Hey all -
Things have gotten pretty crazy this last week, between personal matters, homework and exams, and some extracurricular stuff I'm involved in. I won't be posting anything this week, but Sam still might. Actually, it will probably be a few weeks until I can devote the time to this blog again like I want, but hopefully it won't be much longer than just a couple of weeks to a month.
If you're looking for something to satiate your Mormon blog appetite, I recommend the Millennial Star blog, found at millennialstar.org. Good stuff, and thought-provoking.
Cheers,
Trevor
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
Book of Mormon Stories: Nephi Gets the Brass Plates
Le'ts start off this post with a video! Book of Mormon Stories that my teacher tells to me, Bum Bum Bum..... sing along! Recall some of the great Book of Mormon stories! Bum bum bum....
Chapter 4 gives us an awesome story. Nephi keeps God's commandment to retrieve the brass plates. There is a TON we can learn from this chapter.
1. Be faithful; God is mightier than all the earth. (1 Nephi 4:1). Nephi reminds his brothers to be faithful in keeping the commandants because God is mightier than their foe, Laban.
2. Be strong, and look to the greats. (1 Nephi 4:2) Nephi is giving another pep talk and he reminds his brother of Moses. We to can remember the greatest and strive to be like them.
3. "Wherefore can ye doubt?" Nephi asks his brothers. They have the scriptures, their father is a prophet, they've seen an angel. They know that God can and will provide a way if they keep the commandments, so wherefore can we doubt?
4. OK, now we are really getting into the story. Nephi takes off on his own. He convinced his brothers to stay right outside the wall of Jerusalem. Nephi went into the city and was "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." (1 Nephi 4:6) Sometimes we are like Nephi, the spirit prompts us to do something, and we don't quite know what it is, but we go with it. The spirit knows, if we follow, everything will work out how it's suppose to.
Now, Nephi is led to the house of Laban. as he approaches, he sees Laban on the ground, drunk. Nephi takes a moment to admire his beautiful sword. "the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of the most precious steel". Next, he is prompted to kill Laban!
Nephi, in his heart, desires not to kill him. He had never killed a man before. "I shrunk and would that I might not slay him." (1 Nephi 4:10). Twice more the spirit tells him to slay Laban. The spirit whispered to Nephi " Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands; Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief." (1 Nephi 4: 12-13) That's pretty intense.
I think it's interesting that in vs 14-17, Nephi is reasoning it out in his heart. He remembers the commandments God has given him. He needs the brass plates so Nephi's posterity could keep a record of their language and have the gospel. He thought in his heart that his posterity can't keep the commandments if they didn't have them. He knew the commandments were on the brass plates. In Vs 18, he obeyed the spirit of the Lord and kills Laban.
Some people are unsettled about Nephi kills Laban. Please go and read this article. It's an excellent article that explains why Nephi's execution of Laban was honorable and just before the eyes of God. Yes, God have the commandment that "Thou shalt not kill." But her reasoning is interesting, and I agree. It'll only take you a moment and it'll change your whole view on the slaying of Laban.
5. The Law is engraven in our scriptures. (1 Nephi 4:16) Just as Nephi needed the brass plates, we need the scriptures in our day. The law and gospel is contained in it. For Nephi's time, it's better than a man die, (Laban), than an entire nation dwindle in unbelief (Nephi's posterity).
The story doesn't end there. After Laban's death, Nephi dresses in Labans clothes and heads to Laban's treasury to get the plates. He meets Zoram there. Zoram thinks that Nephi is Laban. Nephi's voice was disguised to sound like Laban, and remember that Nephi is large in stature. Zoram gives him the plates and follows him to the outer wall of Jerusalem.
Nephi meets his brothers there, who think he's Laban and begin to run, but Nephi calls out to them. Then, Zoram realizes his mistake and begins to flee, but Nephi "having received much strength of the Lord" was able to stop Zoram from leaving. Nephi promised to spare his life and that he would be a free man if he went with them. Zoram agreed and that was that. An oath back then was solid. No one dared to brake an oath. After Nephi and Zoram exchanged oaths, they went back to Lehi and Sariah in the wilderness.
The great stories don't end there! Read the Book of Mormon slow and thoughtfully to catch all the important good stuff! :)
- SamiMae
Chapter 4 gives us an awesome story. Nephi keeps God's commandment to retrieve the brass plates. There is a TON we can learn from this chapter.
1. Be faithful; God is mightier than all the earth. (1 Nephi 4:1). Nephi reminds his brothers to be faithful in keeping the commandants because God is mightier than their foe, Laban.
