Scripture Study - Whole/Wholly

 1/29/24 – Whole/Wholly

And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out. (2 Nephi 25:29) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand. (Eph. 6:11)

… Jesus … saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17) … Jesus turned him about and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. (Matt. 9:22)

The light of the body is the eye; if, therefore, thine eye be single (dedicated), thy whole body shall be full of light. (3 Nephi 13:22) And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. (D&C 88:67)

And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved. (Omni 1:26)

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. (Ps. 119:2) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting (progress) may be manifest in all. (1 Tim. 4:15) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thes. 5:23)

Insights: When contemplating on the word “whole” I can’t help but think that it is another form of the words “complete,” “finished,” and “total.” These are each all-encompassing ending words, meaning that there is nothing that comes after. This is the final answer we give on who and what we are and have become in this life. When looking at it like this, I recognize that the decisions made in this life are very simple. Do we believe in God? If we believe in God, do we love Him? These are yes or no questions. If we believe in God and love Him, then we show that love by following Him. It is just that simple. This ultimate question and answer colors all that we choose to do in each day.

I was recently in a jury selection room and the same question was asked of all 60 individuals. The question was whether you felt that the purpose of a prison sentence was to punish, detain (keep from further harm happening), or rehabilitation of the individual. I was torn on my answer but we were only allowed to give a single response. As I sat listening to the answers given by others, I realized that I needed to look upon the question as I would imagine my Heavenly Father desires when we, His beloved children, make mistakes and what His ultimate goal for each of His children is. He wants us to be complete or whole. He doesn’t find joy in bringing us pain because we made a mistake; the last thing He wants for us is to heap even more weight upon our shoulders, crippling us from making the turn back to Him. He doesn’t pre-judge us – that there is no future hope because of a mistake made. He has ultimate hope in our ability to choose to change and return to Him, even when we don’t share that same hope in ourselves. He only wants to help us along the path to peace and joy. He wants to show us how to choose wisely and live a life that allows us to progress freely and become the most complete or finished version of His child. He wants to give us guidelines that will protect us from the worst of the worst in life.

I recall a presentation I gave in college where I compared laws and their purpose to the handrail of a skyscraper balcony. The rail isn’t there to block our view or to force us to comply to someone’s grand scheme of control. The rail is there to protect us. It gives us safety without force. We can still look out while standing at the rail and have the whole view; and if we choose, we can climb over that rail and ignore the safety provided. It is completely in our hands what to do with the protection provided. So too are the commandments of God. He isn’t trying to force dominion over us, just as that is not the goal of any good parent. He only wants to provide the best opportunities for the greatest rewards possible.

I must admit, I wasn’t expecting my study to go quite in this direction when I originally placed these passages within the pages of this year’s study schedule. I am infinitely grateful that my Heavenly Father loves me, has hope for me, and doesn’t ever give up on me; because I fail myself all the time by making mistakes, losing hope in my abilities, and internally berating myself. I need to remember and be more like Him in being gracious and loving to myself and to others who are going through challenging life experiences. One of my favorite quotes I came across years ago says, “Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world that it was crooked.” Take care of yourself, and then quietly share that same love with others.

Scripture Study - Gather/Gathering

 1/26/24 – Gather/Gathering

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Eph. 1:10) … how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart. (3 Nephi 10:6) Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather unto barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matt. 6:26) He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. (Isa. 40:11)

And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. (Mark 13:27) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father… Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. (Matt. 13:41-43, 47-48)

Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places; (D&C 101:22) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt. 18:20)

Insights: I find it interesting that in the majority of the passages I studied, it is the Lord that is gathering. He is gathering all of His children from every part of the earth and beyond. He gathers them to protect them and provide for them. He gathers them to lead them Home. Although the Lord gathers His children, only the righteous can remain in His presence. Those that have chosen a different path than His, will not be able to remain with Him. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matt. 6:24)

We too must gather – together to strengthen ourselves in our devotion to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Perhaps most importantly in our gathering together is the promise that where we are gathered in Christ’s name, He will be there with us. What a wonderful promise!

