1 Nephi 15:8 (page 30): "And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?"
When Lehi told his family about the vision he had about the tree of life, his sons were confused and didn't understand the meaning of it. Nephi, the youngest, had a righteous desire to have a greater comprehension of his father's dream. 1 Nephi 10:17 & 19 (pages 18-19) states: "And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in his vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God-and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come- I , Nephi, was desirious also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him...For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." Nephi understood the notion ask and ye shall receive. Following this he was given the same vision that his father saw along with an interpretation of the vision and so much more. (1 Nephi 11-14, pages 19-30) After seeing the vision, Nephi returned to where his family was staying, where he found his brothers arguing about the meaning of the vision. After asking them if they went to the Lord for understanding, he stated in 1 Nephi 15:11 (page 31), "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."
I love what we can learn here about prayer and its importance in our relationship with our Father in Heaven. If we are humble, keep the commandments, and ask in faith, then the Lord will open our minds and help us understand His mysteries. The Lord asks us to put forth effort. He asks us to test our faith. Ether 12:6 (page 509) says, "...for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." We can turn to the Lord for anything, and we should. He is waiting with open arms to give us the answers our souls desire. He wants to comfort and guide us through our lives. He wants to be a part of each and every day. We are His children and He wants to show His love for us. But, we have to do our part. When you feel lost or confused, ask yourself, "have ye inquired of the Lord?"
There are a lot of great examples of this principle, but I want to share the experience of Joseph Smith. When he was fourteen years old, he read James 1:5-6 which states, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." After reading this verse, he decided to go to a grove of trees to ask the Lord in prayer which church he should join. This led to his beautiful vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and later the restoration of the church of Jesus Christ in its fullness-all because a young boy asked in prayer. (You can view a video about Joseph Smith's experience here. First click on "Truth Restored" just above the blue box at the bottom, then click "view video" under The Restoration DVD)
I know that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. I have had countless experiences where He has answered mine. My knowledge of this began when I was just eight years old. I lost my earing and was very worried that I wouldn't find it because it was a very small stud. After searching for some time, I remembered that I had been taught to pray when I needed help. I went into my room and asked the Lord to help me find this lost earing. On completion of my prayer, I decided to resume my search. While walking out to the family room, I stepped on it, poking me in the foot. I laughed at the irony and then realized that there was no irony in it at all. The Lord was waiting to help me. He cared, because I cared.
When I was a teenager, I had a seminary teacher share with us that if we needed to feel the Lord's love, all we needed to do was ask Him and He would be unable to hold His love from us. I decided that I wanted to try this out because like all teenagers, I was needing comfort and guidance. After dinner, I took solitary in my bedroom, kneeled next to my bed, and prayed. Instantly after asking the Lord if He loved me, my entire body was filled with warmth. I began to cry at the overwhelming outpouring of love that I felt. I can not explain it with words, but I know and will always know that my Father in Heaven loves me very much.
I know that the power of prayer is real. I know that we can turn to our Father in Heaven for answers. He will enlighten our minds with His Spirit. He will give us a greater understanding of His teachings. He will comfort us in times of need and He will strenthen us when we are weak. I hope and pray that you will do as Nephi and "inquire of the Lord". This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Teach Them
Mosiah 4:14-15 (page 156): "And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another,... But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another."
As a mother of two young children, I have often pondered what I need to teach my children and how. I have stressed about what I need to do in order to keep them from the dangers of the world. There have been times when I've allowed myself to take comfort in the time that I have before my children become teenagers, but I have realized that this false hope will only bring procrastination and failure. In a world filled with deception and filth, it is imperative that we begin teaching our children while they are young. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
It can be difficult at times to explain the gospel of Jesus Christ to our children, especially when they are young, but it can be done and it should be. We are given great hope and motivation in Proverbs 22:6 which says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This doesn't mean that our children might not stray. They are still capable of making their own decisions, but it teaches us the importance of helping our children build strong foundations while they are young. Alma 37:33 (page 303) tells us that we should "teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ."
