9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
I was once told through a Priesthood blessing that I had the gift of being a peacemaker, so naturally this scripture has intrigued me, and (I'm sorry to say) annoyed me. I'll be called a child of God, while the pure in heart get to see Him. How is that possibly fair, besides everyone is a child of God.
I think there's something much deeper in it than that. I think that people who don't know that everyone is child of God will see the peacemakers of the Lord and think 'now there's a child of God.' I know that that sounds kinda prideful and haughty, but really it's humbling to me. People are watching me, and if I fail then I'm not really worthy of the gift of being a peacemaker. And then I won't be called a child of God that doesn't sound good at all to miss out on the blessing of being acknowledged as a child of God.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March 25: Matthew 5:8
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
I can't imagine a better promise anywhere. Who wouldn't want to see God's half of this promise fulfilled. Although every person who is pure in heart probably hasn't literally seen God, but I'm guessing that they see his Hand in their lives. I'm not really sure, since I'm not sure I've totally reached this point. Hopefully someday I'll see God as a person totally pure in heart.
I can't imagine a better promise anywhere. Who wouldn't want to see God's half of this promise fulfilled. Although every person who is pure in heart probably hasn't literally seen God, but I'm guessing that they see his Hand in their lives. I'm not really sure, since I'm not sure I've totally reached this point. Hopefully someday I'll see God as a person totally pure in heart.
March 24: Matthew 5:7
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
You know the old saying "what goes around comes around." This is a good thing that's going and coming around. Be merciful, and you'll get mercy. Sounds good to me. As my principal would say. We are moving right along.
You know the old saying "what goes around comes around." This is a good thing that's going and coming around. Be merciful, and you'll get mercy. Sounds good to me. As my principal would say. We are moving right along.
March 23: Matthew 5:6
6 Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
That's quite the promise to. None of these are bad, in fact I wouldn't mind having all of them...something to strive for I guess. Anyways if you want the righteousness, you'll get there with the help of the Godhead.
That's quite the promise to. None of these are bad, in fact I wouldn't mind having all of them...something to strive for I guess. Anyways if you want the righteousness, you'll get there with the help of the Godhead.
March 22: Matthew 5:5
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
This leads to a lot of jokes, but I like this verse. It gives those who are meek hope, that they won't always be struggling with speaking up. God will allow you to inherit the earth. How awesome is that?
This leads to a lot of jokes, but I like this verse. It gives those who are meek hope, that they won't always be struggling with speaking up. God will allow you to inherit the earth. How awesome is that?
March 21: Matthew 5:4
4 Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.
Mourning doesn't sound all that fun, but God promises (and pull back D&C 82) that he will comfort you. The Holy Ghost will comfort you, I've felt His comforting power (He's also known as the Comforter) and it's amazing.
Mourning doesn't sound all that fun, but God promises (and pull back D&C 82) that he will comfort you. The Holy Ghost will comfort you, I've felt His comforting power (He's also known as the Comforter) and it's amazing.
March 20: Matthew 5:3
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Okay so I decided to go through all the verses in Matthew five that say who's blessed and what blessings come from being like that. Now I don't know about you, but being poor in spirit (which is interpreted in JST poor in pride) sounds like a pretty great blessing. The hard part for me is getting rid of my stinking pride.
Okay so I decided to go through all the verses in Matthew five that say who's blessed and what blessings come from being like that. Now I don't know about you, but being poor in spirit (which is interpreted in JST poor in pride) sounds like a pretty great blessing. The hard part for me is getting rid of my stinking pride.
March 19: Jeremiah 10:10
10 But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.
This one I found when I was flipping through the Old Testament (I didn't have any before now). I just read this verse and I thought 'what a perfect witness from Jeremiah.' It seemed so fitting for what we discussed today in Bible Study. The second part of our discussion was talking about witnessing when God prompts you, and this is one AWESOME witness of God. He is the true God and he has all power.