Scripture Study - Prepare/Preparation

 1/25/24 – Prepare/Preparation

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)

For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. (Alma 34:32) … 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) For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him. (1 Nephi 10:18)

… the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time of his coming – (Alma 16:16) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Cor. 2:9) Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins? Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life. Behold I say, is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? I say unto you that such an one is not prepared; and I would that he should prepare quickly, for the hour is close at hand, and he knoweth not when the time shall come; for such an one is not found guiltless. And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions? Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be saved! Yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it! Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. (Alma 5:27-33)

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Eph. 6:13-18)

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting; a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; (D&C 88:119) … if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. (D&C 38:30)

Then shall the King (Christ) say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matt. 25:34-36, 40)

Insights: It’s fascinating to me that preparation is required from both us and the Lord. The Lord prepared everything for this life ahead of time. Not only did the creation of the physical earth need preparation, but He also prepared for all eventualities that may occur to us individually. Ultimately, He prepared to send His perfect Son to Atone for each and every one of us. Not only were preparations made for this life, but God is also prepared to reward us for our efforts in the eternities.

It is our responsibility to prepare during this life to return back to God. We do this by keeping His commandments which He has already prepared ways for us to do. We do this by serving others in love and kindness. We do this by ridding ourselves of all unworthy attributes such as pride and envy, hate and ridicule. It is through the blessing of repentance that we can purge ourselves of these offending traits. And once we have repented, we arm ourselves with God’s Gospel – based on faith, prayer, study, love, etc. We need to fill the hole left by the unrighteous with those things that are good, otherwise, we leave a space available for Satan to creep back into our lives.

Being OCD, I love the idea of organizing ourselves with the promise that if we are prepared, we don’t need to fear. I am supremely grateful for the ability to escape fear! Fear disables our ability to move forward and closes our minds to hearing whisperings of peace; so being able to push that fear away through faith in following the Lord, is an incredible blessing.

And then in the end, we will be rewarded with all that the Lord can give us based on our personal choices. These rewards are more than we can even begin to imagine. What a way to end this mortal experience!  

Scripture Study - Full/Fulness

 1/23/24 – Full/Fulness

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. That (Christ) was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, not of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-5, 9-17)

The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (Ps. 24:1) … the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Ps. 33:5) The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: … (Ps. 119:64) For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. (D&C 104:17)

… for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, … (Isa. 11:9) … ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24) … he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. (Alma 12:10) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Eph. 4:11-13)

And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care. (D&C 12:8) That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know of the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fulness of God. (Eph. 3:16-19) Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Ps. 16:11)

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:10-12) And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his (the Lord’s) commandments. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things. (D&C 93:27-28)

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts. (Jacob 6:5) … let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him (the Lord) continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you. (Alma 34:27)

Insights: What a varied find today has been for the topic of “full”. We learn that Christ is full of grace and truth as well as His purpose on coming to the earth – to teach all how to grow in strength and knowledge of the Lord to return home to our Heavenly Father presence.

We learn that the earth was prepared by the Lord and is full of His goodness and mercy as well as all things needed by man, and that there is more than enough for all. I love that we have the opportunity to be “agents unto ourselves” to see how we will treat what the Lord has created for us. It reminds me of families I saw growing up that would jump on couches and beds and treat them fairly poorly, needing to replace them frequently; compared to those families that taught their children how to respect and care for possessions, allowing them to last much longer. When I worked with Habitat for Humanity, one of the key precepts was the requirement for those receiving a home to spend a certain amount of time working with the volunteers in building the home. The idea was to give them a sense of investment which would hopefully give them a greater sense of ownership and responsibility in the upkeep of their home. How am I showing my love towards the Lord’s earth in my daily actions?

We also learn that knowledge brings joy – specifically knowledge of a spiritual nature. If we stay humble, meaning teachable, we will be allowed to comprehend more knowledge, eventually being allowed to comprehend all knowledge and thus become like God. And with the knowledge that we gain, we are commissioned to share it with others so that they may have the same joy. We don’t need to be scared to do this and feel we are inadequate, for the Lord won’t leave us alone in this directive. He will endow us with the words He wants if we will put our faith in Him and open our mouths.

We learn that by keeping the Lord’s commandments, we will have a fullness of joy. His three greatest commandments are to love God, and then to love other’s as you love yourself. Too often the third commandment is overlooked here: 1) love God, 2) love others, 3) love yourself. Frequently we find ourselves being cruel to ourselves. Our internal thoughts and words are ones we would never utter out loud to someone else, yet we bandy them about our heads like we deserve to be diminished. Christ never condemned, but showed only love even to the sinners – especially to the sinners. We need to show that same love and kindness to others, but also to ourselves. We are not perfect, and never will be in this life; but we are journeying toward the better and we need to stay motivated to continue to walk the path towards better. That won’t happen when we are berating and belittling ourselves. Don’t be your worst enemy! I’ve always felt that you treat a person as they could be, and more often than not, they will reach to become that person. Do the same for yourself.

