23 Behold, I, Amaleki, was born in the days of Mosiah; and I have lived to see his death; and Benjamin, his son, reigneth in his stead.
24 And behold, I have seen, in the days of king Benjamin, a serious war and much bloodshed between the Nephites and the Lamanites. But behold, the Nephites did obtain much advantage over them; yea, insomuch that king Benjamin did drive them out of the land of Zarahemla.
25 And it came to pass that I began to be old; and, having no seed, and knowing king Benjamin to be a just man before the Lord, wherefore, I shall deliver up these plates unto him, exhorting all men to come unto God, the Holy One of Israel, and believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of speaking with tongues, and in the gift of interpreting languages, and in all things which are good; for there is nothing which is good save it comes from the Lord; and that which is evil cometh from the devil.
I love how he gave them to the King. The people who have had the plates seem to have been normal people, no one really "special." People like me. If it was me who had to pass them on to the President I don't even know how I would go about it. If the Lord told me to do it, I think it would be easier because I know a way would be made, but it would seem a bit out of my league anyway.
2 Corinthians 12
18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
I guess this is the goal to strive for. Everything should be edifying in some manner. I know this is true, but I don't do it all the time.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Jude 1, Ether 14
13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Mmmm, very poetic.
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
This sounds like a pretty bad time. How sad it will be.
Ether 14
13 And it came to pass that Coriantumr pursued him; and Lib gave battle unto him upon the seashore.
14 And it came to pass that Lib did smite the army of Coriantumr, that they fled again to the wilderness of Akish.
15 And it came to pass that Lib did pursue him until he came to the plains of Agosh. And Coriantumr had taken all the people with him as he fled before Lib in that quarter of the land whither he fled.
16 And when he had come to the plains of Agosh he gave battle unto Lib, and he smote upon him until he died; nevertheless, the brother of Lib did come against Coriantumr in the stead thereof, and the battle became exceedingly sore, in the which Coriantumr fled again before the army of the brother of Lib.
17 Now the name of the brother of Lib was called Shiz. And it came to pass that Shiz pursued after Coriantumr, and he did overthrow many cities, and he did slay both women and children, and he did burn the cities.
This makes me think of Sherman's March. Very sad and destructive. History really does repeat itself unless people learn something new.
Mmmm, very poetic.
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
This sounds like a pretty bad time. How sad it will be.
Ether 14
13 And it came to pass that Coriantumr pursued him; and Lib gave battle unto him upon the seashore.
14 And it came to pass that Lib did smite the army of Coriantumr, that they fled again to the wilderness of Akish.
15 And it came to pass that Lib did pursue him until he came to the plains of Agosh. And Coriantumr had taken all the people with him as he fled before Lib in that quarter of the land whither he fled.
16 And when he had come to the plains of Agosh he gave battle unto Lib, and he smote upon him until he died; nevertheless, the brother of Lib did come against Coriantumr in the stead thereof, and the battle became exceedingly sore, in the which Coriantumr fled again before the army of the brother of Lib.
17 Now the name of the brother of Lib was called Shiz. And it came to pass that Shiz pursued after Coriantumr, and he did overthrow many cities, and he did slay both women and children, and he did burn the cities.
This makes me think of Sherman's March. Very sad and destructive. History really does repeat itself unless people learn something new.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Acts 16
20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
How sad and ignorant to not be able to choose what you want. I just thought of China, it's similar there. No one is allowed to think.
22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely:
Why on earth would they want them kept safely, after all the lashes and beating? That makes no sense.
This is the story when there is an earthquake and the jail falls down but the prisoners stay there, I think it's Paul and Silas.
21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
How sad and ignorant to not be able to choose what you want. I just thought of China, it's similar there. No one is allowed to think.
22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely:
Why on earth would they want them kept safely, after all the lashes and beating? That makes no sense.
This is the story when there is an earthquake and the jail falls down but the prisoners stay there, I think it's Paul and Silas.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Joseph Smith History
29 In consequence of these things, I often felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections; when, on the evening of the above-mentioned twenty-first of September, after I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one.
30 While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.
Now that is an answer to prayer. I've prayed for visions before and I never got one, about the specific things I wanted to know about. Now I get them in the form of visualizations. I think they are the same thing, but I don't say vision because it's too close to the church. People think I'm nuts, but I believe they are the same thing. I know they are inspired.
31 He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom.
32 Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me.
Lightening is quick, frightening, amazing, beautiful, a wonder to watch, hot, shocking... those are the words that come to mind first. And his countenance was like lightening.
I imagine Joseph Smith trying to describe it and just thinking, there are no words to explain it. Lightening is a poor choice of words, but it's all I can think of.
30 While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.
Now that is an answer to prayer. I've prayed for visions before and I never got one, about the specific things I wanted to know about. Now I get them in the form of visualizations. I think they are the same thing, but I don't say vision because it's too close to the church. People think I'm nuts, but I believe they are the same thing. I know they are inspired.