This one I found when I was flipping through the Old Testament (I didn't have any before now). I just read this verse and I thought 'what a perfect witness from Jeremiah.' It seemed so fitting for what we discussed today in Bible Study. The second part of our discussion was talking about witnessing when God prompts you, and this is one AWESOME witness of God. He is the true God and he has all power.
March 18: John 3:36
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
This one kind of woke me up when I was reading John. I had to ask myself whether or not I had faith in the the Lord as my savior, and if I was willing to give my life to Him (I'm working on giving my life to Him). It was an eye-opener, but I knew that I didn't want the wrath of God adiding on me.
This one kind of woke me up when I was reading John. I had to ask myself whether or not I had faith in the the Lord as my savior, and if I was willing to give my life to Him (I'm working on giving my life to Him). It was an eye-opener, but I knew that I didn't want the wrath of God adiding on me.
March 17: The Acts 15:18
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
How cool is that? God knows EVERYTHING that has happened from the beginning of the world!! I can't wait for the day when I get to find that all out. Yeah this one just kinda jumped out at me, sorry it's not totally insightful and all. I think the scripture is fairly self-explanatory.
How cool is that? God knows EVERYTHING that has happened from the beginning of the world!! I can't wait for the day when I get to find that all out. Yeah this one just kinda jumped out at me, sorry it's not totally insightful and all. I think the scripture is fairly self-explanatory.
March 16: 1st Peter 1:15
15 But as he which hat called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.
Sounds pretty difficult huh? When we're stuck in the halls of public high school (as far as I know most my readers are my classmates), but it must be possible if God is commanding us to do this. Let's keep our language pure, and I'm guessing that doesn't just mean cussing, it's the stuff we talk about too (yeah, gotta work on that a little bit, I'm not perfect). I'll work on this one, since it was mainly written just for me.
Sounds pretty difficult huh? When we're stuck in the halls of public high school (as far as I know most my readers are my classmates), but it must be possible if God is commanding us to do this. Let's keep our language pure, and I'm guessing that doesn't just mean cussing, it's the stuff we talk about too (yeah, gotta work on that a little bit, I'm not perfect). I'll work on this one, since it was mainly written just for me.
March 15: Philippians 4:19
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
This was our Bible Study topic today (being March 26, I'm trying to catch up...). It was a great topic. God will give us our needs if we have faith on him and Jesus Christ. I say that's pretty awesome. And remember this is a promise from the Lord, which if you keep your part, he'll keep his part. I say yet another good deal. We sure tend to get the best end of most of our covenants with God.
This was our Bible Study topic today (being March 26, I'm trying to catch up...). It was a great topic. God will give us our needs if we have faith on him and Jesus Christ. I say that's pretty awesome. And remember this is a promise from the Lord, which if you keep your part, he'll keep his part. I say yet another good deal. We sure tend to get the best end of most of our covenants with God.
March 14: D&C 82:10
10 I, the Lord am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
A good old scripture mastery from the D&C Seminary year. I really should have ended the D&C section 4 part with this, but I didn't. Just recall that he promised that if you give service your all, you are promised to be saved. God has to keep his end of the deal if you keep your end, so remember this next time you covenant with God. He will do what He promised as long as WE do what WE promised.
A good old scripture mastery from the D&C Seminary year. I really should have ended the D&C section 4 part with this, but I didn't. Just recall that he promised that if you give service your all, you are promised to be saved. God has to keep his end of the deal if you keep your end, so remember this next time you covenant with God. He will do what He promised as long as WE do what WE promised.
March 13: D&C 1:31
31 For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.
It seems brutal, but it's true. God gave us commandments, and he expects us to live them. If we don't it doesn't mean He hates you, because He will always love you, it just means that he's not really in love with the actions that you are taking in your life at the time. He just wants you to live up to those commandments, and can't condone sin, even though he loves you.
It seems brutal, but it's true. God gave us commandments, and he expects us to live them. If we don't it doesn't mean He hates you, because He will always love you, it just means that he's not really in love with the actions that you are taking in your life at the time. He just wants you to live up to those commandments, and can't condone sin, even though he loves you.