Today is the time for our children to have strong, sound testimonies of the Savior and His gospel. They will be faced with the unimaginable. Satan will conjure up his greatest storms and attack from all sides. How in the world do we as parents prepare our precious little ones for the spiritual war that lies ahead? As a young mother, I do not profess to have the perfect answer, but I find comfort and guidance in the scriptures and in the words of the prophets and apostles.
1 Timothy 4:12 says, "...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." I have often heard the saying that actions speak louder than words, and while I believe that is true, I also believe that words are also desperately needed. 2 Nephi 25:26 (page 100) states: "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
We need to teach and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not enough to teach our children only occassionally. It is not enough to live the principles of the gospel only on Sunday. If we are to "train our [children] in the way [they] should go" as stated in Proverbs, we must continually teach by word and deed each and every day. We must take every opportunity to guide them with love. If we do this, they will know of our faith and testimony of Jesus Christ, and they will look to us as they develop their own testimonies. We can be a light and an example that they will follow as they tackle the challenges of life. We can be "instruments in the Lord's hands unto the salvation of many souls (Alma 17:11, page 251), including our children. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know that it is the only true source of happiness. If we teach our children the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they will gain their own testimonies, find true happiness, and work out their salvation. I share this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
As a mother of two young children, I have often pondered what I need to teach my children and how. I have stressed about what I need to do in order to keep them from the dangers of the world. There have been times when I've allowed myself to take comfort in the time that I have before my children become teenagers, but I have realized that this false hope will only bring procrastination and failure. In a world filled with deception and filth, it is imperative that we begin teaching our children while they are young. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
It can be difficult at times to explain the gospel of Jesus Christ to our children, especially when they are young, but it can be done and it should be. We are given great hope and motivation in Proverbs 22:6 which says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This doesn't mean that our children might not stray. They are still capable of making their own decisions, but it teaches us the importance of helping our children build strong foundations while they are young. Alma 37:33 (page 303) tells us that we should "teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ."
Today is the time for our children to have strong, sound testimonies of the Savior and His gospel. They will be faced with the unimaginable. Satan will conjure up his greatest storms and attack from all sides. How in the world do we as parents prepare our precious little ones for the spiritual war that lies ahead? As a young mother, I do not profess to have the perfect answer, but I find comfort and guidance in the scriptures and in the words of the prophets and apostles.
1 Timothy 4:12 says, "...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." I have often heard the saying that actions speak louder than words, and while I believe that is true, I also believe that words are also desperately needed. 2 Nephi 25:26 (page 100) states: "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
We need to teach and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not enough to teach our children only occassionally. It is not enough to live the principles of the gospel only on Sunday. If we are to "train our [children] in the way [they] should go" as stated in Proverbs, we must continually teach by word and deed each and every day. We must take every opportunity to guide them with love. If we do this, they will know of our faith and testimony of Jesus Christ, and they will look to us as they develop their own testimonies. We can be a light and an example that they will follow as they tackle the challenges of life. We can be "instruments in the Lord's hands unto the salvation of many souls (Alma 17:11, page 251), including our children. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know that it is the only true source of happiness. If we teach our children the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they will gain their own testimonies, find true happiness, and work out their salvation. I share this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Receive it with Gladness
2 Nephi 28:28 (page 109): "And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall."
This chapter in the Book of Mormon prophesies about the last days - a time that Latter-day Saints, along with other Christians, believe that we are living in. This chapter warns of apostacy and how Satan will lead people astray from the church of God. What can we do in order to keep ourselves from falling away and becoming lost? How can we withstand the temptations that are thrown at us? 2 Nephi 31:19-20 (page 114) states: "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
There is a lot of information in these two verses that should be studied, but for today's motto, I would like to focus on the importance of "feasting on the word of Christ". Isaiah 40:8 says: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Latter-day Saints believe that the word of God comes from two sources: the scriptures and the modern day prophets and apostles called of God. It is not enough to simply hear or know the word of God. We must act according to the word. Sometimes the Lord may tell us things that are not easy to hear. We might disagree politically. We may feel that the task is too difficult. It may seem trite or unneeded. It is at these moments that we must check ourselves and realign our hearts and souls with God. As it stated in second Nephi, "he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness." In verse 30 (page 109) it continues, stating: "For behold, thus saith the Lord God; I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have." I love the promised blessing that we will learn wisdom as we receive the counsel of God and as we continue to receive it, He will continue to give more.