2. Be strong, and look to the greats. (1 Nephi 4:2) Nephi is giving another pep talk and he reminds his brother of Moses. We to can remember the greatest and strive to be like them.
3. "Wherefore can ye doubt?" Nephi asks his brothers. They have the scriptures, their father is a prophet, they've seen an angel. They know that God can and will provide a way if they keep the commandments, so wherefore can we doubt?
4. OK, now we are really getting into the story. Nephi takes off on his own. He convinced his brothers to stay right outside the wall of Jerusalem. Nephi went into the city and was "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." (1 Nephi 4:6) Sometimes we are like Nephi, the spirit prompts us to do something, and we don't quite know what it is, but we go with it. The spirit knows, if we follow, everything will work out how it's suppose to.
Now, Nephi is led to the house of Laban. as he approaches, he sees Laban on the ground, drunk. Nephi takes a moment to admire his beautiful sword. "the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of the most precious steel". Next, he is prompted to kill Laban!
Nephi, in his heart, desires not to kill him. He had never killed a man before. "I shrunk and would that I might not slay him." (1 Nephi 4:10). Twice more the spirit tells him to slay Laban. The spirit whispered to Nephi " Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands; Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief." (1 Nephi 4: 12-13) That's pretty intense.I think it's interesting that in vs 14-17, Nephi is reasoning it out in his heart. He remembers the commandments God has given him. He needs the brass plates so Nephi's posterity could keep a record of their language and have the gospel. He thought in his heart that his posterity can't keep the commandments if they didn't have them. He knew the commandments were on the brass plates. In Vs 18, he obeyed the spirit of the Lord and kills Laban.
Some people are unsettled about Nephi kills Laban. Please go and read this article. It's an excellent article that explains why Nephi's execution of Laban was honorable and just before the eyes of God. Yes, God have the commandment that "Thou shalt not kill." But her reasoning is interesting, and I agree. It'll only take you a moment and it'll change your whole view on the slaying of Laban.
5. The Law is engraven in our scriptures. (1 Nephi 4:16) Just as Nephi needed the brass plates, we need the scriptures in our day. The law and gospel is contained in it. For Nephi's time, it's better than a man die, (Laban), than an entire nation dwindle in unbelief (Nephi's posterity).
The story doesn't end there. After Laban's death, Nephi dresses in Labans clothes and heads to Laban's treasury to get the plates. He meets Zoram there. Zoram thinks that Nephi is Laban. Nephi's voice was disguised to sound like Laban, and remember that Nephi is large in stature. Zoram gives him the plates and follows him to the outer wall of Jerusalem.Nephi meets his brothers there, who think he's Laban and begin to run, but Nephi calls out to them. Then, Zoram realizes his mistake and begins to flee, but Nephi "having received much strength of the Lord" was able to stop Zoram from leaving. Nephi promised to spare his life and that he would be a free man if he went with them. Zoram agreed and that was that. An oath back then was solid. No one dared to brake an oath. After Nephi and Zoram exchanged oaths, they went back to Lehi and Sariah in the wilderness.
The great stories don't end there! Read the Book of Mormon slow and thoughtfully to catch all the important good stuff! :)
- SamiMae
You Can Do It - 1 Nephi 3
This is a great chapter! We learn some important doctrine here. When the Lord commands, do it. It's that simple. Sometimes easier said then done. Let's dig in.
1. Don't murmur. It's that simple. You'll be better off for it. (1 Nephi 3:6)
2. This is a GREAT verse, it's actually a scripture mastery.
Just Do it. Here we learn that the Lord will not issue a commandment to us that we can't keep. In fact,
he'll provide a way for us to keep his commandments. For example, with tithing, if you pay an honest tithe, God will provide a way for things to work out. It can usually be a surprise, but if you keep that law, blessings based on that law will follow. It's the same with all of God's commandments. If we strive to keep them, He'll provide a way for us to keep them.
This is such an important concept, that we even have a song about it! It's called Nephi's courage. LDS kids grow up singing this song. :)
6. God protects his chosen. (1 Nephi 3:29). Here, Laman and Lemuel are angry at Nephi. I think maybe part of their anger was because they were scared and just came out of a high-stress situation. Laban and his men were chasing after Laman, Lemual, Sam and Nephi to kill them. I think afterwards it'd be a little stressed and high strung too. But, Laman and Lemual take it to far. They find a rod and start hitting Nephi! They are so intense and focus on hitting him, that God sends an angel to break up their fight! (I can't imagine what Sam must have been thinking.) The angel was pretty bold with them. Nevertheless, Nephi is saved by an angel.