March 12: Alma 36:21
21 Yea I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.
And that my friends is the real feelings of repentance. Once you experience the Godly sorrow it's hard, but you've got to progress to get to that wonderful, exquisite (yet another AWESOME word-choice in the scriptures (the Lord is a great writer)) joy at the end.
And that my friends is the real feelings of repentance. Once you experience the Godly sorrow it's hard, but you've got to progress to get to that wonderful, exquisite (yet another AWESOME word-choice in the scriptures (the Lord is a great writer)) joy at the end.
March 11: Alma 36:20
20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as my pain!
Let me say this for all of you who haven't ever felt this joy. It really does happen when you truly repent. Heavenly Father will replace that pain with joy, and you're on a spiritual high, flying twelve miles off the ground. It's so amazing to have that mighty change of heart, and I would recommend everyone try it, you'll love the experience.
Let me say this for all of you who haven't ever felt this joy. It really does happen when you truly repent. Heavenly Father will replace that pain with joy, and you're on a spiritual high, flying twelve miles off the ground. It's so amazing to have that mighty change of heart, and I would recommend everyone try it, you'll love the experience.
March 10: Alma 36:19
19 And now behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, and I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
That's what I call amazing. That's repentance for you. Once you've repented fully God forgives you, and the pain is taken away. That's way better than oxi-clean if you ask me. You may still remember the sin, but God doesn't, and Christ will take the pain from you, as he took away Alma's pain after Alma's true repentance.
That's what I call amazing. That's repentance for you. Once you've repented fully God forgives you, and the pain is taken away. That's way better than oxi-clean if you ask me. You may still remember the sin, but God doesn't, and Christ will take the pain from you, as he took away Alma's pain after Alma's true repentance.
March 9: Alma 36:18
18 Now as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
Several things to point out in this one. First off this has to be one of Alma's first sincere prayers ever, and he acknowledges right off that Jesus is in fact the Son of God, and has the power to giver him mercy. How amazing is that?
Second notice how the steps to repentance are being laid out in this situation. In the last verse Alma felt Godly sorrow for his sin, which is step number one in the repentance process. Now he confesses and forsakes (steps two and three in True to the Faith) his sin to Christ. He spends the rest of his life trying to make restitution for his sins by serving as a missionary for much of his life. And he tries to live worthily from then on. Good path of repentance. This is where Alma's repentance for that sin really took place.
Several things to point out in this one. First off this has to be one of Alma's first sincere prayers ever, and he acknowledges right off that Jesus is in fact the Son of God, and has the power to giver him mercy. How amazing is that?
Second notice how the steps to repentance are being laid out in this situation. In the last verse Alma felt Godly sorrow for his sin, which is step number one in the repentance process. Now he confesses and forsakes (steps two and three in True to the Faith) his sin to Christ. He spends the rest of his life trying to make restitution for his sins by serving as a missionary for much of his life. And he tries to live worthily from then on. Good path of repentance. This is where Alma's repentance for that sin really took place.
March 8: Alma 36:17
17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
I love this part in the Book of Mormon. It's Alma's account to his son, Helaman of his conversion. I will be doing a scripture from this a day, because I think each scripture in the story is amazing.
Sin is painful. This is a scenario in which Godly sorrow is very well described. You are racked with torment at the memory of the sin. You feel terrible, because you know that you offended God, and there's no worse feeling on the face of this earth. Yet somehow even when he felt this bad he somehow was able to remember the words of his dad Alma the Elder, who talked about Jesus Christ's atonement. Even in your darkest time you can always call on the atonement, just as Alma the Younger did. It's worth it, as Alma's account will reveal.
I love this part in the Book of Mormon. It's Alma's account to his son, Helaman of his conversion. I will be doing a scripture from this a day, because I think each scripture in the story is amazing.