This last weekend was General Conference where Latter-day Saints around the world listen to the prophet and apostles speak. Some may say that they are just a bunch of old men, what would they know, but I testify that they are called of God. They testify of Him and give us His guidance. As I listened to the talks, I wondered how I could receive their messages with gladness. I felt renewed strength to do as President Gordon B. Hinckley often counseled and to "try a little harder to be a little better". Talking about the people of Berea, Acts 17:11 states: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so". It is my hope and prayer that we will be as the people of Berea and be ready to receive and act upon the word of God with gladness. I know that the word of God will lead us on the path to eternal life. This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
This chapter in the Book of Mormon prophesies about the last days - a time that Latter-day Saints, along with other Christians, believe that we are living in. This chapter warns of apostacy and how Satan will lead people astray from the church of God. What can we do in order to keep ourselves from falling away and becoming lost? How can we withstand the temptations that are thrown at us? 2 Nephi 31:19-20 (page 114) states: "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
There is a lot of information in these two verses that should be studied, but for today's motto, I would like to focus on the importance of "feasting on the word of Christ". Isaiah 40:8 says: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Latter-day Saints believe that the word of God comes from two sources: the scriptures and the modern day prophets and apostles called of God. It is not enough to simply hear or know the word of God. We must act according to the word. Sometimes the Lord may tell us things that are not easy to hear. We might disagree politically. We may feel that the task is too difficult. It may seem trite or unneeded. It is at these moments that we must check ourselves and realign our hearts and souls with God. As it stated in second Nephi, "he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness." In verse 30 (page 109) it continues, stating: "For behold, thus saith the Lord God; I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have." I love the promised blessing that we will learn wisdom as we receive the counsel of God and as we continue to receive it, He will continue to give more.
This last weekend was General Conference where Latter-day Saints around the world listen to the prophet and apostles speak. Some may say that they are just a bunch of old men, what would they know, but I testify that they are called of God. They testify of Him and give us His guidance. As I listened to the talks, I wondered how I could receive their messages with gladness. I felt renewed strength to do as President Gordon B. Hinckley often counseled and to "try a little harder to be a little better". Talking about the people of Berea, Acts 17:11 states: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so". It is my hope and prayer that we will be as the people of Berea and be ready to receive and act upon the word of God with gladness. I know that the word of God will lead us on the path to eternal life. This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Please watch the video at the bottom of this page: Another Testament: Reflections of Christ. It is truly beautiful and reminds me of how grateful I am for my Savior Jesus Christ. It is only through His atonement that we may repent of our sins and be able to return to our Father in Heaven. May we always reflect on His life, His purpose, His gospel. This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Take Courage
1 Nephi 4:35(page 9): "And it came to pass that Zoram did take courage at the words which I spake. Now Zoram was the name of the servant; and he promised that he would go down into the wilderness unto our father. Yea, and he also made an oath unto us that he would tarry with us from that time forth."
For any who may be unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon, Nephi, the person who wrote the first part of the Book of Mormon, has convinced Zoram to leave Jerusalem, travel across the wilderness with Nephi's family and eventually cross the ocean to the land of promise. As I have thought about this verse, I have wondered what it means to take courage.
There are several great verses in the scriptures about courage. One of my favorites is Deuteronomy 31:6 which states: "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." There is a story in the Book of Mormon, a favorite among Latter-Day Saints, about two thousand stripling warriors with great courage. In Alma 53:20 (page 343-344) it describes them saying, "And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all-they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted." Other verses, Alma 56:47-48 (page 350-351) also describe these warriors saying, "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it."
