Alma 27:7
(Inquire the Lord on big decisions)
"Will ye go?" if the Lord requires it from you?
That is why God only answers the prayers of those with real intent, or the ambition to act on the answer, whatever it may be. Sometimes when we receive answers it isn't what we want to hear and we reject the answer, supposing it to be a stray thought in our mind or miscellaneous urging of the soul, and continue to pray earnestly for the answer we seek to have. This desired answer will never come once God has revealed what He wants you to do. The same answer from God in result of your prayers will persist until you have enough faith to follow through on His divine counsel, or the Spirit will depart from your stiff-necked soul.
When we have faith, however, we can have our desires granted in our prayers.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Building His Foundation (Missionary Work)
1 Corinthians 3:10-13
(See also John 4:36-->1 Cor. 3:5-8)
As missionaries we will be called to construct different parts of the Lord's gospel here on Earth among His children. Some may be called to lay the foundation by preparing the hearts of the people through service. Others may set in the precious stones and inlay gold as they baptize and guide new members in becoming active in the church. No matter what aspect we are called to build if we do it with all diligence our work will be evident and we will receive our just reward (v. 8, 13). It doesn't matter what we do as long as we are building His church here on Earth in any way possible. Every brick and spadeful of dirt counts :)
(See also John 4:36-->1 Cor. 3:5-8)
As missionaries we will be called to construct different parts of the Lord's gospel here on Earth among His children. Some may be called to lay the foundation by preparing the hearts of the people through service. Others may set in the precious stones and inlay gold as they baptize and guide new members in becoming active in the church. No matter what aspect we are called to build if we do it with all diligence our work will be evident and we will receive our just reward (v. 8, 13). It doesn't matter what we do as long as we are building His church here on Earth in any way possible. Every brick and spadeful of dirt counts :)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Mysteries Revealed (Open Up Your Eyes!)
Luke 24:16
Why couldn't the two apostles see the resurrected Christ?
There are two possible answers:
1. They lacked the faith to see Him--> Luke 24:11
This answer is possible because of a contrasting example found in Ether 3:25-26. The Brother of Jared had great faith and had the mysteries of God revealed to him.
2. It was wisdom in the Lord to withhold the identity of Christ (or the "mystery" in this case) from the two apostles. --> D&C 25:4
Only after diligent inquiry and effort are some mysteries revealed to us--> Alma 40:3, Ether 3:26
The answers to our questions are revealed through the Holy Ghost:
D&C 121:26, Article of Faith 9
The apostles, as we learn later in verse 25 of Luke 24, did indeed lack the faith necessary to see Christ initially. Later on Jesus reveals himself to His apostles. If we have faith in Jesus Christ we can gain knowledge and light and elevate our lives to a higher spiritual level.
Why couldn't the two apostles see the resurrected Christ?
There are two possible answers:
1. They lacked the faith to see Him--> Luke 24:11
This answer is possible because of a contrasting example found in Ether 3:25-26. The Brother of Jared had great faith and had the mysteries of God revealed to him.
2. It was wisdom in the Lord to withhold the identity of Christ (or the "mystery" in this case) from the two apostles. --> D&C 25:4
Only after diligent inquiry and effort are some mysteries revealed to us--> Alma 40:3, Ether 3:26
The answers to our questions are revealed through the Holy Ghost:
D&C 121:26, Article of Faith 9
The apostles, as we learn later in verse 25 of Luke 24, did indeed lack the faith necessary to see Christ initially. Later on Jesus reveals himself to His apostles. If we have faith in Jesus Christ we can gain knowledge and light and elevate our lives to a higher spiritual level.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Resurrection and Truth
D&C 88:21-24
The resurrection redeems our bodies and sanctifies them to a kingdom of glory. It is according to our level of light and truth in our souls (gained by obedience) that determines what glory we achieve. A terrestrial being would be miserable if he/she were to live in the Celestial kingdom because they did not achieve the Celestial level of light and truth.
D&C 93:24
"And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;"
The resurrection redeems our bodies and sanctifies them to a kingdom of glory. It is according to our level of light and truth in our souls (gained by obedience) that determines what glory we achieve. A terrestrial being would be miserable if he/she were to live in the Celestial kingdom because they did not achieve the Celestial level of light and truth.
D&C 93:24
"And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;"
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Three Kingdoms of Glory
D&C 76
Celestial- Those who receive and accept Jesus Christ and were baptized, received the Holy Ghost, kept the commandments, and fulfilled all other ordinances necessary. Those who inherit this kingdom reside with Heavenly Father in a state of immortality and eternal life. Those who valiantly keep the commandments at all times and in all places will have this highest glory.
Terrestrial- Those honorable men and women who were blinded by the world. They include those who initially did not accept the testimony in this life when they had the chance but did in the next life. These people are less valiant in doing His will but are good people.
Telestial- Did not accept the gospel. They are under subjection of the devil until after the Millennium.
Everyone has or will receive a chance to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether we receive that chance in this life or in the life to come, it is up to us to make the choice to choose the right and attain the highest kingdom.
Celestial- Those who receive and accept Jesus Christ and were baptized, received the Holy Ghost, kept the commandments, and fulfilled all other ordinances necessary. Those who inherit this kingdom reside with Heavenly Father in a state of immortality and eternal life. Those who valiantly keep the commandments at all times and in all places will have this highest glory.
Terrestrial- Those honorable men and women who were blinded by the world. They include those who initially did not accept the testimony in this life when they had the chance but did in the next life. These people are less valiant in doing His will but are good people.
Telestial- Did not accept the gospel. They are under subjection of the devil until after the Millennium.