31 He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom.
32 Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me.
Lightening is quick, frightening, amazing, beautiful, a wonder to watch, hot, shocking... those are the words that come to mind first. And his countenance was like lightening.
I imagine Joseph Smith trying to describe it and just thinking, there are no words to explain it. Lightening is a poor choice of words, but it's all I can think of.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
2 Peter 3, 1 Nephi 22
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Being unlearned isn't good. Not knowing the scriptures and understanding them has lead to much destruction. Ignorance of social and ethnic issues has lead to much destruction. Rwanda, Darfur, slavery in America...
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
It's insane to think about the people who know better and still follow the ignorance. I just had the image of Hitler in my head. I bet there were people who knew better who followed him.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Grow in Grace, that is a peaceful image.
1 Nephi 22
7 And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered.
8 And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders.
So we know that it is America and the Book of Mormon. What other parallel meanings are there, or are there any?
9 And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
10 And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make bare his arm in the eyes of the nations.
Chris says that "make bare his arm" means for God or Christ to show his power. Show his power by bringing forth the Book of Mormon. I have no idea what it means. Any thoughts?
Being unlearned isn't good. Not knowing the scriptures and understanding them has lead to much destruction. Ignorance of social and ethnic issues has lead to much destruction. Rwanda, Darfur, slavery in America...
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
It's insane to think about the people who know better and still follow the ignorance. I just had the image of Hitler in my head. I bet there were people who knew better who followed him.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Grow in Grace, that is a peaceful image.
1 Nephi 22
7 And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered.
8 And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders.
So we know that it is America and the Book of Mormon. What other parallel meanings are there, or are there any?
9 And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
10 And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make bare his arm in the eyes of the nations.
Chris says that "make bare his arm" means for God or Christ to show his power. Show his power by bringing forth the Book of Mormon. I have no idea what it means. Any thoughts?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hebrews 12, Ether 15
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
I guess I don't understand birthright. It seems to me that if you have something, you can decide what to do with it. If I am willed a piece of land, I can give it away or neglect it or whatever I want. Birthright must be a bigger deal.
Ether 15
30 And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned upon his sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz.
31 And it came to pass that after he had smitten off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised up on his hands and fell; and after that he had struggled for breath, he died.
32 And it came to pass that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life.
This is quite gruesome.
33 And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he finished his record; (and the hundredth part I have not written) and he hid them in a manner that the people of Limhi did find them.
But at least it fulfilled a prophecy. It also says that the hundredth part he did not write... If all the scriptures were included this book would be huge.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
I guess I don't understand birthright. It seems to me that if you have something, you can decide what to do with it. If I am willed a piece of land, I can give it away or neglect it or whatever I want. Birthright must be a bigger deal.
Ether 15
30 And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned upon his sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz.
31 And it came to pass that after he had smitten off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised up on his hands and fell; and after that he had struggled for breath, he died.
32 And it came to pass that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life.
This is quite gruesome.
33 And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he finished his record; (and the hundredth part I have not written) and he hid them in a manner that the people of Limhi did find them.
But at least it fulfilled a prophecy. It also says that the hundredth part he did not write... If all the scriptures were included this book would be huge.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
JS Matthew 1, Omni 1
I was thinking that the scriptures I've been testing for have been small, not very much and I felt like I wanted to read more and today you can see that has happened! These are long passages.
Written while listening to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (We wish you a Merry Christmas)
11 But he that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved.
12 When you, therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, then you shall stand in the holy place; whoso readeth let him understand.
13 Then let them who are in Judea flee into the mountains;
14 Let him who is on the housetop flee, and not return to take anything out of his house;
This would be really hard. Like Sodom and Gomorrah. I may have been a pillar of salt. That would have been really hard.
15 Neither let him who is in the field return back to take his clothes;
16 And wo unto them that are with child, and unto them that give suck in those days;
Hmm... Didn't I just read these in a different section? I keep doing this lately. Ok, I just looked it up, these were written about the second coming.
17 Therefore, pray ye the Lord that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day;
18 For then, in those days, shall be great tribulation on the Jews, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, such as was not before sent upon Israel, of God, since the beginning of their kingdom until this time; no, nor ever shall be sent again upon Israel.
Worse tribulation than they have already had? Wow, that's going to be something, and not good either. If I lived in Jerusalem I would be praying for those things.
19 All things which have befallen them are only the beginning of the sorrows which shall come upon them.
Yikes. I don't even want to think about how it will be worse. Moving on.
20 And except those days should be shortened, there should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake, according to the covenant, those days shall be shortened.
21 Behold, these things I have spoken unto you concerning the Jews; and again, after the tribulation of those days which shall come upon Jerusalem, if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe him not;
22 For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.
This is kind of scary, but I am so glad we have the church who will guide us. I have much family who is not in the church and I hope they do well in this time. It would be so sad to see them going the wrong direction.