Sin is painful. This is a scenario in which Godly sorrow is very well described. You are racked with torment at the memory of the sin. You feel terrible, because you know that you offended God, and there's no worse feeling on the face of this earth. Yet somehow even when he felt this bad he somehow was able to remember the words of his dad Alma the Elder, who talked about Jesus Christ's atonement. Even in your darkest time you can always call on the atonement, just as Alma the Younger did. It's worth it, as Alma's account will reveal.
March 7: Acts 15:20
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication and from things strangled, and from blood.
This is written to the members in Antioch. I'm not really sure what they were struggling with at the time, but it seems as though it might have had something to with sexual purity and idolatry (I know, I'm astute huh?). Those are some of the same problems that many good people in the world struggle with today, and here's the advice: Stay away! Don't get into that. Life's better without those issues.
This is written to the members in Antioch. I'm not really sure what they were struggling with at the time, but it seems as though it might have had something to with sexual purity and idolatry (I know, I'm astute huh?). Those are some of the same problems that many good people in the world struggle with today, and here's the advice: Stay away! Don't get into that. Life's better without those issues.
March 6: D&C 4:7
7 Ask and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
Well that ends D&C 4, and I like how he ends it with one more promise. As though the promise of being saved at the last day isn't enough. He tells us if we ask we will receive and if we knock it shall be opened (of course faith is needed, and it needs to be a righteous desire). I love that about this section. God will do so much for you, if you only return the favor, by giving him your life, which is something he gave you. This is one case where a re-gift isn't bad.
Well that ends D&C 4, and I like how he ends it with one more promise. As though the promise of being saved at the last day isn't enough. He tells us if we ask we will receive and if we knock it shall be opened (of course faith is needed, and it needs to be a righteous desire). I love that about this section. God will do so much for you, if you only return the favor, by giving him your life, which is something he gave you. This is one case where a re-gift isn't bad.
March 5: D&C 4:6
6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
What a list. The people I respect most in this world tend to have at least some of those qualities, and that's the major reason I respect them. They are hard qualities to reach sometimes, and some you never really reach, you just have to keep striving diligently (note that's on the list). And hope some day you'll reach it. I love that list though, it's really what I want to be when I grow up, more than a writer I want to be someone who embodies the qualities in that list.
What a list. The people I respect most in this world tend to have at least some of those qualities, and that's the major reason I respect them. They are hard qualities to reach sometimes, and some you never really reach, you just have to keep striving diligently (note that's on the list). And hope some day you'll reach it. I love that list though, it's really what I want to be when I grow up, more than a writer I want to be someone who embodies the qualities in that list.
March 4: D&C 4:5
5 And faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him to the work.
Okay so now that you've been called to the work, and understand that the work (in this case missionary work) has marvelous blessings, this is what actually qualifies you to go. Have faith in the gospel. Live each day fully commited to the Lord, he knows what is best for you, and will bless you beyond anything you can imagine when you follow his teachings. Have the pure love of Christ and follow the Holy Ghost. Living with the missionaries, I can really say that the effective missionaries I've seen are the one's who try and live the qualifications presented in this scripture.
Okay so now that you've been called to the work, and understand that the work (in this case missionary work) has marvelous blessings, this is what actually qualifies you to go. Have faith in the gospel. Live each day fully commited to the Lord, he knows what is best for you, and will bless you beyond anything you can imagine when you follow his teachings. Have the pure love of Christ and follow the Holy Ghost. Living with the missionaries, I can really say that the effective missionaries I've seen are the one's who try and live the qualifications presented in this scripture.
March 3: D&C 4:4
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;
Love this one too. The promise from verse two is reiterated in this verse. If you put everything you've got into working in the missionary field serving God's children and preaching the gospel then you are building up a source that will help bring you salvation. When I disect Section 4 like this, I can't imagine why anyone would not want to serve a mission at least once in their life. We had a great activity last night at church where we had to prepare a four minute lesson in fifteen minutes, much like missionaries, and I had the same feeling after coming out after that. Who wouldn't want to serve a mission? Sure the work is hard, but who can pass up the blessings?