1. Don't murmur. It's that simple. You'll be better off for it. (1 Nephi 3:6)
2. This is a GREAT verse, it's actually a scripture mastery.
"...I Nephi said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7)
Just Do it. Here we learn that the Lord will not issue a commandment to us that we can't keep. In fact,
he'll provide a way for us to keep his commandments. For example, with tithing, if you pay an honest tithe, God will provide a way for things to work out. It can usually be a surprise, but if you keep that law, blessings based on that law will follow. It's the same with all of God's commandments. If we strive to keep them, He'll provide a way for us to keep them.
This is such an important concept, that we even have a song about it! It's called Nephi's courage. LDS kids grow up singing this song. :)
3. Encourage others to keep the commandments. (1 Nephi 3:16) Here Nephi is encouraging his brothers to keep the commandments.
4. God has wisdom in his commandments. (1 Nephi 3:19). God isn't going to issue a commandment that's unwise. He is perfect and wants us to become like him. So, his commandments are perfect and there is wisdom in them.
5. Pep talks never hurt the discouraged. (1 Nephi 3:21) Nephi spends some time giving his brothers a pep talk and encouragement, eventually they agree to try again in getting the brass plates.
6. God protects his chosen. (1 Nephi 3:29). Here, Laman and Lemuel are angry at Nephi. I think maybe part of their anger was because they were scared and just came out of a high-stress situation. Laban and his men were chasing after Laman, Lemual, Sam and Nephi to kill them. I think afterwards it'd be a little stressed and high strung too. But, Laman and Lemual take it to far. They find a rod and start hitting Nephi! They are so intense and focus on hitting him, that God sends an angel to break up their fight! (I can't imagine what Sam must have been thinking.) The angel was pretty bold with them. Nevertheless, Nephi is saved by an angel.
7. Visions, signs and angels don't change a person or gives someone faith. (1 Nephi 3:31) So, let's think about this. Laman and Lemuel were hitting Nephi, an angel comes and stops them while criticizing them at the same time. Then, after the angel leaves, Laman and Lemual murmur. Faith has to be present before a vision or a sign or it won't change a person. It won't matter. After the angel visits, Laman and Lemuel still doubt.
These are just a few of the many lessons we can learn from 1 Nephi 3. Great lessons. Let us be faithful in keeping God's commandments. Just remember "YOU CAN DO IT!" :)
- SamiMae
Lessons I learned from 1 Nephi Ch 2
Continuing my previous post, I now look at chapter 2. There is some truly great stuff in this chapter. It's just full of things we can learn and apply to our lives.
In this chapter we learn quite a bit about Lehi and the kind of man he was. He was faithful (1 Nephi 2:1) and obedient unto the word of the Lord (1 Nephi 2:2). Lehi "built an alter of stones and made an offering unto the lord and gave thanks unto the Lord our God." (1 Nephi 2:7) At this point, Lehi had taken his family into the wilderness, they had left all their belongings in Jerusalem and left the land they loved, because the Lord commanded them. I'm sure this wasn't easy for them. But, Lehi didn't murmur. Instead he built an alter, gave an offering and thanks unto God. How remarkable! I'd like to think that if I was in that situation I wouldn't be belly-aching over my circumstances.
What can we learn from Lehi? Be faithful, be obedient, and give thanks to God in your trials.
Other lessons in Ch 2:
1. Let us be "firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!" (1 Nephi 2:10)
2. Don't murmur when you don't know the dealings of God. (1 Nephi 2:12). Sometimes, we just don't know, and that's ok. Let us have faith in God and his timing. God is all powerful, and quite frankly, he's in charge. Just go with it.
3. You are never to young to desire to know the mysteries of God. (1 Nephi 2:16). Nephi was young, but desired to know the mysteries of God, so he went and asked! We can also learn that, if you have a question, take it to God. You might just get more than you'd expect. In my life I've learned that God wants us to come to him, he wants us to talk to him.
I learned this again a few weeks back. I was struggling with something, and one Sunday night, I felt prompted to ask Trevor for a blessing. I was unsure and hesitant about asking. I didn't think my problem was big enough to ask for a blessing. I always kind of had the idea that if I wasn't on my death bed sick, then it's not big enough. But, I listened to the spirit, and asked for one. Trevor willingly gave me a blessing, it was beautiful and exactly what I needed. In the blessing, I was reminded that nothing is to small to take to God. If it's important to us, it's important to him.