23 Behold, I speak these things unto you for the elect’s sake; and you also shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet.
Be not troubled about war. That's a tough one. I know it means that it's going to happen, and it has to happen and there's nothing I can do about it. But it's sad anyway. And scary for those of us married to the army.
24 Behold, I have told you before;
25 Wherefore, if they shall say unto you: Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not;
26 For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.
So just be patient and not believe people who pretend to be Christ, or actually think they are because we will see him and know he is coming.
Omni 1
13 And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.
14 And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla. Now, there was great rejoicing among the people of Zarahemla; and also Zarahemla did rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord had sent the people of Mosiah with the plates of brass which contained the record of the Jews.
This would be amazing. People came and found them with scriptures.
15 Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon.
16 And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth.
The Lord has lead many people out already and more will be lead out later.
17 And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they had become exceedingly numerous. Nevertheless, they had had many wars and serious contentions, and had fallen by the sword from time to time; and their language had become corrupted; and they had brought no records with them; and they denied the being of their Creator; and Mosiah, nor the people of Mosiah, could understand them.
They had nothing solid guiding them, so this makes sense. Before I read these verses I had wondered if there were many wars about what the right way to live and do things. Having scriptures and prophets haven't saved many many people from having wars, but it helps. Our church hasn't had civil wars like they did in biblical times and book of Mormon times.
18 But it came to pass that Mosiah caused that they should be taught in his language. And it came to pass that after they were taught in the language of Mosiah, Zarahemla gave a genealogy of his fathers, according to his memory; and they are written, but not in these plates.
It must have taken a while to get this far. I know what it's like trying to communicate in Spanish, which I know quite a bit. I couldn't give a geneology though and that's after years of training in the language. (and years of barely using it though...)
Written while listening to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (We wish you a Merry Christmas)
11 But he that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved.
12 When you, therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, then you shall stand in the holy place; whoso readeth let him understand.
13 Then let them who are in Judea flee into the mountains;
14 Let him who is on the housetop flee, and not return to take anything out of his house;
This would be really hard. Like Sodom and Gomorrah. I may have been a pillar of salt. That would have been really hard.
15 Neither let him who is in the field return back to take his clothes;
16 And wo unto them that are with child, and unto them that give suck in those days;
Hmm... Didn't I just read these in a different section? I keep doing this lately. Ok, I just looked it up, these were written about the second coming.
17 Therefore, pray ye the Lord that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day;
18 For then, in those days, shall be great tribulation on the Jews, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, such as was not before sent upon Israel, of God, since the beginning of their kingdom until this time; no, nor ever shall be sent again upon Israel.
Worse tribulation than they have already had? Wow, that's going to be something, and not good either. If I lived in Jerusalem I would be praying for those things.
19 All things which have befallen them are only the beginning of the sorrows which shall come upon them.
Yikes. I don't even want to think about how it will be worse. Moving on.
20 And except those days should be shortened, there should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake, according to the covenant, those days shall be shortened.
21 Behold, these things I have spoken unto you concerning the Jews; and again, after the tribulation of those days which shall come upon Jerusalem, if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe him not;
22 For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.
This is kind of scary, but I am so glad we have the church who will guide us. I have much family who is not in the church and I hope they do well in this time. It would be so sad to see them going the wrong direction.
23 Behold, I speak these things unto you for the elect’s sake; and you also shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet.
Be not troubled about war. That's a tough one. I know it means that it's going to happen, and it has to happen and there's nothing I can do about it. But it's sad anyway. And scary for those of us married to the army.
24 Behold, I have told you before;
25 Wherefore, if they shall say unto you: Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not;
26 For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.
So just be patient and not believe people who pretend to be Christ, or actually think they are because we will see him and know he is coming.
Omni 1
13 And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.
14 And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla. Now, there was great rejoicing among the people of Zarahemla; and also Zarahemla did rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord had sent the people of Mosiah with the plates of brass which contained the record of the Jews.
This would be amazing. People came and found them with scriptures.
15 Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon.
16 And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth.
The Lord has lead many people out already and more will be lead out later.
17 And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they had become exceedingly numerous. Nevertheless, they had had many wars and serious contentions, and had fallen by the sword from time to time; and their language had become corrupted; and they had brought no records with them; and they denied the being of their Creator; and Mosiah, nor the people of Mosiah, could understand them.
They had nothing solid guiding them, so this makes sense. Before I read these verses I had wondered if there were many wars about what the right way to live and do things. Having scriptures and prophets haven't saved many many people from having wars, but it helps. Our church hasn't had civil wars like they did in biblical times and book of Mormon times.
18 But it came to pass that Mosiah caused that they should be taught in his language. And it came to pass that after they were taught in the language of Mosiah, Zarahemla gave a genealogy of his fathers, according to his memory; and they are written, but not in these plates.
