Saturday, October 28, 2017
While
studying the Book of Mormon this week, I came across the scripture Mosiah 7:33
which says, “But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and
put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this,
he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.” I
love the implication that this scripture has for my life and the life of all
the children of God. If we but follow the counsel of this scripture, we too can
be delivered from “bondage”. Our loads can be lightened as we turn our hearts
and will to the Lord. He doesn’t want any of us to suffer and he provides every
opportunity for us to be able to carry our burdens with ease, all he asks is
that we follow Him. Though this does not mean that he will remove our burdens
completely, it does mean that he creates a way for us to be able to overcome
trials and ease our loads. I also came to a more complete realization that this
does not mean he will ease our burdens or deliver us how we would like Him to,
but rather, it will be done according to His will. The Lord knows what is best
for us, and because of that He will fulfill this as He sees it fit.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Throughout my studies of the Book of Mormon this past week,
I came across an often-quoted scripture in Mosiah 2:17 which says, “And behold,
I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when
ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your
God.” As I read this this time around, I was struck by the power of that
message. It is one of the simplest messages and most fundamental principles
that Christ taught. Over and over we are taught to love and serve our neighbor,
reach out to those that need our hand, comfort, and so on. Though this principle
is so often talked about, I find myself often overlooking it. Sometimes I think
I’m doing good because I am praying, studying the scriptures, keeping the
commandments, and so on, but I forget to reach out to those around me. There
are so many who struggle and are in need of heavens aid, which comes through
His hands, us. Furthermore, as it states in this scripture, in serving others
we are serving God. How amazing that we have the opportunity to do so! Let us
all strive to serve our God a little more by reaching out in service to His children.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
During my study of The Book of Mormon this past week, I came across the scripture 2 Nephi 31:10, which says, “…Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren,
can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the
Father?” I’ve read this scripture many times, but I had never taken the time to
think about it. This time as I pondered it’s meaning, I was reminded of a
simple principle. I was reminded that if we do follow Christ we are also
following our Heavenly Father. The Son can do nothing save what he sees the
Father do. If we look to Christ as our exemplar, and heed His counsel to follow
Him, we can find the same peace and joy that He did and does today. In addition
to this, we must be willing to follow any commandments our Heavenly Father
gives us. If we do not then we are not truly following the Savior and becoming
as He is. I am grateful that we do have a Redeemer whose example is perfect and
can help guide us to change our hearts and minds to align with the will of the
Father.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
In my studies of the Book of Mormon this past week I noticed
a phrase that is used frequently in 2 Nephi 19, along with several other
chapters. This phrase is, “…For all this his anger is not turned away, but his
hand is stretched out still.” This phrase gives hope for all of us as children
of God. It has given me so much hope and strength to face my own weaknesses. Even
though we may turn from God and His Son, and though they do not condone sin, they will never turn away from us. In
fact, as it says, “his hand is stretched out still”. Heavenly Father and
Jesus Christ are always extending their hands to us and all we need to do is
reach up and take them. No matter how far we have strayed from Him, our Savior,
and Him, our God, we can always come back. No matter what sins we have committed
we can change and return. God is loving and merciful and so is our Savior. Christ has made it possible through His
atoning sacrifice to be saved be saved from our sins. His hand is continually
extended in times of heartache and in times of when we feel Godly sorrow for
sins. He wants to comfort us and He wants to heal us. He will not leave us,
especially in the darkest of times. When hope seems lost and strength has fled,
His light will bring back hope and His stretched out hand can provide the strength
needed to push forward. I am so grateful for all of this and I know it to be
true.
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