4. Pray for those who wander or stray. (1 Nephi 2:18). Here, Nephi is praying for his older brothers, who have strayed from God. Nephi "being grieved...cried unto the Lord for them". Them, meaning his brothers. In the never verse God gives him comfort. God is always there for us.
5. God blesses the faithful and those who seek him diligently. (1 Nephi 2:19)
6. Keep Commandments = Prosperity. (1 Nephi 2:20).
7. Rebel = cut off from the presence of the Lord, cursed. (1 Nephi 2:21, 23)
Pretty straight forward. I think there are some real admirable traits that Nephi and Lehi show. These were great men. I admire them and look up to them. I enjoy reading about them in the Book of Mormon. Lehi was wise and obedient. Nephi was righteous and desirous to know more of God. They both had such big hearts. Lehi worries he is often teaching them and he even names a river and valley after them. Nephi prays for them, he cried unto the Lord for them. These are both admirable men. We can apply the scriptures to us, by striving to become more like them and learn from their examples.
- SamiMae
In this chapter we learn quite a bit about Lehi and the kind of man he was. He was faithful (1 Nephi 2:1) and obedient unto the word of the Lord (1 Nephi 2:2). Lehi "built an alter of stones and made an offering unto the lord and gave thanks unto the Lord our God." (1 Nephi 2:7) At this point, Lehi had taken his family into the wilderness, they had left all their belongings in Jerusalem and left the land they loved, because the Lord commanded them. I'm sure this wasn't easy for them. But, Lehi didn't murmur. Instead he built an alter, gave an offering and thanks unto God. How remarkable! I'd like to think that if I was in that situation I wouldn't be belly-aching over my circumstances.
What can we learn from Lehi? Be faithful, be obedient, and give thanks to God in your trials.
Other lessons in Ch 2:
1. Let us be "firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!" (1 Nephi 2:10)
2. Don't murmur when you don't know the dealings of God. (1 Nephi 2:12). Sometimes, we just don't know, and that's ok. Let us have faith in God and his timing. God is all powerful, and quite frankly, he's in charge. Just go with it.
3. You are never to young to desire to know the mysteries of God. (1 Nephi 2:16). Nephi was young, but desired to know the mysteries of God, so he went and asked! We can also learn that, if you have a question, take it to God. You might just get more than you'd expect. In my life I've learned that God wants us to come to him, he wants us to talk to him.
I learned this again a few weeks back. I was struggling with something, and one Sunday night, I felt prompted to ask Trevor for a blessing. I was unsure and hesitant about asking. I didn't think my problem was big enough to ask for a blessing. I always kind of had the idea that if I wasn't on my death bed sick, then it's not big enough. But, I listened to the spirit, and asked for one. Trevor willingly gave me a blessing, it was beautiful and exactly what I needed. In the blessing, I was reminded that nothing is to small to take to God. If it's important to us, it's important to him.
4. Pray for those who wander or stray. (1 Nephi 2:18). Here, Nephi is praying for his older brothers, who have strayed from God. Nephi "being grieved...cried unto the Lord for them". Them, meaning his brothers. In the never verse God gives him comfort. God is always there for us.
5. God blesses the faithful and those who seek him diligently. (1 Nephi 2:19)
6. Keep Commandments = Prosperity. (1 Nephi 2:20).
7. Rebel = cut off from the presence of the Lord, cursed. (1 Nephi 2:21, 23)
Pretty straight forward. I think there are some real admirable traits that Nephi and Lehi show. These were great men. I admire them and look up to them. I enjoy reading about them in the Book of Mormon. Lehi was wise and obedient. Nephi was righteous and desirous to know more of God. They both had such big hearts. Lehi worries he is often teaching them and he even names a river and valley after them. Nephi prays for them, he cried unto the Lord for them. These are both admirable men. We can apply the scriptures to us, by striving to become more like them and learn from their examples.
- SamiMae
Lessons I learned from 1 Nephi 1
So, I've been studying the New Testament. I've made it pretty far into Acts, which is as far as I've made it. I'm pretty proud of myself. But, I can't quite figure it out. I find, for me, that I can feel the spirit stronger in the Book of Mormon. For me, the Book of Mormon is more personal. (And, easier to read. lol)
I'm still going to continue reading the New Testament, but I've also begun reading the Book of Mormon again. It's been a while since I've read it. I've come up with my own scripture coding that's working pretty great so far.