It must have taken a while to get this far. I know what it's like trying to communicate in Spanish, which I know quite a bit. I couldn't give a geneology though and that's after years of training in the language. (and years of barely using it though...)
Monday, December 22, 2008
D&C 89
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
This verse is awesome. It talks about obeying the word of wisdom. If you do it you will have treasure of knowledge and hidden treasures. This is amazing. I am going to study it more and try harder and see where it goes.
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
Another good thing to be blessed with.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.
I don't know why I never noticed this stuff before. These are very powerful promises.
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
This verse is awesome. It talks about obeying the word of wisdom. If you do it you will have treasure of knowledge and hidden treasures. This is amazing. I am going to study it more and try harder and see where it goes.
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
Another good thing to be blessed with.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.
I don't know why I never noticed this stuff before. These are very powerful promises.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Mormon 6, 4 Nephi 1
This is the third time I have read from Mormon 6. This is extremely interesting to me because there are so many books I have yet to test that I need them.
6 And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni.
7 And it came to pass that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to receive them.
8 And it came to pass that they came to battle against us, and every soul was filled with terror because of the greatness of their numbers.
9 And it came to pass that they did fall upon my people with the sword, and with the bow, and with the arrow, and with the ax, and with all manner of weapons of war.
And this is the point when I wish I could turn off the images in my head. My imagination is too great for this. I guess the good thing is I can truly picture it and understand what they went through.
10 And it came to pass that my men were hewn down, yea, even my ten thousand who were with me, and I fell wounded in the midst; and they passed by me that they did not put an end to my life.
This was a miracle.
11 And when they had gone through and hewn down all my people save it were twenty and four of us, (among whom was my son Moroni) and we having survived the dead of our people, did behold on the morrow, when the Lamanites had returned unto their camps, from the top of the hill Cumorah, the ten thousand of my people who were hewn down, being led in the front by me.
I bet they had tremendous survivor's guilt. How horrible it would be to know that this would be the last struggle of the people and know that you were going to stay and fight it. I'd have a huge urge to run and live somewhere else.
4 Nephi 1
17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.
Que my favorite song...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
18 And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until an *hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land.
19 And it came to pass that Nephi, he that kept this last record, (and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi) died, and his son Amos kept it in his stead; and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi also.
I think we will live through the second coming and have peace like this. There has never been peace like this in my life and I love the thought of it. I wish with all my heart that we could have peace. It's so beautiful and a wonderful thought.
20 And he kept it eighty and four years, and there was still peace in the land, save it were a small part of the people who had revolted from the church and taken upon them the name of Lamanites; therefore there began to be Lamanites again in the land.
Out of my own curiosity I would like to know who became a Lamanite and how it happened. How did they go from peace to not-peace? If the pages of history turn on small hinges, then who was this one person who did it?
6 And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni.
7 And it came to pass that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to receive them.
8 And it came to pass that they came to battle against us, and every soul was filled with terror because of the greatness of their numbers.
9 And it came to pass that they did fall upon my people with the sword, and with the bow, and with the arrow, and with the ax, and with all manner of weapons of war.
And this is the point when I wish I could turn off the images in my head. My imagination is too great for this. I guess the good thing is I can truly picture it and understand what they went through.
10 And it came to pass that my men were hewn down, yea, even my ten thousand who were with me, and I fell wounded in the midst; and they passed by me that they did not put an end to my life.
This was a miracle.
11 And when they had gone through and hewn down all my people save it were twenty and four of us, (among whom was my son Moroni) and we having survived the dead of our people, did behold on the morrow, when the Lamanites had returned unto their camps, from the top of the hill Cumorah, the ten thousand of my people who were hewn down, being led in the front by me.
I bet they had tremendous survivor's guilt. How horrible it would be to know that this would be the last struggle of the people and know that you were going to stay and fight it. I'd have a huge urge to run and live somewhere else.
4 Nephi 1
17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.
Que my favorite song...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
18 And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until an *hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land.
19 And it came to pass that Nephi, he that kept this last record, (and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi) died, and his son Amos kept it in his stead; and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi also.
I think we will live through the second coming and have peace like this. There has never been peace like this in my life and I love the thought of it. I wish with all my heart that we could have peace. It's so beautiful and a wonderful thought.
20 And he kept it eighty and four years, and there was still peace in the land, save it were a small part of the people who had revolted from the church and taken upon them the name of Lamanites; therefore there began to be Lamanites again in the land.
Out of my own curiosity I would like to know who became a Lamanite and how it happened. How did they go from peace to not-peace? If the pages of history turn on small hinges, then who was this one person who did it?
Friday, December 19, 2008
Philemon 1, Mormon 6
10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a abrother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
The heading said that the gospel changes a servant into a brother. I'm reading these verses and I feel like there is more to them, but I'm just not there yet.
