I LOVE the book of Enos. It has always been my favorite to teach in Seminary and Sunday School. It is, first of all, a lesson in prayer: how to pray, the purpose of prayer, and the blessings of prayer.
The first thing that always impresses me is that Enos had to find his own testimony. His father was a PROPHET! Most of us don't have a father with that kind of faith. He had angels minister to him and he had SEEN the Lord and talked to Him!
Still, Enos had to have his own 'wrestle before God' to receive a remission of his sins.
It began with
1. He really WANTED an answer. He says his 'soul hungered'.
2. remembering the words his father had taught. Granted, his father was a master teacher, but it was still up to Enos to listen to those words.
3. He pondered them and decided to try them for himself.
4. He set aside the time.
5. He found a place where he could be alone and unhurried.
6. Then he poured out his heart and kept doing it until he got an answer. I suppose if an answer had not come within 2 days, he would have continued praying for as long as it took.
7. After he got an answer to (1) his prayers and felt SO MUCH BETTER, he began to (2) pray for his loved ones. After getting an answer for that, he(3) prayed for his enemies, then (4) for the will of God to come to pass. This is the process of the growing love of God in our hearts.
I was teaching this in Gospel Doctrine once and a man commented that he has a hard time praying for even five minutes. At the time I felt sorry for him, but now I realize how typical that is and feel the same. How do you pray all day and all night without 'multiplying words'? How many different ways can you ask for forgiveness or any other answer to prayers? I would have loved to hear him pray. I hope to meet Enos some day. He is definitely one of my heroes!
Friday, April 8, 2016
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Jacob 2
First I have to say that just because I haven't posted in some time, it doesn't mean that I haven't been reading or studying the scriptures. I just don't always have something to say that is an original thought or better than all other commentaries.
But in Jacob, chapter 2, I love his commentary about the sins. I love how he shows how much he struggled to even address his people, and hated to have to say thing things he knew that they were doing. He hated to have to call them to repentance, and hated to bring to light the sins they were guilty of. He was surely a loving leader!
I have pondered which sin is the first that he is saying they are guilty of. He leads up to stating it by saying, "For as yet ye have been obedient unto the word of the Lord........ But know that by the help of the all-powerful Creator.... I can tell you concerning your thoughts....ye are beginning to labor in sin...."
Then he goes on about how much he hates to have to talk about it, but then says, "I must do according to the strict commands of God.....
"This is the word which I declare unto you that many of you have begun to search for gold, and for silver, and precious ores...."
Is he saying their first sin was that they were searching for gold? He goes on to talk about how with the gold they have begun to wear costly apparel and feel that they are better than those who don't, and then talks of the evils of pride.
But which was the first sin? Was it mining for gold? Or was it pride?
After pondering this for a while I've decided the first sin was the search for gold. The problem is that we all search for gold in our lives. We call it 'making a living'.
Surely it isn't a sin to support yourself and your family. We don't live in a society where we can just grow what we need; we have to work for the sole purpose of being able to buy food and clothing. We all love to make enough money to be able to buy good, nutritious food, a 'nicer' house, and pretty clothes. But somewhere in there we have to learn to do that without becoming guilty of 'searching for gold' in the way the Nephites did at that time.
Of course it goes back to the popular teaching about the difference between having money and loving money, but i think it is a fine line and one we very easily cross many times in our lives. I believe Jacob, chapter 2 is our warning. We need to ask ourselves what we seek to do with the money we earn.
He goes on to finally talk about the really sins that he hated most to bring up, but I think it's interesting that he seems to only know about their grosser sins because the Lord has revealed them to him!
One thing that bothered me about his statement regarding polygamy, "I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old." and he describes it as "abominable before" God.
So I was wondering why the saints might have been commanded to practice polygamy in the early years of the Church. But then it clears it up in verse 30: "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things."
So it sounds to me that polygamy is 'abominable' if God hasn't commanded us to practice it. If men decide through lust that they need more women, then it is abominable; if God commands us to practice it, it is sanctified and accepted. The most important part of all that is whether it is the will of the Lord.
But in Jacob, chapter 2, I love his commentary about the sins. I love how he shows how much he struggled to even address his people, and hated to have to say thing things he knew that they were doing. He hated to have to call them to repentance, and hated to bring to light the sins they were guilty of. He was surely a loving leader!
I have pondered which sin is the first that he is saying they are guilty of. He leads up to stating it by saying, "For as yet ye have been obedient unto the word of the Lord........ But know that by the help of the all-powerful Creator.... I can tell you concerning your thoughts....ye are beginning to labor in sin...."
Then he goes on about how much he hates to have to talk about it, but then says, "I must do according to the strict commands of God.....
"This is the word which I declare unto you that many of you have begun to search for gold, and for silver, and precious ores...."