Red - Jesus Christ/ God
Green - Knowledge/ Testimony
Purple - Be/Do (My list of things to become or do. Self-improvement)
Blue - Warnings/ Commandments
Yellow - Story information
So far, here is what I've learned.
1. The record of Nephi is true. He testifies of it. (1 Nephi 1:2)
2. Lehi has a vision. In his vision he sees "God sitting upon his throne, surrounded by numberless concourses of angles in the attitude of singing and praising their God". (1 Nephi 1:8) Wouldn't that be a sight to see!
3. "He saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day." Lehi saw Christ! (1 Nephi 1:9)
4. We can sing and praise God, just like the angels did.
5. "He also saw twelve others following him". Lehi saw the 12 disciples as well. (1 Nephi 1:10). Isn't this a great start to the Book of Mormon? We get to see and learn about a Prophet's vision of the Heavens. He saw God, Christ and the 12 disciples in the very first chapter!
6. In the vision, he was given a book to read. In it he read some pretty intense things. He saw the destruction of Jerusalem and the people that dwelt there. He saw them perish by the sward and being carried away into Babylon. (1 Nephi 1:11-14) He saw many "great and marvelous things", as Nephi put it. Afterwards Lehi exclaims
Wow. Remember, we are in the first chapter, there is no fluffy introduction, we just dive deep into great stuff. This is a Prophet, a righteous man of God. We learn some interesting things here. God's throne is high in the heavens. Lehi saw that in his vision. He also saw of God's power and goodness. That had to have been incredible. I can't even wrap my mind around that. We are starting to see the bigger picture. God's greatness - to our own nothingness. He is All Powerful, "Lord God almighty!" But, God is merciful. He "wilt not suffer those who come unto [Him] that they shall perish!"
7. "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20) This is probably one of my favorite verses in all of 1 Nephi. Nephi clearly states his purpose, and how great of a purpose it is! He is going to show us the tender mercies of the Lord in His day.
- SamiMae
I'm still going to continue reading the New Testament, but I've also begun reading the Book of Mormon again. It's been a while since I've read it. I've come up with my own scripture coding that's working pretty great so far.
Red - Jesus Christ/ God
Green - Knowledge/ Testimony
Purple - Be/Do (My list of things to become or do. Self-improvement)
Blue - Warnings/ Commandments
Yellow - Story information
So far, here is what I've learned.
1. The record of Nephi is true. He testifies of it. (1 Nephi 1:2)
2. Lehi has a vision. In his vision he sees "God sitting upon his throne, surrounded by numberless concourses of angles in the attitude of singing and praising their God". (1 Nephi 1:8) Wouldn't that be a sight to see!
3. "He saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day." Lehi saw Christ! (1 Nephi 1:9)
4. We can sing and praise God, just like the angels did.
5. "He also saw twelve others following him". Lehi saw the 12 disciples as well. (1 Nephi 1:10). Isn't this a great start to the Book of Mormon? We get to see and learn about a Prophet's vision of the Heavens. He saw God, Christ and the 12 disciples in the very first chapter!
6. In the vision, he was given a book to read. In it he read some pretty intense things. He saw the destruction of Jerusalem and the people that dwelt there. He saw them perish by the sward and being carried away into Babylon. (1 Nephi 1:11-14) He saw many "great and marvelous things", as Nephi put it. Afterwards Lehi exclaims
"Great and marvelous are they works, O Lord God almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens and they power and goodness and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth, and because, thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!" (1 Nephi 1:14)
Wow. Remember, we are in the first chapter, there is no fluffy introduction, we just dive deep into great stuff. This is a Prophet, a righteous man of God. We learn some interesting things here. God's throne is high in the heavens. Lehi saw that in his vision. He also saw of God's power and goodness. That had to have been incredible. I can't even wrap my mind around that. We are starting to see the bigger picture. God's greatness - to our own nothingness. He is All Powerful, "Lord God almighty!" But, God is merciful. He "wilt not suffer those who come unto [Him] that they shall perish!"
7. "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20) This is probably one of my favorite verses in all of 1 Nephi. Nephi clearly states his purpose, and how great of a purpose it is! He is going to show us the tender mercies of the Lord in His day.
Can we look in our lives and see the tender mercies of the Lord?
- SamiMae
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Mormonism Defined: The Holy Ghost
Q. What is the Holy Ghost?
A. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and therefore works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He is a spirit without a mortal body, he has no flesh and bones. He is a gift given to us, from God, when we are baptized. The Holy Ghost is known by many names like, the Comforter, the Spirit of the Lord and the Holy Spirit. He can give us promptings. He can warn us of danger, bring us comfort and peace. He can inspire us to serve those in need. He can inform us of the will of the Father. And, he can testify of the truthfulness of something, like the Gospel.