Mormon 6
2 And I, Mormon, wrote an epistle unto the king of the Lamanites, and desired of him that he would grant unto us that we might gather together our people unto the land of Cumorah, by a hill which was called Cumorah, and there we could give them battle.
3 And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites did grant unto me the thing which I desired.
I like verse 3.
4 And it came to pass that we did march forth to the land of Cumorah, and we did pitch our tents round about the hill Cumorah; and it was in a land of many waters, rivers, and fountains; and here we had hope to gain advantage over the Lamanites.
5 And when three hundred and eighty and four years had passed away, we had gathered in all the remainder of our people unto the land of Cumorah.
6 And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni.
7 And it came to pass that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to receive them.
This is like a sick twisted story. I can see that last verse happening, like a movie screen in my head. It's horrid. I can imagine myself holding our kids and just knowing what was about to happen. How dreadful.
11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a abrother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
The heading said that the gospel changes a servant into a brother. I'm reading these verses and I feel like there is more to them, but I'm just not there yet.
Mormon 6
2 And I, Mormon, wrote an epistle unto the king of the Lamanites, and desired of him that he would grant unto us that we might gather together our people unto the land of Cumorah, by a hill which was called Cumorah, and there we could give them battle.
3 And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites did grant unto me the thing which I desired.
I like verse 3.
4 And it came to pass that we did march forth to the land of Cumorah, and we did pitch our tents round about the hill Cumorah; and it was in a land of many waters, rivers, and fountains; and here we had hope to gain advantage over the Lamanites.
5 And when three hundred and eighty and four years had passed away, we had gathered in all the remainder of our people unto the land of Cumorah.
6 And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni.
7 And it came to pass that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to receive them.
This is like a sick twisted story. I can see that last verse happening, like a movie screen in my head. It's horrid. I can imagine myself holding our kids and just knowing what was about to happen. How dreadful.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Mark 13, James 2
16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Bummer for them. It's weird to read this because getting pregnant and being pregnant aren't exactly things we can control. Birth Control is only as accurate as God lets it be, vasectomies aren't even fool-proof.
18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
This can all apply to the hand-cart companies. It was bad to be pregnant, and those that traveled in winter had it severely rough.
20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
When you apply this to the hand-cart companies, this is very powerful. God really did save many people from the ones that went through in winter.
James 2
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
This was one of the hardest things for me to understand. I always saw that works were good, and it was hard for me to understand that you need them.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Sounds almost mocking to me... But it makes sense. I always believed in God, but I did evil things. That's why I don't count it as being Christian when I just believed in God. When I started "living it" is when I think it counts.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Bummer for them. It's weird to read this because getting pregnant and being pregnant aren't exactly things we can control. Birth Control is only as accurate as God lets it be, vasectomies aren't even fool-proof.
18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
This can all apply to the hand-cart companies. It was bad to be pregnant, and those that traveled in winter had it severely rough.
20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
When you apply this to the hand-cart companies, this is very powerful. God really did save many people from the ones that went through in winter.
James 2
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
This was one of the hardest things for me to understand. I always saw that works were good, and it was hard for me to understand that you need them.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Sounds almost mocking to me... But it makes sense. I always believed in God, but I did evil things. That's why I don't count it as being Christian when I just believed in God. When I started "living it" is when I think it counts.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Monday, December 15, 2008
D&C 59, 4 Nephi
13 And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full.
14 Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.
Fasting=Rejoicing. Interesting. I need to remember that.
15 And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance
Some of my fasts aren't very cheerful. Better work on that.
4 Nephi
26 And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ.
27 And it came to pass that when *two hundred and ten years had passed away there were many churches in the land; yea, there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner of wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been forbidden because of unworthiness.
Sounds like the days of Joseph Smith. And today.
28 And this church did multiply exceedingly because of iniquity, and because of the power of Satan who did get hold upon their hearts.
29 And again, there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them because of the many miracles which were wrought among them.
I wonder if they thought they were right and that's why they were so mad.
30 Therefore they did exercise power and authority over the disciples of Jesus who did tarry with them, and they did cast them into prison; but by the power of the word of God, which was in them, the prisons were rent in twain, and they went forth doing mighty miracles among them.
I wonder what tarry means. Does it mean they hung out with the bad guys, or just didn't move away.
31 Nevertheless, and notwithstanding all these miracles, the people did harden their hearts, and did seek to kill them, even as the Jews at Jerusalem sought to kill Jesus, according to his word.
Now that's as evil as it gets.
14 Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.
Fasting=Rejoicing. Interesting. I need to remember that.
15 And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance
Some of my fasts aren't very cheerful. Better work on that.
4 Nephi
26 And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ.
27 And it came to pass that when *two hundred and ten years had passed away there were many churches in the land; yea, there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner of wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been forbidden because of unworthiness.
Sounds like the days of Joseph Smith. And today.
