Him and found his ways were better than my ways. Coming into the rest of the Lord is where patience grows. I can see it can be given no other way. For He is the strength needed to wait patiently for what he has in store. Oh, I must do my part, listen, learn, search for what is the right answers to my problems. Patience is not waiting but doing. Then when I come upon the answers the spirit confirms, that is correct. Patience is an adventure and an opportunity to know the will of the Lord.
Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 6:2-3
"Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?"
I could not help but think of me. I have been in pain for months now with my rotator cuff. I can barely move my arm. I can't even run my fingers through my hair. I can hardly sleep for the pain of it. I've had a blessing and have not been healed, even though I was told I would be. I know I have the faith to be healed, for I have been healed many times in the past. All I know is that not being healed is the Father's will right now for me. What I am going through is what I must go through. I truly wish the Lord would have mercy on my poor arm. I don't know how long this must last. I don't know what the answer is yet for it either. I ask every day for help in finding out what I should do to heal this. Mostly I'm told it takes time.
The one thing I cannot say is that my soul is vexed. I feel no sorrow of being deprived, no anger for not having my prayers answered. I know that not being healed has a purpose. Someday I will understand all the whys. Time just takes patience and this experience will make me stronger in it. In the mean time I have plead for assistance in doing what I cannot do, that must get done, and have felt my arm supported just enough to get it done. I am grateful for those tender mercies while I am passing through what I must endure. Even though my prayers have not been answered it doesn't mean He has left me alone. That might be the greatest lesson I have learned out of it yet. I'm sure many more will come.
Update: Sometimes I am able to write my favorite verse several days in advance. Such is the case with this one. The day I wrote this I afterwards went over to friends for dinner. My friend told me about her frozen shoulder and how taking Glucosamine & Chondroitin helped her. I remembered taking this supplement years ago at the advice of a doctor with much success. I knew I needed to try this. I also received the impression to take my turmeric in the same dosage as I would Tylenol. With this combination within a day and a half I had relief. Each day has seen improvement, and I am filled with joy over it. I know it is healing.
I wondered for a moment if I should change what I wrote for today. Seeing it didn't apply to me now. Then realized no, I need to keep a record of this event, and the rest of the story with it. For I am sure that my feelings on the matter of being healed lead to me learning about what was needful to be healed. For faith without works is dead, and sometimes a little patience is needed too. Maybe this record will also help someone else.
Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Samuel 16:12
"It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day."
It was really hard to find a favorite verse in this chapter. People were just treating David badly. Then I realized in all of it David bore it patiently and willingly. He wasn't angered and ready to seek revenge. That is why I liked this verse it shows David is willing to wait and see what the Lord will do.
All of this makes this verse more understandable.
"Now, I speak unto you concerning your families - if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded;"
(Doctrine & Covenants 98:23)
Today's Favorite Verse: Ruth 3:18
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
I really love how Naomi now tries to take care of Ruth, advising her in how to have Boaz marry her. After all was done now she had to sit still and wait. I thought about how that is so like what I have needed to do. I do all the Lord tells me and then I have to leave the rest in his hands. Not really knowing how it will work out, but that the way it works out will be the Lord's way.
Today's Favorite Verse: Judges 10:13-14
"Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.
Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulations."
The children again did evil in the sight of the Lord, by going after other gods. They served Him no longer. Finally he tells them I will deliver you no more. I sat horrified at the thought of being told that. Then I realized I won't be told such a thing if I remain faithful to the Lord. He cannot deliver a people that do not love him.
I reflected on how people can turn to other gods, that will not save them, and then call on the Lord when the price of their sins are at the door. False gods cannot save, they bring false pleasures that consume and destroy. What a contrast of what the Lord can do for me.
Israel appears to humble themselves, repent "and they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord; and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel." (Judges 10:16)
The reference for grieved in HEB is "at the end of patience, exasperated". It does not sound like God accepted what they did. I think they had an outward appearance of turning to him but their hearts were still far from him. Sitting on the fence ready to turn to the right or the left, to whatever god will save them. I remember sitting on such a fence, there is no comfort or peace in such a position. The only thing there is, is continual dread of what the future will bring. Only with a face and heart turned to God, forsaking all others, is there internal peace.
"And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am - not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.
Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected."
What I noticed in these two verses speaking of the same blessing, is that a prerequisite is to be humble and patient. I pondered on how they really go hand in hand. To not be patient means I do not understand that God's will and timing is better than my own. To not be humble means I have no patience for the things of God. My will would mean more. I had not placed the need for patience and humility together before. I will look to them more carefully now.