The Holy Ghost is different from the Gift of the Holy Ghost. All those earnestly seeking truth can feel the Holy Ghost's influence leading them towards Christ. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is given to a worthy individual by one or more priesthood holders after one is baptized. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost if that individual keeps the commandments of God.
The Holy Ghost's promptings are often a "still, small voice". They can be described as a "warm feeling" inside. The Holy Ghost speaks to everybody differently. The Holy Ghost can lead and guide our decisions in this fallen world. If we listen to Him, he can help us make it back to the Father.
Testimony:
For me, the companionship of the Holy Ghost is my extra protection in this world. I am able to stay in tune with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost. I was privileged to receive the Holy Ghost on my 8th birthday. Since then, I've been learning how the Holy Ghost speaks to me. It took a long time, and I'm still learning to identify the Spirit, but there are so many decisions I've made that he's guided me through. He has spoken peace to my heart many times throughout my life. He's answered prayers through his "still small voice."
One experience I have had with the Holy Ghost came as I prayed. I was feeling far from God. I was praying for guidance, reassurance and strength. I knew the spirit spoke in a still, small voice. So after I prayed, I quieted my mind and just listened. Then...in small, but powerful, voice I felt the words in my heart. "O daughter, thou art greatly loved." That night the spirit testified to me many things. First, I knew without a doubt that I was a Daughter of God. Second, I knew that He loved me. Third, I learned that he was aware of me and knew me individually. This experience strengthened my testimony and helped me learn a little more how to identify the spirit and how he talks to me in my life.
Another experience I had with the Holy Ghost...
I remember one night, before I met my husband, I was praying. I was ready to find the man I was going to marry. I worried that I might never find him. As I knelt in the dark, a quiet voice came to me and said "Soon". Within 2 weeks, I had found Trevor! :)
During my experiences with the Holy Ghost I've identified what it feels like to have the Holy Ghost with me and what it feels like to NOT have the Holy Ghost with me. There is a very distinct difference in the way I feel when I don't have the Holy Ghost with me.
The Holy Ghost cannot dwell in unclean temples, this includes our bodies. When I am watching a movie or other media that is acceptable by man and a clean rating, but is still not an uplifting movie, I can feel the spirit withdraw from me. When there is violence, killing, immorality, or anything else that is unclean or displeasing before God, the Spirit cannot dwell there, and leaves. After a few experiences of watching a show and then feeling the spirit withdraw, I've learned to get up and walk out of movies (which I've done). I've learned to shut off any media that is causing me to think or feel improperly.
I use the Thirteenth Article of Faith as a guide in choosing my media and activities, so that I can always have the Holy Ghost with me.
It's been a unique and special experience to use the 13th Article of Faith to help me keep the Holy Ghost with me. I've made decisions in my life to search after anything that is "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy". Anything that does not fit this description could put me at risk of losing such a special gift, given to me by my Heavenly Father. It is a gift that I am to scared to live without. I'm eternally grateful for my experience with the Holy Ghost and that I've lived my life in a way that qualifies me for his continual companionship. I've learned so much from the Holy Ghost. I've been protected by His promptings, I've felt peace, I've even felt his help on tests! The Holy Ghost is there to help us and guide us in this world. We can feel of God's love for us and his protection by being worthy to always have the third member of the Godhead with us during our lives.
If you're interested in learning more, please visit: Mormon.org.
- SamiMae
A. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and therefore works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He is a spirit without a mortal body, he has no flesh and bones. He is a gift given to us, from God, when we are baptized. The Holy Ghost is known by many names like, the Comforter, the Spirit of the Lord and the Holy Spirit. He can give us promptings. He can warn us of danger, bring us comfort and peace. He can inspire us to serve those in need. He can inform us of the will of the Father. And, he can testify of the truthfulness of something, like the Gospel.
The Holy Ghost is different from the Gift of the Holy Ghost. All those earnestly seeking truth can feel the Holy Ghost's influence leading them towards Christ. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is given to a worthy individual by one or more priesthood holders after one is baptized. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost if that individual keeps the commandments of God.The Holy Ghost's promptings are often a "still, small voice". They can be described as a "warm feeling" inside. The Holy Ghost speaks to everybody differently. The Holy Ghost can lead and guide our decisions in this fallen world. If we listen to Him, he can help us make it back to the Father.