Is he saying their first sin was that they were searching for gold? He goes on to talk about how with the gold they have begun to wear costly apparel and feel that they are better than those who don't, and then talks of the evils of pride.
But which was the first sin? Was it mining for gold? Or was it pride?
After pondering this for a while I've decided the first sin was the search for gold. The problem is that we all search for gold in our lives. We call it 'making a living'.
Surely it isn't a sin to support yourself and your family. We don't live in a society where we can just grow what we need; we have to work for the sole purpose of being able to buy food and clothing. We all love to make enough money to be able to buy good, nutritious food, a 'nicer' house, and pretty clothes. But somewhere in there we have to learn to do that without becoming guilty of 'searching for gold' in the way the Nephites did at that time.
Of course it goes back to the popular teaching about the difference between having money and loving money, but i think it is a fine line and one we very easily cross many times in our lives. I believe Jacob, chapter 2 is our warning. We need to ask ourselves what we seek to do with the money we earn.
He goes on to finally talk about the really sins that he hated most to bring up, but I think it's interesting that he seems to only know about their grosser sins because the Lord has revealed them to him!
One thing that bothered me about his statement regarding polygamy, "I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old." and he describes it as "abominable before" God.
So I was wondering why the saints might have been commanded to practice polygamy in the early years of the Church. But then it clears it up in verse 30: "For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things."
So it sounds to me that polygamy is 'abominable' if God hasn't commanded us to practice it. If men decide through lust that they need more women, then it is abominable; if God commands us to practice it, it is sanctified and accepted. The most important part of all that is whether it is the will of the Lord.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
2 Nephi 6-9 Why we do what we do
Nephi's brother, Jacob, is teaching now. I really like how Jacob teaches; he seems to say everything plainly and clearly. I know I can learn a lot from his teachings.
In verse 2 he explains that he was called and ordained. He understands that this is an important distinction and that it is important for people to know - you must have the Priesthood and be called before you take on important duties.
Next he explains why he is faithfully fulfilling his calling and assignment. I can openly admit that I still do my visiting teaching because I know it is important and because I don't want to be a 'slacker'. I serve out of a sense of duty. I understand the reasons for visiting teaching and know that it is a divine program and there are Eternal consequences when we serve faithfully as well as when we don't. The consequences are ours as well as those to whom we should have visited. Yes, I know all that and yet every month I have to convince myself to actually get out of my own life and get involved in the sisters' lives.
Jacob says in verse 3 that he speaks repeatedly to them because he is "desirous for the welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety is great for you;....... for I have exhorted you with all diligence; and I have taught you the words of my father; and I have spoken unto you concerning all the things which are written, ..............v 4 - ...And I speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may learn and glorify the name of your God."
Chapter 9 he explains why again, "I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice and lift up your heads forever, because of the blessings which the Lord God shall bestow upon your children."
All of his focus is on the welfare of those he teaches, for their sakes. He knows that people want to do what is right when they understand WHY it is important. He's not just passing on scriptures; he isn't just pounding knowledge in their heads. He speaks to their souls and minds and hearts the things that they need to know and do in order to be happy. That's the whole purpose of what we teach and what we do - to lead us to happiness.
I could go on and on in chapter 9; it's one of my favorites. He explains more clearly than almost any other scripture the purpose of our life on earth and the reason for the atonement. He explains what would happen if there weren't an atonement. He explains the 1st and 2nd death, and the judgement.
One of the most important words in chapter 9 is in verse 41 - REMEMBER. We have to remember the what and the why.
Another tell in chapter 9 as to why he teaches is in vers 44 and 45. He pleads with his brethren. "O, my beloved brethren, remember my words." He loves them. That's why he serves faithfully. It isn't out of a sense of duty; he loves his brethren. That is the example we can learn from Jacob.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
1 Nephi 5
I can totally identify with Sariah. There is nothing more scary than not knowing if your children are safe or even alive. I'm sure Sariah was sick with worry when the boys had been gone for so long. It was a dangerous trip, and a very dangerous mission. She had no idea how they would get the plates from Laban. She eventually reached the end of her rope and she lashed out at Lehi.
Why do we take out our frustrations on our husbands. I'm sure she knew he wasn't a 'visionary man' and that he was a true prophet of God. She knew him better than anyone. But a momma bear gets pretty fierce with it comes to her children.
I also think after they returned safe and sound and she saw the value of the plates, she was very sorry, repentant, and embarrassed because for complaining and doubting her husband. I'd sure hate for the whole world to know all my words spoken in my times of extreme frustration and fear. I always think part of the punishment Lehi's family received for their weaknesses was for their every action to be recorded for all posterity and future peoples of the world to read. I can identify with Sariah.
