2 Nephi 7:5-7
"The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiter, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed."
Jesus Christ knew that His Father was with Him. He willingly gave Himself up to be mocked and harmed because He knew He would be blessed of the Lord. Nothing the world did to Him mattered. It's not the world that lasts; rather it's the gospel that is eternal. Why be ashamed and hide? We should open up and stand up for what is right. Christ did.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Miracles
Mormon 9:19
"And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles."
There are many who do not believe in God, who think miracles do not exist. I know that there is a God, because I have seen and experienced many miracles in my life. I know God loves me and knows me individually. He has granted me miracles when I've asked for them. He is mindful of me and answers my prayers. I am in charge of our relationship and try to remain close to Him.
"And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles."
There are many who do not believe in God, who think miracles do not exist. I know that there is a God, because I have seen and experienced many miracles in my life. I know God loves me and knows me individually. He has granted me miracles when I've asked for them. He is mindful of me and answers my prayers. I am in charge of our relationship and try to remain close to Him.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Repentance
Mormon 3:22
"And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgement-seat of Christ."
I love this reminder to repent and prepare to meet Christ. Repentance should be a daily endeavor. I know I make mistakes each and every day, so I should be on my knees asking for forgiveness each day as well. This is something I need to work on more and sincerely commit myself to.
"And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgement-seat of Christ."
I love this reminder to repent and prepare to meet Christ. Repentance should be a daily endeavor. I know I make mistakes each and every day, so I should be on my knees asking for forgiveness each day as well. This is something I need to work on more and sincerely commit myself to.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Wages
Alma 3:27
"For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth..."
Everyone serves, or works for someone else. Spiritually, the two bosses are the Lord and the devil. Who are we receiving our wages from? What are these wages? The Lord pays us through blessings. These blessings are vast and are always for our good. The devil pays with deception. He gives sadness and icky feelings masked by feel-good schemes. The devil is selfish, and so only gives what he knows isn't good. He makes us miserable like himself.
"For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth..."
Everyone serves, or works for someone else. Spiritually, the two bosses are the Lord and the devil. Who are we receiving our wages from? What are these wages? The Lord pays us through blessings. These blessings are vast and are always for our good. The devil pays with deception. He gives sadness and icky feelings masked by feel-good schemes. The devil is selfish, and so only gives what he knows isn't good. He makes us miserable like himself.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
One person
Alma 2:2
"Now this Amlici had, by his cunning, drawn away much people after him; even so much that they began to be very powerful; and they began to endeavor to establish Amlici to be a king over the people."
Amlici was just one man, but through his evil ways caused the death of thousands of people. He drew people to follow him, make him their king, and do whatever he asked. He asked to battle the Nephites and they lost. Then he asked to join with the Lamanites and fight the Nephites again. He lost again, and was killed in the process. He created so much contention and bloodshed it is disturbing. It's crazy to think how one person, or one choice, can cause such drastic outcomes.
On another note, it is important to look at the intent of who we follow. Does this person want personal glory, or is he leading to benefit others and God?
"Now this Amlici had, by his cunning, drawn away much people after him; even so much that they began to be very powerful; and they began to endeavor to establish Amlici to be a king over the people."
Amlici was just one man, but through his evil ways caused the death of thousands of people. He drew people to follow him, make him their king, and do whatever he asked. He asked to battle the Nephites and they lost. Then he asked to join with the Lamanites and fight the Nephites again. He lost again, and was killed in the process. He created so much contention and bloodshed it is disturbing. It's crazy to think how one person, or one choice, can cause such drastic outcomes.
On another note, it is important to look at the intent of who we follow. Does this person want personal glory, or is he leading to benefit others and God?
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
No excuses
Alma 1:25
"Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them."
There is no excuse not the keep the commandments. These christian people were greatly persecuted and mocked, but they still kept the commandments. The commandments will always need to be followed.
"Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them."
There is no excuse not the keep the commandments. These christian people were greatly persecuted and mocked, but they still kept the commandments. The commandments will always need to be followed.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Teacher and Minister
Mosiah 23:14
"And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments."
This is pretty straight forward. Don't let anyone preach to you unless what is preached is coming from God. Don't believe people so easily. There are many deceitful things, so it is wise to be able to discern between what is of God and what isn't.
"And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments."
This is pretty straight forward. Don't let anyone preach to you unless what is preached is coming from God. Don't believe people so easily. There are many deceitful things, so it is wise to be able to discern between what is of God and what isn't.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Apply your Heart
Mosiah 12: 27
"Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?"
Abinadi asks King Noah's priests what they preach. They claim to preach the law of Moses, but they obviously are not living it. They have not applied their hearts to understanding. They don't really want to follow the Lord, because they would rather live in other ways. This makes them unwise.
"Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?"
Abinadi asks King Noah's priests what they preach. They claim to preach the law of Moses, but they obviously are not living it. They have not applied their hearts to understanding. They don't really want to follow the Lord, because they would rather live in other ways. This makes them unwise.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Hard Heart
Mosiah 11:29
"Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings."
Noah's father, Zeniff, was a righteous king. He obeyed the word of the Lord and ruled in righteousness. How drastic the difference from father to son. I'm sure Noah grew up with the gospel and had been taught what was right, but he chose not to follow that in any way. I wonder what things Noah did to start going off track. I'm sure it started simply, but over time led to his hardened heart. Not only his heart though, but the whole kingdom's.
"Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings."