Testimony:
For me, the companionship of the Holy Ghost is my extra protection in this world. I am able to stay in tune with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost. I was privileged to receive the Holy Ghost on my 8th birthday. Since then, I've been learning how the Holy Ghost speaks to me. It took a long time, and I'm still learning to identify the Spirit, but there are so many decisions I've made that he's guided me through. He has spoken peace to my heart many times throughout my life. He's answered prayers through his "still small voice."
One experience I have had with the Holy Ghost came as I prayed. I was feeling far from God. I was praying for guidance, reassurance and strength. I knew the spirit spoke in a still, small voice. So after I prayed, I quieted my mind and just listened. Then...in small, but powerful, voice I felt the words in my heart. "O daughter, thou art greatly loved." That night the spirit testified to me many things. First, I knew without a doubt that I was a Daughter of God. Second, I knew that He loved me. Third, I learned that he was aware of me and knew me individually. This experience strengthened my testimony and helped me learn a little more how to identify the spirit and how he talks to me in my life.
Another experience I had with the Holy Ghost...
I remember one night, before I met my husband, I was praying. I was ready to find the man I was going to marry. I worried that I might never find him. As I knelt in the dark, a quiet voice came to me and said "Soon". Within 2 weeks, I had found Trevor! :)During my experiences with the Holy Ghost I've identified what it feels like to have the Holy Ghost with me and what it feels like to NOT have the Holy Ghost with me. There is a very distinct difference in the way I feel when I don't have the Holy Ghost with me.
The Holy Ghost cannot dwell in unclean temples, this includes our bodies. When I am watching a movie or other media that is acceptable by man and a clean rating, but is still not an uplifting movie, I can feel the spirit withdraw from me. When there is violence, killing, immorality, or anything else that is unclean or displeasing before God, the Spirit cannot dwell there, and leaves. After a few experiences of watching a show and then feeling the spirit withdraw, I've learned to get up and walk out of movies (which I've done). I've learned to shut off any media that is causing me to think or feel improperly.
I use the Thirteenth Article of Faith as a guide in choosing my media and activities, so that I can always have the Holy Ghost with me.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
It's been a unique and special experience to use the 13th Article of Faith to help me keep the Holy Ghost with me. I've made decisions in my life to search after anything that is "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy". Anything that does not fit this description could put me at risk of losing such a special gift, given to me by my Heavenly Father. It is a gift that I am to scared to live without. I'm eternally grateful for my experience with the Holy Ghost and that I've lived my life in a way that qualifies me for his continual companionship. I've learned so much from the Holy Ghost. I've been protected by His promptings, I've felt peace, I've even felt his help on tests! The Holy Ghost is there to help us and guide us in this world. We can feel of God's love for us and his protection by being worthy to always have the third member of the Godhead with us during our lives.
If you're interested in learning more, please visit: Mormon.org.
- SamiMae
Sunday, March 2, 2014
8 Startlingly Eloquent Teachings of Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith, Jr., founded a religion and a Church that have survived and thrived to the present day. He constantly taught that he was a prophet, sent from God, and millions of faithful followers have taken him at his word for the last 180+ years. But what did he teach?
I have in my possession, a fun little
book (little being 730 pages long) called the “Encyclopedia of
Joseph Smith's Teachings.” As I have read through it, I have
realized that there are very many teachings of Joseph Smith's that
are remarkably well-said, thought-provoking, and interesting.
Unfortunately, most Latter-day Saints – let alone others seeking to
learn more about Joseph Smith and Mormonism – have never heard many
of these gems, and so cannot appreciate the startling breadth of wit,
wisdom and power in the words that Joseph spoke.
With this in mind, I have gathered some
of the best ones, on a variety of subjects. I have tried to select
passages from my book that are especially applicable,
thought-provoking, little-known, or eloquently worded. Obviously I
cannot include all of Joseph's best words, but I hope that what
little I have included will interest, stimulate, provoke, and/or
instruct all who read them.
(All quotations, unless indicated
otherwise, are from the “Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith's Teachings,”
ed. Larry E. Dahl and Donald Q. Cannon, published in 2000 by Deseret
Book.)
1. On Technological Advance:
 |
| When Joseph Smith visited New York, it caused him to reflect on mankind's technological advancement. |
“This day I have
been walking through the most splendid part of the City of New York.
The buildings are truly great and wonderful to the astonishing of
every beholder, and the language of my heart is like this: Can the
great God of all the earth, maker of all things magnificent and
splendid, be displeased with man for all these great inventions
sought out by them? My answer is no, it cannot be, seeing these works
are calculated to make men comfortable, wise, and happy; therefore,
not for the works can the Lord be displeased, only against man is the
anger of the Lord kindled because they give Him not the glory.”
