Scripture Study - Simple/Simplicity

 1/5/24 – Simple/Simplicity:

And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity – To prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and for the Lord’s errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise, and the little one become a strong nation, … (D&C 133:57-58) The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. (Ps. 19:7) The Lord preserveth the simple: … (Ps. 116:6) To give subtilty (refinement) to the simple, … (Prov. 1:4) But I fear, lest by any means, … your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Cor. 11:3) For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. (2 Cor. 1:12) … that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. (Alma 37:6)

Insights: We naturally tend to look at complicated things as being better with the mistaken idea that only the wisest of individuals would be able to comprehend it, but that is not the Lord’s way. His is one of simplicity and plainness. He isn’t trying to catch us with trick questions, but to provide a straightforward path back to Him. He wants us to learn and grow through this life experience, to prove to ourselves what we are capable of doing; but ultimately, He wants us to return to Him, better and wiser. So His path is simple – love Him enough to follow Christ’s example and return home. That’s it – be obedient and don’t get distracted by the complexities of man.

Scripture Study - Good Works

 1/4/24 – Good Works:

… be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. (D&C 64:33)

… and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God… (Micah 6:8) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10) … they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:8) … men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, … (D&C 58:27) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim. 3:17) … by works was faith made perfect … faith without works is dead… (James 2:22, 26)

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 Jn. 3:18) 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. (Mosiah 2:17) Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. (Mosiah 5:15) I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. (D&C 137:9) … and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. (1 Cor. 3:8) … for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Gal. 6:7) … They shall stand as a bright testimony against this people, at the judgment day; whereof they shall be judged, every man according to his works … (Mosiah 3:24) To them who by patient continuance in well doing … glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, … (Rom. 2:7, 10) … for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nep. 25:23)

For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Rom. 2:13) … be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, … (James 1:22) And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works. (Alma 7:24)

Insights: It is plainly obvious that the Lord wants us to be active in His Gospel. We were not sent here to just hear the Gospel and believe – we were sent to activate that belief through response. Not only do we need to solidify it in our own souls by putting it into action, but we need to be sharing it with others by serving them as Jesus served. As our love for God and Christ increases, this desire to serve others will change from obedience to reverence for God. We won’t be perfect in our service, and we won’t be able to serve everyone at all times, but if we are “anxiously engaged” and have a “desire” to serve at every opportunity, then the Lord will bless us more abundantly than we can imagine. I love the scripture in Malachi 3 that says, “… and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” The Lord is ready and willing to bless us but we need to be active participants in His mighty work. Our combined small efforts will make a world, even an eternity, of difference!

Scripture Study - Do/Doer

 

1/3/24 – Do/Doer:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only; … (James 1:22) Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (Ps 37:3) … 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 Nep. 3:7) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil. 4:13) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, … (Gal. 6:10) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:21) … whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, … (Col. 3:23) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (Matt. 7:24) … Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matt. 25:40)

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Rev. 22:14) … for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nep. 25:23) Therefore, … let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. (D&C 123:17) I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; … (D&C 82:10)

Insights: To be a disciple of Christ, we can’t just hear and believe, we are required to act. Christ lived a life as an example to be followed and emulated. We can rest assured that we will not be asked to do anything that the Lord hasn’t already provided a way for us to do. And when we have done our all, we can be still and know that the Lord is pleased with us and will make up where we lack.

Scripture Study in 2024 - Begin/Beginning

 Each year, I try to do something new with my scripture study so that I am able to have different emphasis and insight brought to my mind. This year, along with my weekly Come Follow Me scripture study (which I will be doing on Sunday's), I've decided to study by topic. I've chosen a handful of topics for each week of the year and the plan is to read all the verses I can find which include this topic in all the books of scripture.

I am a big proponent of writing down your insights as you study. Not only does that help cement these into your minds, but then there is a record for you to look back on and be reminded of what was important to you at that particular time. The scriptures are magical and you will find exactly what you need each time you read them. You may read the same verse a dozen times and find a dozen different meanings from it. The Lord brings to mind what you need at the moment. I love the scriptures for that!

I am keeping a record of my insights for 2024 written down, but I feel impressed to also put them here for posterity. So let me begin...

1/2/24 – Begin/Beginning:

In the beginning was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Rev. 1:8) … I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Rev. 21:6) And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go froth, saith the Lord: (D&C 112:25) Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not create or made, neither indeed can be. (D&C 93:29) … God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief on the truth: (2 Thes. 2:13) The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Prov. 1:7) … a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. (2 John 1:5-6) Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Eccl. 7:8)

Insights: Christ and Heavenly Father are one in purpose and are the beginning of all things pertaining to this life. They have all knowledge and power. But we were also in the beginning as intelligences, or the light of truth, and they want to share all that they have with us. They chose us to be with them and we grow into this right through understanding and obedience to the laws of Heaven. The first law being to love – God, and ourselves, and others. As we are able to abide in this first law, all others will be fulfilled because we will want to follow them due to our love for God. We are not expected to be perfect from the start, but will get better and better, purer and more perfect, over time.