“Be patient in affliction, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.
Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.
Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen."
This chapter is a revelation given through Joseph Smith to Thomas B. Marsh. I recalled his name in a story of his apostasy over a “cream strippings incident” between his wife Elizabeth and the wife of George W. Harris. I will put the link to the story below.
I don’t often search out other materials while reading and pondering the scriptures but this time I did. I wanted to read his story again. The saint suffered much due to his apostasy and false statements he made against the Church. After he apostatized he spent two decades away from the church. He later humbly came to Utah seeking repentance and Brigham Young allowed him to address the Saints. He explained his apostasy and asked for forgiveness and did receive it. This is a very interesting quote from Thomas B. Marsh's address.
“I have frequently wanted to know how my apostasy began, and I have come to the conclusion that I must have lost the Spirit of the Lord out of my heart.
The next question is, ‘How and when did you lose the Spirit?’ I became jealous of the Prophet, and then I saw double, and overlooked everything that was right, and spent all my time in looking for the evil; and then, when the Devil began to lead me, it was easy for the carnal mind to rise up, which is anger, jealousy, and wrath. I could feel it within me; I felt angry and wrathful; and the Spirit of the Lord being gone, as the Scriptures say, I was blinded,… I got mad, and I wanted everybody else to be mad."
Oh, how careful we must be not to anger. When there is anger it is a sign of the loss of the spirit. Today I had a bout with anger that I had not seen in a very long time. In fact I said a swear word I don’t think I’ve ever said. I was just that mad at something my son had done. Which looking back makes as much sense as “cream strippings". All day I’ve wondered what overcame me to do that. I think in some way it helped prepare me for reading this chapter. To have fresh in my mind the dangers of anger. In fact I think I was neglectful in my morning prayers asking for the spirit to be with me. My whole morning prayer was rather a mess. I had even remarked to myself afterwards that I needed to say them again later because they were so bad, which I neglected to do. Yes, I need to be much more careful in prayer so I do not lose the spirit and enter into temptation. It’s just so easy to slip up when I neglect needful things that keep me on the right path.
“Be patient in affliction, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.
Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.
Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen."
This chapter is a revelation given through Joseph Smith to Thomas B. Marsh. I recalled his name in a story of his apostasy over a “cream strippings incident” between his wife Elizabeth and the wife of George W. Harris. I will put the link to the story below.
I don’t often search out other materials while reading and pondering the scriptures but this time I did. I wanted to read his story again. The saint suffered much due to his apostasy and false statements he made against the Church. After he apostatized he spent two decades away from the church. He later humbly came to Utah seeking repentance and Brigham Young allowed him to address the Saints. He explained his apostasy and asked for forgiveness and did receive it. This is a very interesting quote from Thomas B. Marsh's address.
“I have frequently wanted to know how my apostasy began, and I have come to the conclusion that I must have lost the Spirit of the Lord out of my heart.
The next question is, ‘How and when did you lose the Spirit?’ I became jealous of the Prophet, and then I saw double, and overlooked everything that was right, and spent all my time in looking for the evil; and then, when the Devil began to lead me, it was easy for the carnal mind to rise up, which is anger, jealousy, and wrath. I could feel it within me; I felt angry and wrathful; and the Spirit of the Lord being gone, as the Scriptures say, I was blinded,… I got mad, and I wanted everybody else to be mad."
Oh, how careful we must be not to anger. When there is anger it is a sign of the loss of the spirit. Today I had a bout with anger that I had not seen in a very long time. In fact I said a swear word I don’t think I’ve ever said. I was just that mad at something my son had done. Which looking back makes as much sense as “cream strippings". All day I’ve wondered what overcame me to do that. I think in some way it helped prepare me for reading this chapter. To have fresh in my mind the dangers of anger. In fact I think I was neglectful in my morning prayers asking for the spirit to be with me. My whole morning prayer was rather a mess. I had even remarked to myself afterwards that I needed to say them again later because they were so bad, which I neglected to do. Yes, I need to be much more careful in prayer so I am do not lose the spirit and enter into temptation. It’s just so easy to slip up when I neglect needful things that keep me on the right path.
"Be patient in afflictions; for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days."
As I go through trials I think of the Lord standing beside me. He will carry for me what I am not able to carry alone. This is the only way I can have the strength and patience to endure all that life brings. Enduring with the Lord at my side is the better part of this life existence.