Which leads us to the final lesson learned today. Though we make mistakes, we can repent and change. We can call upon the Lord for forgiveness and strength to overcome. The Lord’s greatest pleasure is in forgiveness and giving His children what they need to succeed. We never have to carry the burden of sin, mistakes, sorrow, pain, worry, and anything else that weighs us down, alone. He has given us His Son, Jesus Christ, who specifically pleaded, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30) We can yoke ourselves to the Savior and share the burden with One perfectly able to understand and supremely strong enough to carry us through. I know this to be true. I have felt His power in my life when I could no longer stand on my own and have cried out for help and mercy. He will be there for you; of this I promise!

Scripture Study - Bring

 1/22/24 – Bring

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Pet. 3:18)

… I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens … and I will rid you out of … bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, … (Ex. 6:6-7) Wherefore, he will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel. (1 Nephi 22:12) And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places wither thou goest, and will bring thee again …; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. (Gen. 28:15)

For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out…, and gather them …, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them … I will feed them in a good pasture, … there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed … I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: … (Ezek. 34:11:16)

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; … (Heb. 13:20-21) Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely; Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire – (Alma 5:34-35) I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. (Isa. 42:6-7) How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation: that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (Isa. 52:7)

Insights: The birth of our Savior was heralded by angels bringing the good news. News of a Savior from both temporal and spiritual death. Christ not only overcame physical death through His resurrection, but he overcame spiritual death through His Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane. Only through these acts could He then bring us back into the presence of God the Father through grace and repentance – if we choose to utilize Jesus’ sacrifices in our own lives.

Jesus offers to find us when we are lost, to care for us as we are broken, to set us on the right paths to eternal redemption. He is the ultimate Good Shepherd! He has issued the challenge to follow Him, to do righteousness, to not come to Him alone. He will be with us the whole way – our wingman, our strength, our guiding star. We don’t have to be perfect in doing His work, His will. We just need to be willing and He will use us to the best and beyond of our abilities. As we willingly allow Him to work through us, we will be blessed beyond measure!

I want to talk about why I love this particular image so much. It is my favorite of images of Christ and sheep. I look at this sheep and imagine it is me. There have been times that I have felt like the black sheep (notice the black face of the sheep), yet even then my Savior loves me. There have been times that I have been broken (notice the broken leg of the lamb), and I have felt my Savior bind up my wounds and heal me. Not often immediately, but more frequently over time. Too many times I have felt alone and in darkness (notice there are no other sheep in the picture and the darkness behind the Savior), but if I allow it, my Savior will find me, gather me up, and carry me back to His fold where I am not alone. None of us will go through life without mistakes, sorrows, feelings of inadequacy or loneliness. Yet through it all, if we allow Him, Christ will be beside us, and steady us, and comfort us, and strengthen us. We don't have to be alone! And we don't have to let anyone else be alone either. When we are feeling stronger, we can be His hands to seek, find, bind up, and bring others. How beautiful is that? How precious is the concept of walking in the Savior's footsteps to heal someone else? What a marvelous chance to do so. May you see those opportunities and step boldly into them.

Scripture Study - Awaken

 1/19/24 – Awaken

Awake, awake, put on strength, … (Isa. 51:9) Awake, awake; put on thy strength, … put on thy beautiful garments; … (Isa. 52:1) Awake to righteousness … (1 Cor. 15:34)

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awaken out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day … But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, … (Rom. 13:10-14) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, … now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. … whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore … Awake thou that sleepest, and arise … and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly … as wise, Redeeming the time … Wherefore be ye … understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Eph. 5:1-2, 8-10, 13-17)

For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, … I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world. And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you. Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them. (Mosiah 4:5-10)

… I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil… , nor the unclean thing. And awake, and arise from the dust, … yea, and put on thy beautiful garments, … and strengthen thy stakes (defenses) and enlarge thy borders forever, that thou mayest no more be confounded, that the covenants of the Eternal Father which he hath made unto thee, … may be fulfilled. Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. (Moroni 10:30-33)

Insights: I was afraid that this subject would be a little sparse as I only had 10 passages set aside to study, but I was greatly mistaken. I love seeing the repetition between prophets across the centuries. Awake means to shake yourself out of the blindness, the inactivity, that so easily besets us as humans. We naturally want to take the easiest route, the path of least resistance to cause us the least amount of pain and effort. But what kind of progression is there when we don’t push ourselves? No muscle was ever increased by doing nothing, only through the effort of tearing it and letting it heal stronger and then repeating the process, are increases made.