Everyone has or will receive a chance to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether we receive that chance in this life or in the life to come, it is up to us to make the choice to choose the right and attain the highest kingdom.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Understanding and Overcoming Trials and Afflictions
Understanding Trials
Our trials "began" or are present in our lives because Christ commanded us to be perfect.
Trials Are For Your Good
How To Endure Through A Trial
Have a cheerful attitude and give thanks continually.
Patience
Patience is an important part of enduring a trial and becoming perfect.
Finding Help In Your Afflictions
The Holy Ghost and our friends are two sources of help when we are burdened with a trial or five.
Important Notes
It is only through God and His love that we become true conquerors over our afflictions. His love overcomes all and through Him we receive strength.
Final Touch
Ultimately we need to have faith and trust in God.
Our trials "began" or are present in our lives because Christ commanded us to be perfect.
- Matthew 5:48 (note the Joseph Smith Translation in the footnote)
- Hebrews 11:40
- Mosiah 23:21-22
- Romans 5:3-5
- Proverbs 3:11-12
Trials Are For Your Good
- D&C 98:1-3
- D&C 122:7
- Alma 17:11
How To Endure Through A Trial
Have a cheerful attitude and give thanks continually.
- D&C 123:17
- Mosiah 24:15
- D&C 98:1
- 1 Nephi 18:16
Patience
Patience is an important part of enduring a trial and becoming perfect.
- D&C 54:10
- Alma 26:27
Finding Help In Your Afflictions
The Holy Ghost and our friends are two sources of help when we are burdened with a trial or five.
- Romans 8:26-27 (24-28)
- D&C 121:7-9
Important Notes
It is only through God and His love that we become true conquerors over our afflictions. His love overcomes all and through Him we receive strength.
- Romans 8:35, 37-39
- Philippians 4:13
- Mosiah 24:10-16
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
Final Touch
Ultimately we need to have faith and trust in God.
- Alma 36:3
- Proverbs 3:5-6
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Praying For Exactly What You Need
2 Nephi 4:35
We can pray for exactly what we need to pray for if we pray in faith and with the Holy Ghost. We can become mighty in our works and deeds if we pray in faith (Helaman 10:5).
When we pray according to our selfish desires or lusts we ask amiss and our prayer is not answered (James 4:1-3). If we have selfish intent in our prayers it will not work in our favor.
When we seek to pray according to the promptings of the Spirit we will receive answers to our prayers because those prayers will be in accordance to God's will (D&C 46:30). Only through the Spirit can we truly know what to say (Romans 8:26-27).
I know that if we have faith in God our prayers can be answered. I know that if we ask, intending to act upon the answer we receive then we will receive those precious answers and be blessed for our faith (3 Nephi 18:20). We can ask for and know the truth if we kneel down and pray according to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost and the pure intentions of our hearts (Moroni 10:4-5).
Prayer is a form of work, it takes effort to fully humble ourselves and communicate with God. I know that God answers prayers and that as I seek Him through prayer He will guide me. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
We can pray for exactly what we need to pray for if we pray in faith and with the Holy Ghost. We can become mighty in our works and deeds if we pray in faith (Helaman 10:5).
When we pray according to our selfish desires or lusts we ask amiss and our prayer is not answered (James 4:1-3). If we have selfish intent in our prayers it will not work in our favor.
When we seek to pray according to the promptings of the Spirit we will receive answers to our prayers because those prayers will be in accordance to God's will (D&C 46:30). Only through the Spirit can we truly know what to say (Romans 8:26-27).
I know that if we have faith in God our prayers can be answered. I know that if we ask, intending to act upon the answer we receive then we will receive those precious answers and be blessed for our faith (3 Nephi 18:20). We can ask for and know the truth if we kneel down and pray according to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost and the pure intentions of our hearts (Moroni 10:4-5).
Prayer is a form of work, it takes effort to fully humble ourselves and communicate with God. I know that God answers prayers and that as I seek Him through prayer He will guide me. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Working Faith
Mark 9:17-29
Christ tells us that if we have faith in God then all things are possible. I am moved by the man's response: He cries to His Lord and in tears tells Him that he believes, but needs Him to help him with his doubts (all uppercase "Him"s refer to Christ in this sentence). The fact that the man is in tears when he declares his testimony shows me that he was sincere in his intentions and words, that he truly had faith in Jesus Christ. I am touched deeply when the man recognizes his continual reliance in the Lord when he says "help me with mine unbelief".
Christ continues to teach us how we can experience great miracles in our lives when in verse 29 He tells us that prayer and fasting help these things come to pass. It is important to note that in the Bible Dictionary prayer is known as a "form of work" and the footnote to fasting leads to the Topical Guide's section of Problem Solving. This shows us that our efforts to bring to pass solutions and miracles requires great diligence and work on our part to show God our faith that through His grace we may be healed or saved.
Christ tells us that if we have faith in God then all things are possible. I am moved by the man's response: He cries to His Lord and in tears tells Him that he believes, but needs Him to help him with his doubts (all uppercase "Him"s refer to Christ in this sentence). The fact that the man is in tears when he declares his testimony shows me that he was sincere in his intentions and words, that he truly had faith in Jesus Christ. I am touched deeply when the man recognizes his continual reliance in the Lord when he says "help me with mine unbelief".
Christ continues to teach us how we can experience great miracles in our lives when in verse 29 He tells us that prayer and fasting help these things come to pass. It is important to note that in the Bible Dictionary prayer is known as a "form of work" and the footnote to fasting leads to the Topical Guide's section of Problem Solving. This shows us that our efforts to bring to pass solutions and miracles requires great diligence and work on our part to show God our faith that through His grace we may be healed or saved.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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