28 And this church did multiply exceedingly because of iniquity, and because of the power of Satan who did get hold upon their hearts.
29 And again, there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them because of the many miracles which were wrought among them.
I wonder if they thought they were right and that's why they were so mad.
30 Therefore they did exercise power and authority over the disciples of Jesus who did tarry with them, and they did cast them into prison; but by the power of the word of God, which was in them, the prisons were rent in twain, and they went forth doing mighty miracles among them.
I wonder what tarry means. Does it mean they hung out with the bad guys, or just didn't move away.
31 Nevertheless, and notwithstanding all these miracles, the people did harden their hearts, and did seek to kill them, even as the Jews at Jerusalem sought to kill Jesus, according to his word.
Now that's as evil as it gets.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Joseph Smith History, D&C 74
16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
When I was 19 I was visited by at least two evil evil spirits that I could see, I'm sure there were more I couldn't see. And I had a similar experience with my tongue bound, I was pressed down and couldn't move and I was scared out of my mind. I really did have to exert all my powers to call upon God, it was not an easy thing when I couldn't talk, and every time I would try to pray in my head the thought was whisked away. This shared experience between Joseph Smith and myself was a huge part in my joining the church. Finally, I was understood and I wasn't the weirdo that this happened to. It was a very good thing for me to read this.
17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
After such a hard experience I am so glad it was immediate and not wait five or 10 minutes, that would seem like an eternity.
D&C 74
3 And it came to pass that there arose a great contention among the people concerning the law of circumcision, for the unbelieving husband was desirous that his children should be circumcised and become subject to the claw of Moses, which law was fulfilled.
Oh my this is a battle that rages on still. I absolutely cannot stand circumcision and I have a million reasons that are so just IN me that I cannot be crossed on this unless the person wants me to just whither them. I don't think this is the right place to write about it, and I think that's the challenge for me to not write about all my opinions on this... One quick note is Chris and I don't argue about this, but I do with other people fairly often..
4 And it came to pass that the children, being brought up in subjection to the law of Moses, gave heed to the traditions of their fathers and believed not the gospel of Christ, wherein they became unholy.
Yet another reason not to do it, haha. I don't think this holds true today, and it's a good thing!
When I was 19 I was visited by at least two evil evil spirits that I could see, I'm sure there were more I couldn't see. And I had a similar experience with my tongue bound, I was pressed down and couldn't move and I was scared out of my mind. I really did have to exert all my powers to call upon God, it was not an easy thing when I couldn't talk, and every time I would try to pray in my head the thought was whisked away. This shared experience between Joseph Smith and myself was a huge part in my joining the church. Finally, I was understood and I wasn't the weirdo that this happened to. It was a very good thing for me to read this.
17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
After such a hard experience I am so glad it was immediate and not wait five or 10 minutes, that would seem like an eternity.
D&C 74
3 And it came to pass that there arose a great contention among the people concerning the law of circumcision, for the unbelieving husband was desirous that his children should be circumcised and become subject to the claw of Moses, which law was fulfilled.
Oh my this is a battle that rages on still. I absolutely cannot stand circumcision and I have a million reasons that are so just IN me that I cannot be crossed on this unless the person wants me to just whither them. I don't think this is the right place to write about it, and I think that's the challenge for me to not write about all my opinions on this... One quick note is Chris and I don't argue about this, but I do with other people fairly often..
4 And it came to pass that the children, being brought up in subjection to the law of Moses, gave heed to the traditions of their fathers and believed not the gospel of Christ, wherein they became unholy.
Yet another reason not to do it, haha. I don't think this holds true today, and it's a good thing!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Moroni 9, D&C 134
Before I start I want to say that we are in the middle of our big move and internet access might be really limited for a while. I want to post daily and I even have a couple of these saved for later posting. Be prepared in the near future to be back logged with these to read if you want to later.
The right mouse button doesn't work so I can't copy and paste...
I read Moroni 9:16-17 about wicked Lamanites and widows dying. And I didn't have much to day about it until I read in D&C 134:2-3. This one said We believe no government can exist in peace without laws...and about the need for law enforcement. And it just makes sense that that the first people didn't have that.
And now, as this is a class day and I am tired I will leave you with a promise to do better when I get back to real life ;)
The right mouse button doesn't work so I can't copy and paste...
I read Moroni 9:16-17 about wicked Lamanites and widows dying. And I didn't have much to day about it until I read in D&C 134:2-3. This one said We believe no government can exist in peace without laws...and about the need for law enforcement. And it just makes sense that that the first people didn't have that.
And now, as this is a class day and I am tired I will leave you with a promise to do better when I get back to real life ;)
Monday, December 8, 2008
James 4, Luke 23
12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
This one hits home for me right now for several reasons. Knowing about our impending move (today...) Chris and I have been arguing more. We always do just before making a big change because of all the extra pressures to get things done and just the going out into the unknown. But what for? It's never good and if there wasn't a tomorrow, we would regret wasting our time fighting.