There are many things that we can learn from these scriptures, but as I pondered them, I realized that to take courage is to take faith. A seminary teacher in high school shared an example of faith that really influenced me and has helped me to better understand the principle of faith. It comes from the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. At the end of this movie, Indiana must face three challenges before he can reach the chamber that is home to the Holy Grail. The third and final challenge is "the path of God". In this challenge, Indiana Jones must cross a giant chasm that is too far to jump across and appears to be bottomless. He is fearful of the abyss, knowing he must cross it, but not completely understanding how it can be possible. Exclaiming, "it's a leap of faith," Indiana Jones must decide what he believes. Standing tall, he lifts his leg into the air and crosses, appearing to walk on air. At what point does Indiana Jones exercise faith? Is it when he has his leg high in the air, preparing for the step? No. It isn't until he shifts his weight and begins to fall forward. It is at this moment that he has reached a point of no return. He has taken all of his courage, acting upon faith and putting his life into the hands of the Lord. What relief must have come as his foot touched upon the invisible walkway there before him.
Sometimes the Lord requires us to "walk into the dark" in order to "find the light." We may find ourselves on unchartered waters, confused, lost, and scared, but there is hope. Moroni 7:41 (page 524) states: "And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of the resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him, according to the promise." As we make our way through life, the Lord has given us all that we need to find happiness and joy in this life and the life here after. We must swallow our fear with faith as we make decisions to keep the commandments of the Lord. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I have hope in His atonement, knowing that He has made it possible for me to return to live with my Father in Heaven. The world may cause us to question these beliefs, but if we act upon the Spirit of the Lord and take that first step, mustering our courage and faith, we can find the truth and peace that our soul may seek. That first step is the hardest. Once we know that there is that invisible walkway, like in Indiana Jones, it is easier to take the second step and continue forward. I hope that you will have faith and take courage as you tackle the challenges that come your way. This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
For any who may be unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon, Nephi, the person who wrote the first part of the Book of Mormon, has convinced Zoram to leave Jerusalem, travel across the wilderness with Nephi's family and eventually cross the ocean to the land of promise. As I have thought about this verse, I have wondered what it means to take courage.
There are several great verses in the scriptures about courage. One of my favorites is Deuteronomy 31:6 which states: "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." There is a story in the Book of Mormon, a favorite among Latter-Day Saints, about two thousand stripling warriors with great courage. In Alma 53:20 (page 343-344) it describes them saying, "And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all-they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted." Other verses, Alma 56:47-48 (page 350-351) also describe these warriors saying, "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it."
There are many things that we can learn from these scriptures, but as I pondered them, I realized that to take courage is to take faith. A seminary teacher in high school shared an example of faith that really influenced me and has helped me to better understand the principle of faith. It comes from the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. At the end of this movie, Indiana must face three challenges before he can reach the chamber that is home to the Holy Grail. The third and final challenge is "the path of God". In this challenge, Indiana Jones must cross a giant chasm that is too far to jump across and appears to be bottomless. He is fearful of the abyss, knowing he must cross it, but not completely understanding how it can be possible. Exclaiming, "it's a leap of faith," Indiana Jones must decide what he believes. Standing tall, he lifts his leg into the air and crosses, appearing to walk on air. At what point does Indiana Jones exercise faith? Is it when he has his leg high in the air, preparing for the step? No. It isn't until he shifts his weight and begins to fall forward. It is at this moment that he has reached a point of no return. He has taken all of his courage, acting upon faith and putting his life into the hands of the Lord. What relief must have come as his foot touched upon the invisible walkway there before him.
Sometimes the Lord requires us to "walk into the dark" in order to "find the light." We may find ourselves on unchartered waters, confused, lost, and scared, but there is hope. Moroni 7:41 (page 524) states: "And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of the resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him, according to the promise." As we make our way through life, the Lord has given us all that we need to find happiness and joy in this life and the life here after. We must swallow our fear with faith as we make decisions to keep the commandments of the Lord. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I have hope in His atonement, knowing that He has made it possible for me to return to live with my Father in Heaven. The world may cause us to question these beliefs, but if we act upon the Spirit of the Lord and take that first step, mustering our courage and faith, we can find the truth and peace that our soul may seek. That first step is the hardest. Once we know that there is that invisible walkway, like in Indiana Jones, it is easier to take the second step and continue forward. I hope that you will have faith and take courage as you tackle the challenges that come your way. This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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