But the real issue is that we can learn from Sariah's doubts. We can see the end of the story of Lehi and know how it all turns out. We know Lehi was a great prophet so that makes it easy to not doubt and wonder why Sariah was so weak. But when you're in the situation, and can't see the end of the story, it isn't so easy to be strong.
The lesson we can learn from chapter 5 is that we need to trust God. We can learn to not doubt. not complain, and not fear. Every time we read in the scriptures an example of how things turned out fine in the end, we can solidify our faith enough to not doubt, complain, or fear. God is in charge. He might not make everything turn out how we thought it should, but it will always turn out best for our eternal good and joy. We can trust that.
I also love verse 5 where Lehi is defending himself to Sariah and he speaks of the blessings they have received and one of the things he lists is the 'land of promise'. He speaks of it as a current possession and blessing, but they are still about 8 years from receiving that land! In the same way, we can look at our future blessings, even though they are many years from coming, as if we already have them because we have the promise of them. The promise is as good as already having them.
This is contrary to how it works on earth. We aren't happy till we actually HAVE the thing, whatever it is. But eternally speaking, all the blessings that are promised ARE ALREADY OURS as long as we remain faithful.
There is one more favorite verse in chapter 5 - verse 20, "And.... thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us." I would like to be able to say that at the end of every day of my life!
Why do we take out our frustrations on our husbands. I'm sure she knew he wasn't a 'visionary man' and that he was a true prophet of God. She knew him better than anyone. But a momma bear gets pretty fierce with it comes to her children.
I also think after they returned safe and sound and she saw the value of the plates, she was very sorry, repentant, and embarrassed because for complaining and doubting her husband. I'd sure hate for the whole world to know all my words spoken in my times of extreme frustration and fear. I always think part of the punishment Lehi's family received for their weaknesses was for their every action to be recorded for all posterity and future peoples of the world to read. I can identify with Sariah.
But the real issue is that we can learn from Sariah's doubts. We can see the end of the story of Lehi and know how it all turns out. We know Lehi was a great prophet so that makes it easy to not doubt and wonder why Sariah was so weak. But when you're in the situation, and can't see the end of the story, it isn't so easy to be strong.
The lesson we can learn from chapter 5 is that we need to trust God. We can learn to not doubt. not complain, and not fear. Every time we read in the scriptures an example of how things turned out fine in the end, we can solidify our faith enough to not doubt, complain, or fear. God is in charge. He might not make everything turn out how we thought it should, but it will always turn out best for our eternal good and joy. We can trust that.
I also love verse 5 where Lehi is defending himself to Sariah and he speaks of the blessings they have received and one of the things he lists is the 'land of promise'. He speaks of it as a current possession and blessing, but they are still about 8 years from receiving that land! In the same way, we can look at our future blessings, even though they are many years from coming, as if we already have them because we have the promise of them. The promise is as good as already having them.
This is contrary to how it works on earth. We aren't happy till we actually HAVE the thing, whatever it is. But eternally speaking, all the blessings that are promised ARE ALREADY OURS as long as we remain faithful.
There is one more favorite verse in chapter 5 - verse 20, "And.... thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us." I would like to be able to say that at the end of every day of my life!
Thursday, January 7, 2016
The big delimma
1 Nephi chapter 4 has always been a major stumbling block for people who read it who think they know how God thinks.
If you're reading the Book of Mormon, but aren't sure whether it's true and you know people claim it is the word of God, and you see that it says God told Nephi to steal something and to even murder in order to take it, you might stop and say, "Wait a minute! God doesn't tell us to break His own commandments!" We met people on our mission who said the Book of Mormon just can't be true because God wouldn't do that! There was one lady, the wife of a member and a firm little Catholic who never went to Church, told us she had had visions, dreams and visits from Jesus so she knew him well, and he just wouldn't tell someone to steal and murder in cold blood. She said if God wanted Laban dead, He would make it happen, not tell someone to do it.
And so it makes you think. Why didn't Christ just deliver Laban into Nephi's hands or for that matter the Brass Plates into Nephi's hands so he wouldn't have to kill a man? Why did God ask Nephi to break two commandments, one of them being the second most serious sin which has no forgiveness?
Verse 10 references 1 Samuel 15:3 in which the Lord commands Saul to kill not only all the Amalekites, men, women, and children, but also all their animals and crops. Really? Why would God command a king to murder and destroy? We know God destroys the wicked. He has the right. But why would He command a man to do something that is such a serious sin and really against our very nature?
I frankly don't know the answer, other than that Nephi's faith was being tested to the utmost. But I do firmly believe that at some point we will all be asked to choose between what we want or think and what God commands. We've been told that in the last days many will fall away, and I think many will fall because they haven't learned to obey even if it doesn't make sense or ring true in their minds. It's as if people can believe a Prophet as long as he says what they already think is true, but if it goes outside what they already think, then the Prophet must be false. Is God supposed to always agree with us or will we be tested to see if we can always agree with God?