Also, I had a terrible terrible dream about our kids being abducted and killed. This happens to me from time to time. And I thought that if our kids were to die in one way or another, I would have to accept that it was for a purpose and it was the Lord's plan for them. I would also have to get past it and not let it destroy our marriage. These thoughts did not come easily as this is the single most horrible thing that I can imagine happening. I also realized that I would regret so much not playing with them more or just being with them more. So I am going to try better in that aspect. Because you just don't know what tomorrow brings.
Luke 23
27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
It sounds really terrible to live in a day where it would be better if you had not had children. Environmentally that's starting to happen. Our kids aren't inheriting solutions, not yet anyway. .
30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
It's still not as bad as he's saying though, most people don't want a mountain to fall on them
31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
This is kind of sickening. I would never want to watch someone be put to death. People used to (and still do) come out for hangings, that's something I would never ever want to witness. I don't know why people want to submit themselves to something so horrible.
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
This one hits home for me right now for several reasons. Knowing about our impending move (today...) Chris and I have been arguing more. We always do just before making a big change because of all the extra pressures to get things done and just the going out into the unknown. But what for? It's never good and if there wasn't a tomorrow, we would regret wasting our time fighting.
Also, I had a terrible terrible dream about our kids being abducted and killed. This happens to me from time to time. And I thought that if our kids were to die in one way or another, I would have to accept that it was for a purpose and it was the Lord's plan for them. I would also have to get past it and not let it destroy our marriage. These thoughts did not come easily as this is the single most horrible thing that I can imagine happening. I also realized that I would regret so much not playing with them more or just being with them more. So I am going to try better in that aspect. Because you just don't know what tomorrow brings.
Luke 23
27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
It sounds really terrible to live in a day where it would be better if you had not had children. Environmentally that's starting to happen. Our kids aren't inheriting solutions, not yet anyway. .
30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
It's still not as bad as he's saying though, most people don't want a mountain to fall on them
31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
This is kind of sickening. I would never want to watch someone be put to death. People used to (and still do) come out for hangings, that's something I would never ever want to witness. I don't know why people want to submit themselves to something so horrible.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
D&C 4
I read these verses with the historical significance in mind, and then read them again thinking about if they had been said today. It's an interesting difference.
1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
If you have desires to serve God you will be called. I like that.
4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
The qualified don't get called, but the called get qualified. And right here is how they are qualified.
6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
Knock can mean so many things. Pray, scriptures, blessings, attending the temple, going to church, following inspiration...
1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
If you have desires to serve God you will be called. I like that.
4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
The qualified don't get called, but the called get qualified. And right here is how they are qualified.
6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
Knock can mean so many things. Pray, scriptures, blessings, attending the temple, going to church, following inspiration...
Saturday, December 6, 2008
D&C 99, Malachi 4
4 And whoso rejecteth you shall be rejected of my Father and his house; and you shall cleanse your feet in the secret places by the way for a testimony against them.
5 And behold, and lo, I come quickly to judgment, to convince all of their ungodly deeds which they have committed against me, as it is written of me in the volume of the book.
6 And now, verily I say unto you, that it is not expedient that you should go until your children are provided for, and sent up kindly unto the bishop of Zion.
7 And after a few years, if thou desirest of me, thou mayest go up also unto the goodly land, to possess thine inheritance.
Hmm.. I actually have nothing to say about this..
Malachi 4
1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
This would be horrifying to see. Makes me think of the Holocaust.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Son of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
I have been pulling up scriptures about wicked people lately, or what will happen to them. These must be verses Chris needs because he has been dealing with wicked people the whole time in Missouri.
4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
5 And behold, and lo, I come quickly to judgment, to convince all of their ungodly deeds which they have committed against me, as it is written of me in the volume of the book.
6 And now, verily I say unto you, that it is not expedient that you should go until your children are provided for, and sent up kindly unto the bishop of Zion.
7 And after a few years, if thou desirest of me, thou mayest go up also unto the goodly land, to possess thine inheritance.
Hmm.. I actually have nothing to say about this..
Malachi 4
1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
This would be horrifying to see. Makes me think of the Holocaust.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Son of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
I have been pulling up scriptures about wicked people lately, or what will happen to them. These must be verses Chris needs because he has been dealing with wicked people the whole time in Missouri.
4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Lamentations 5, D&C 114
14 The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their musick.
15 The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning.
16 The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!
17 For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim.
18 Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.
This sounds very sad and very poetic, it's melodic. But also, they are being very humble and they recognize their sin, so that's the stepping stone right there.
D&C 114
1 Verily thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto all the world.
2 For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those among you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead and receive their bishopric. Amen.
What an exciting and scary calling to get. It would be fun to sell all your stuff and go on a mission in these days, back then it was a little scarier.