(Letter to his wife, Emma Smith, from New York City, October 13,
1832.)
2. On Proper Use of
Influence:
“It is our duty
to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound
and good, and unpopular that which is unsound.” (Address in Nauvoo,
Illinois, February 21, 1843)
3. On Teaching
God's Word (Missionary Work):
“Preach
short sermons, make short prayers, and deliver your sermons with a
prayerful heart.” (Contained in Family of George A. Smith).
“No man can preach the Gospel without the Holy Ghost. ... After all has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.” (Address in Kirtland, Ohio, April 6, 1837.)
4. On Jesus Christ:
In response to the frequently-asked
question, “What are the fundamental principles of your religion?,” Smith stated that “the fundamental principles of our religion
are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets concerning Jesus
Christ: that He died, was buried, and rose again on the third day,
and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our
religion are only appendages to it. But in connection with these, we
believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the
enjoyment of the spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the
restoration of the house of Israel, and the final triumph of truth.”
(Published in Missouri, May 8, 1838.)
 |
| Joseph Smith on Jesus: "He died, was buried, and rose again on the third day." |
“Who, among all the Saints in these
last days, can consider himself as good as our Lord? Who is as
perfect? Who is as pure? Who is as holy as He was? Are they to be
found? He never … broke a commandment or law of heaven – no
deceit was in His mouth … Where is one like Christ? He cannot be
found on earth.” (Letter from Ohio to various church members in
Missouri, dated January 22, 1834)
“Through the atonement [or,
sacrifice] of Christ and the resurrection and obedience in the
gospel, we shall again be conformed to the image of [God's] Son,
Jesus Christ. Then we shall have attained to the image, glory, and
character of God.” (Sunday address, July 9, 1843)
5. On Debt:
Jesse Crosby, a neighbor and follower of Smith's, recounted: “One day when the
Prophet carried to my house a sack of flour he had borrowed, my wife
remarked that he had returned more than he had received. He answered
that it should always be so; that anything borrowed should be
returned always with interest to the lender. 'Thus,' he said, 'the
borrower, if he be honest, is a slave to the lender.' (Reminisce of
Jesse Crosby, reported in “Stories from the Notebook of Martha
Cox,” LDS Church Archives.)
6. On Depression:
“When a man [or
woman] is borne down with trouble, when he is perplexed with care and
difficulty, if he can meet a smile instead of an argument or a murmur
– if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and
soothe his feelings; when the mind is going to despair, it needs a
solace of affection and kindness.” (Remarks to the Relief Society
(a women's service organization within the Church), April 28, 1842.)
7. On Being a Prophet:
“I was this
morning introduced to a man from the east. After hearing my name, he
remarked that I was nothing but a man, indicating by this expression,
that he had supposed that a person to whom the Lord should see fit to
reveal His will, must be something more than a man. He seemed to have
forgotten the saying that fell from the lips of St. James, that Elias
was a man subject to like passions as we are, yet he had such power
with God, that He, in answer to his prayers, shut the heavens that
they gave no rain for the space of three years and six months. …
Indeed, such is the darkness and ignorance of this generation, that
they should look upon it as incredible that a man should have any
[interaction] with his Maker.” (Joseph Smith's Journal, November 6,
1835)
 |
| Joseph Smith taught hundreds - perhaps thousands - of sermons throughout his life, to every imaginable kind of audience. |
“The
world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that
were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets, and thus they
killed, stoned, punished an imprisoned the true prophets, and these
had to hide themselves 'in deserts and dens, and caves of the
earth.'” (Editorial in Times and Seasons,
a Mormon newspaper printed in Illinois, April 1, 1842.)
8. On Learning:
“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in
this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in
this life through his diligence and obedience than another,
he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 130, Verses 18 and 19.)
“A man is saved
no faster than he gets knowledge.” (Sunday address, April 10,
1842.)
One last thing, before you go: I'm conducting a survey of who reads this blog, and their relationship with Mormonism. It'll take you about two seconds to look to the right side of your screen and answer it. It would help me and Samantha get a much better feel for who is reading our blog consistently. Thanks!
One last thing, before you go: I'm conducting a survey of who reads this blog, and their relationship with Mormonism. It'll take you about two seconds to look to the right side of your screen and answer it. It would help me and Samantha get a much better feel for who is reading our blog consistently. Thanks!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)