I remember when the Prophet told women not to have more than one earring. The reaction by some was, "This doesn't affect my spirituality. Why is this a commandment?" When the Prophet was told that they needed to practice polygamy, many questioned and couldn't follow. When the Word of Wisdom was given, many couldn't follow, and on and on. I believe that at some point every member will need to choose whether they believe we have a true and living prophet who speaks for God and then they will need to decide whether they will obey God no matter what. I hope I'm strong enough to be able to do that.
If you're reading the Book of Mormon, but aren't sure whether it's true and you know people claim it is the word of God, and you see that it says God told Nephi to steal something and to even murder in order to take it, you might stop and say, "Wait a minute! God doesn't tell us to break His own commandments!" We met people on our mission who said the Book of Mormon just can't be true because God wouldn't do that! There was one lady, the wife of a member and a firm little Catholic who never went to Church, told us she had had visions, dreams and visits from Jesus so she knew him well, and he just wouldn't tell someone to steal and murder in cold blood. She said if God wanted Laban dead, He would make it happen, not tell someone to do it.
And so it makes you think. Why didn't Christ just deliver Laban into Nephi's hands or for that matter the Brass Plates into Nephi's hands so he wouldn't have to kill a man? Why did God ask Nephi to break two commandments, one of them being the second most serious sin which has no forgiveness?
Verse 10 references 1 Samuel 15:3 in which the Lord commands Saul to kill not only all the Amalekites, men, women, and children, but also all their animals and crops. Really? Why would God command a king to murder and destroy? We know God destroys the wicked. He has the right. But why would He command a man to do something that is such a serious sin and really against our very nature?
I frankly don't know the answer, other than that Nephi's faith was being tested to the utmost. But I do firmly believe that at some point we will all be asked to choose between what we want or think and what God commands. We've been told that in the last days many will fall away, and I think many will fall because they haven't learned to obey even if it doesn't make sense or ring true in their minds. It's as if people can believe a Prophet as long as he says what they already think is true, but if it goes outside what they already think, then the Prophet must be false. Is God supposed to always agree with us or will we be tested to see if we can always agree with God?
I remember when the Prophet told women not to have more than one earring. The reaction by some was, "This doesn't affect my spirituality. Why is this a commandment?" When the Prophet was told that they needed to practice polygamy, many questioned and couldn't follow. When the Word of Wisdom was given, many couldn't follow, and on and on. I believe that at some point every member will need to choose whether they believe we have a true and living prophet who speaks for God and then they will need to decide whether they will obey God no matter what. I hope I'm strong enough to be able to do that.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Faith like Nephi 1 Ne 4
Verse 1 of chapter 4 is a great example to me. Nephi states that the Lord is "mightier than all the earth".
In my head and heart I know that is true. I know God created the earth, so obviously He is mightier than it. But do I know that enough that it can change my life? Do I base my actions on the Lord's strength, or do I still rely mostly on what I can do? The scriptures are full of examples of what the Lord can do. Nephi references Moses, that he parted the waters of the Red Sea. We know that the brother of Jared saw the Lord's fingers touch stones so they would give light for an indefinite period of time; we see examples of miracles all through the scriptures and in our own lives, yet how much do we depend on the Lord for our strength?
I'm afraid I might have been like Laman and Lemuel in wondering how they could possibly get the plates from Laban. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't murmur like them, but I would sure wonder HOW it could be done. I love that Nephi tells them, "let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses..........the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers."
I want to have that kind of faith - the faith that leads to action even when you still don't know what that action might be. Nephi says he walked along and didn't even know where he needed to go or what he was supposed to do, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. Nevertheless I went forth...." It shows that faith in the power of God is key, then we need to start moving so that God can guide our steps!
In my head and heart I know that is true. I know God created the earth, so obviously He is mightier than it. But do I know that enough that it can change my life? Do I base my actions on the Lord's strength, or do I still rely mostly on what I can do? The scriptures are full of examples of what the Lord can do. Nephi references Moses, that he parted the waters of the Red Sea. We know that the brother of Jared saw the Lord's fingers touch stones so they would give light for an indefinite period of time; we see examples of miracles all through the scriptures and in our own lives, yet how much do we depend on the Lord for our strength?
I'm afraid I might have been like Laman and Lemuel in wondering how they could possibly get the plates from Laban. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't murmur like them, but I would sure wonder HOW it could be done. I love that Nephi tells them, "let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses..........the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers."
I want to have that kind of faith - the faith that leads to action even when you still don't know what that action might be. Nephi says he walked along and didn't even know where he needed to go or what he was supposed to do, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. Nevertheless I went forth...." It shows that faith in the power of God is key, then we need to start moving so that God can guide our steps!
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