15 The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning.
16 The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!
17 For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim.
18 Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.
This sounds very sad and very poetic, it's melodic. But also, they are being very humble and they recognize their sin, so that's the stepping stone right there.
D&C 114
1 Verily thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto all the world.
2 For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those among you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead and receive their bishopric. Amen.
What an exciting and scary calling to get. It would be fun to sell all your stuff and go on a mission in these days, back then it was a little scarier.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
1 Timothy 5, Hebrews 12
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
The first part is easy enough. It's the second part that we need to watch out for. It's a lot easier to be swayed into doing something bad by a friend or a group of people. An example I can think of is using foul language, especially in the military. Soldiers swear a lot, and it's one of the few jobs where you can swear at work and it's usually fine. It's really easy for a person to start swearing even though it's not good.
23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
This doesn't apply to us right now. Maybe if there was a huge world calamity and there was no drinkable water the rules would change. That's what it was back in the day, the water wasn't safe to drink.
Hebrews 12
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Well, now there's a reason to not lay hands on any man!
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
20 For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart
This sounds quite severe, but then, the greatest commandment is to love one another. It's not as easy as it sounds.
The first part is easy enough. It's the second part that we need to watch out for. It's a lot easier to be swayed into doing something bad by a friend or a group of people. An example I can think of is using foul language, especially in the military. Soldiers swear a lot, and it's one of the few jobs where you can swear at work and it's usually fine. It's really easy for a person to start swearing even though it's not good.
23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
This doesn't apply to us right now. Maybe if there was a huge world calamity and there was no drinkable water the rules would change. That's what it was back in the day, the water wasn't safe to drink.
Hebrews 12
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Well, now there's a reason to not lay hands on any man!
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
20 For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart
This sounds quite severe, but then, the greatest commandment is to love one another. It's not as easy as it sounds.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
D&C 28, 78
13 For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.
14 And thou shalt assist to settle all these things, according to the covenants of the church, before thou shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites.
15 And it shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go, until the time thou shalt return, what thou shalt do.
16 And thou must open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing. Amen.
This is why we all sustain people.
D&C 78
17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
This is a nice thing to read.
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
This is like driving in the fog at night, your lights light up a few feet in front of you, but that's all you need to get where you're going. The Lord will lead us along if you "let go and let God." That is such a hard concept to grasp and live. But when you do you can have so much peace. I'm not there yet but trying.
19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
Be thankful for ALL things including hardship. That is so hard to do.
14 And thou shalt assist to settle all these things, according to the covenants of the church, before thou shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites.
15 And it shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go, until the time thou shalt return, what thou shalt do.
16 And thou must open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing. Amen.
This is why we all sustain people.
D&C 78
17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
This is a nice thing to read.
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
This is like driving in the fog at night, your lights light up a few feet in front of you, but that's all you need to get where you're going. The Lord will lead us along if you "let go and let God." That is such a hard concept to grasp and live. But when you do you can have so much peace. I'm not there yet but trying.
19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
Be thankful for ALL things including hardship. That is so hard to do.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Book of Moses, Jarom 1
37 But behold, their sins shall be upon the heads of their fathers; Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, even all the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?
How sad would it be to have been such a terrible parent that you are blamed for the sins of your children.
38 But behold, these which thine eyes are upon shall perish in the floods; and behold, I will shut them up; a prison have I prepared for them.
This is depressing. Imagine having children so wicked that the only thing left to do is kill them. This is horrible to think about.
39 And That which I have chosen hath pled before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins; inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my Chosen shall return unto me, and until that day they shall be in torment;
40 Wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep, yea, and all the workmanship of mine hands.
Jarom 1
11 Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them.
12 And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance.
13 And it came to pass that two hundred and thirty and eight years had passed away—after the manner of wars, and contentions, and dissensions, for the space of much of the time.
These verses show me what went wrong in the first set of verses. This is what those people were lacking, at least in part. After reading the first verses, then reading these ones, I feel very peaceful. They could have changed and been like the second set of people.
How sad would it be to have been such a terrible parent that you are blamed for the sins of your children.
38 But behold, these which thine eyes are upon shall perish in the floods; and behold, I will shut them up; a prison have I prepared for them.
This is depressing. Imagine having children so wicked that the only thing left to do is kill them. This is horrible to think about.
39 And That which I have chosen hath pled before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins; inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my Chosen shall return unto me, and until that day they shall be in torment;
40 Wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep, yea, and all the workmanship of mine hands.
Jarom 1
11 Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them.
12 And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance.
13 And it came to pass that two hundred and thirty and eight years had passed away—after the manner of wars, and contentions, and dissensions, for the space of much of the time.
These verses show me what went wrong in the first set of verses. This is what those people were lacking, at least in part. After reading the first verses, then reading these ones, I feel very peaceful. They could have changed and been like the second set of people.
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