Noah's father, Zeniff, was a righteous king. He obeyed the word of the Lord and ruled in righteousness. How drastic the difference from father to son. I'm sure Noah grew up with the gospel and had been taught what was right, but he chose not to follow that in any way. I wonder what things Noah did to start going off track. I'm sure it started simply, but over time led to his hardened heart. Not only his heart though, but the whole kingdom's.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Mighty Prayer
Enos 1:4
"And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens."
Has my should ever hungered this much? Have I ever prayer this fervently before the Lord? Have I prayed with such purpose and need? There have been times when I have poured my soul before the Lord in prayer and I felt huge comfort and peace. I have not done it in a while though. I should do this more often. I need to set time each day to really pray to my Heavenly Father so I build our relationship.
"And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens."
Has my should ever hungered this much? Have I ever prayer this fervently before the Lord? Have I prayed with such purpose and need? There have been times when I have poured my soul before the Lord in prayer and I felt huge comfort and peace. I have not done it in a while though. I should do this more often. I need to set time each day to really pray to my Heavenly Father so I build our relationship.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Counsel
Jacob 4:10
"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works."
The Lord knows what's up. He knows what is best and what is right, so we should trust Him. We cannot change His ways, but we can change our ways to be His.
"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works."
The Lord knows what's up. He knows what is best and what is right, so we should trust Him. We cannot change His ways, but we can change our ways to be His.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Christ
Jacob 1:8
"Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world..."
To believe in Christ and follow Him is sometimes considered shameful by the world. Christ Himself was greatly shamed by His people and killed by them because they did not believe Him. He was mocked greatly. When we are mocked for our religion, remember that Christ was as well. He knows what it's like, and He knows it is so worth it! Christ has felt everything we feel, and we can trust in Him.
"Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world..."
To believe in Christ and follow Him is sometimes considered shameful by the world. Christ Himself was greatly shamed by His people and killed by them because they did not believe Him. He was mocked greatly. When we are mocked for our religion, remember that Christ was as well. He knows what it's like, and He knows it is so worth it! Christ has felt everything we feel, and we can trust in Him.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Salvation
2 Nephi 31:16
"And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved."
Jesus Christ was baptized, and so should we. He lived His life in service of Heavenly Father, loved everyone, forgave willingly, and went about spreading happiness. And so should we. We should live by His example throughout our whole lives, and then we can be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven.
"And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved."
Jesus Christ was baptized, and so should we. He lived His life in service of Heavenly Father, loved everyone, forgave willingly, and went about spreading happiness. And so should we. We should live by His example throughout our whole lives, and then we can be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Salvation
2 Nephi 26:24
"He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation."
Jesus Christ loves us. He loves all things on the world. So much so that He died for the world. He wants everyone to receive salvation through His sacrifice. We are all invited.
"He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation."
Jesus Christ loves us. He loves all things on the world. So much so that He died for the world. He wants everyone to receive salvation through His sacrifice. We are all invited.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Judgements
2 Nephi 21:4
"But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."
Christ will not do anything undeserved or unjust. His judgements will be correct. He will defend the poor and the meek and will try the wicked. We need not fear, because His actions will be righteous.
"But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."
Christ will not do anything undeserved or unjust. His judgements will be correct. He will defend the poor and the meek and will try the wicked. We need not fear, because His actions will be righteous.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Fear God
2 Nephi 18:13
"Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread."
The Lord is who we should fear, or reverence and awe. He should be our standard; how we want to live.
"Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread."
The Lord is who we should fear, or reverence and awe. He should be our standard; how we want to live.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Refuge
2 Nephi 14:6
"And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain."
This sounds so lovely. The gospel can be a safe place for us from the storms of life, if we let it. We can come unto the Savior and He will listen to our troubles. He can help us feel better, give us comfort and relief. He can shelter us from scorching times and hard storms of trials.
"And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain."
This sounds so lovely. The gospel can be a safe place for us from the storms of life, if we let it. We can come unto the Savior and He will listen to our troubles. He can help us feel better, give us comfort and relief. He can shelter us from scorching times and hard storms of trials.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Creation
2 Nephi 11:7
"For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time."
I believe there is a God and Christ. I believe He created us. I believe we are here because God made us and made the earth so we could live here and experience mortality. I believe Christ has come and that He will come again.
"For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time."
I believe there is a God and Christ. I believe He created us. I believe we are here because God made us and made the earth so we could live here and experience mortality. I believe Christ has come and that He will come again.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Agency
2 Nephi 10:23
"Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves- to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life."
We should rejoice in this opportunity to exercise our agency. We can all make whatever choices we want to, and it is something that can bring great pain as well as great joy. Cheer up and choose wisely.
"Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves- to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life."
We should rejoice in this opportunity to exercise our agency. We can all make whatever choices we want to, and it is something that can bring great pain as well as great joy. Cheer up and choose wisely.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Christ's Atonement
2 Nephi 9:21
"And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam."
Christ came to the earth to suffer for our sins. He suffered for every single sin that anyone has ever committed. When we do not come unto Him, give Him our sins, and let His atonement pay for them, His suffering is in vain. He has already paid the price, but we need to give him our sins. If not, then we waste His blood. Everyone can do this.
"And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam."
Christ came to the earth to suffer for our sins. He suffered for every single sin that anyone has ever committed. When we do not come unto Him, give Him our sins, and let His atonement pay for them, His suffering is in vain. He has already paid the price, but we need to give him our sins. If not, then we waste His blood. Everyone can do this.
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