Love this one too. The promise from verse two is reiterated in this verse. If you put everything you've got into working in the missionary field serving God's children and preaching the gospel then you are building up a source that will help bring you salvation. When I disect Section 4 like this, I can't imagine why anyone would not want to serve a mission at least once in their life. We had a great activity last night at church where we had to prepare a four minute lesson in fifteen minutes, much like missionaries, and I had the same feeling after coming out after that. Who wouldn't want to serve a mission? Sure the work is hard, but who can pass up the blessings?
March 2: D&C 4:3
3 Therefore if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
That means if you think even sligtly that serving God sounds like a good plan for you (and who wouldn't with the promise that he gives in the verse above this one (refer to yesterday...which wasn't really yesterday)) then you are called to serve him. He wants those who want to serve him to serve him. I also think it's important that he specifies that you have to want to serve God. It's a great point, that applies to missionaries nowdays, how effective are the missionaries that don't really want to serve God? I would say not very effective. So really you have to want to serve God, and once you want to serve God, then you need to serve him wholeheartedly to get the blessings promised (again refer back to yesterday).
That means if you think even sligtly that serving God sounds like a good plan for you (and who wouldn't with the promise that he gives in the verse above this one (refer to yesterday...which wasn't really yesterday)) then you are called to serve him. He wants those who want to serve him to serve him. I also think it's important that he specifies that you have to want to serve God. It's a great point, that applies to missionaries nowdays, how effective are the missionaries that don't really want to serve God? I would say not very effective. So really you have to want to serve God, and once you want to serve God, then you need to serve him wholeheartedly to get the blessings promised (again refer back to yesterday).
March 1: D&C 4:2
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.
Wow that's an awesome scripture too. Look at the promise in there. If you embark in God's service of missionary work (or any other service of God) and you put all of your all (everything you've got) into that service you're blameless before God! How awesome is that? The fact is when you're out serving God (which implies you're serving your fellowman, since when you are in the service of your fellow being you are only in the service of your God) you really don't have time to give into temptations, because when you serve, you don't think about YOU. That's the key immerse yourself in serving someone else, and you get the fruits of this amazing promise!
Wow that's an awesome scripture too. Look at the promise in there. If you embark in God's service of missionary work (or any other service of God) and you put all of your all (everything you've got) into that service you're blameless before God! How awesome is that? The fact is when you're out serving God (which implies you're serving your fellowman, since when you are in the service of your fellow being you are only in the service of your God) you really don't have time to give into temptations, because when you serve, you don't think about YOU. That's the key immerse yourself in serving someone else, and you get the fruits of this amazing promise!
February 28: D&C 4:1
Now behold a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
Most people who have dealt with the Doctrine and Covenants very much know that this is the opening scripture to the short section that the Young Men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are encouraged to memorize. I will be spotlighting a different verse and giving comentary on each verse at a time.
I love the wording in this particular verse. How cool is it that they used the word 'marvelous'? I mean isn't that what spreading God's Gospel is marvelous. Isn't it awesome (I mean marvelous) when you see a new convert come to church and strive to live the Gospel. I can imagine nothing more Marvelous in this world then spreading the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the surrounding world. I know whenever I recite this from memory I kind of gloss over this verse, but the fact is, it's the perfect way to introduce the topic of missionary work.
Most people who have dealt with the Doctrine and Covenants very much know that this is the opening scripture to the short section that the Young Men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are encouraged to memorize. I will be spotlighting a different verse and giving comentary on each verse at a time.
I love the wording in this particular verse. How cool is it that they used the word 'marvelous'? I mean isn't that what spreading God's Gospel is marvelous. Isn't it awesome (I mean marvelous) when you see a new convert come to church and strive to live the Gospel. I can imagine nothing more Marvelous in this world then spreading the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the surrounding world. I know whenever I recite this from memory I kind of gloss over this verse, but the fact is, it's the perfect way to introduce the topic of missionary work.
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