We are to awake or become active, strengthening ourselves through this activity. But we also need to put on our beautiful garments, or make ourselves attractive to entice others to follow suit. No one wants to look at or follow someone who is slothful. We don’t have to be dressed in the latest fashions, but our countenance should be clean and orderly and, probably most importantly, happy. Returning to the muscle metaphor: endorphins, or happy hormones, are released when we are working our bodies in positive ways. These same endorphins can be felt when we are working on keeping the commandments of the Lord and bringing others to His Gospel (our spiritual muscles) – especially as we are sharing His good word. There is no joy alone; only as we bring others to the same love, and light, and happiness of the knowledge of Christ, do we find joy.

We do this by loving others. It’s that simple. Just love. We don’t need to judge or push. We love people where they are and allow them the opportunity to see our example and decide to make any changes needed on their own because they are loved by us. They see our happiness and want it for themselves. We had an experience two years ago in our family where one of our children killed himself. He had gone through more trials than one so young should and he didn’t see any way to stop the pain. Miraculously, we were given a second chance with this precious boy and paramedics were able to bring him back after working on him for what felt like hours. (This is a whole story in and of itself that will need to wait for another time.) He had used drugs and alcohol to dull the pain and eventually as the means to kill himself and we knew he would need to go to a rehab facility to learn how to detox and cultivate better coping strategies. But we couldn’t force him to go. It wouldn’t work or be effective long-term. Just because we knew it was the right thing, would not have been the right thing if he wasn’t wanting to go for himself. So too, we cannot force someone to change their actions or inactions just because we know it’s best. They have to see what we have and desire it themselves before they will be willing to make any changes that will last longer than a New Year’s Resolution. They may not even understand what it is they see in you and desire, but if you are honestly loving them, they will come to you seeking your light.

What a wonderful day it will be when one you love desires to join you in your happiness. May you have the opportunity to love someone to Christ!

Scripture Study - Spiritual Discernment

 

1/18/24 – Spiritual Discernment

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teachest; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:12-14) For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. (Mosiah 3:19) Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing – unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; … (Alma 26:22)

That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light growth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. (D&C 50:24) And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit. And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father. (D&C 84:46-47) … he that believeth these things which I (Christ) have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good. And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; … For behold, I am the Father (of this world), I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world. Come unto me … and I will show unto you the greater things, … Come unto me … and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world: … yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, … (Ether 4:11-15) For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. (Moroni 7:16) Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive. (D&C 11:13-14)

Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness – in the wilderness, because you cannot see him – my voice, because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound. And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. (D&C 88:66-68)

 

Insights: There is wisdom that the world espouses and there is wisdom of the Lord. They don’t always match up. Human’s do the best that they can, but they are imperfect and our knowledge is limited, however God is omniscient and perfect. When we are in doubt, always turn to God for clarification. As we do so humbly, and even persistently, God will give us the truth. If at any time, the knowledge we get indicates something dark or scary or harmful, we can know that this is not of God. God’s knowledge is light and peace and joy.

Scripture Study - Edify

 1/17/24 – Edify

… Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (1 Cor. 8:1) … godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (1 Tim. 1:4) Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breast; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves – It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. (Alma 32:28)

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. (Rom. 15:1-2) And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, … (D&C 43:8) … he that propesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. … Let all things be done unto edifying. (1 Cor. 14:3, 12, 26) Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Rom. 14:19) Wherefore comfort (exhort, console, encourage) yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (1 Thes. 5:11) Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. (D&C 50:22-23)

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (Prov. 19:20) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (self-perfection) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we hence forth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Eph. 4:11-16) He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. (D&C 52:16)

Insights: As I began this study, it seemed like this would be just a repeat of the “Enlighten” study I did last week, but as I got further in (I’m grateful I didn’t abandon this study) I realized how rich the subject of edification was. Having knowledge is one thing, but it often leads to vanity and turning away from the hand of God. However, when we take that knowledge and use it to bless others, it is the embodiment of edifying. Truth will grow and expand within out hearts, filling our minds with light and joy. If the knowledge you are given doesn’t do this, then I would look at where it came from and if it is something worth keeping. I tell my kids (although none of them are exactly kids anymore) and students all the time that you find what you are looking for, so look for the good, the bright, the lovely, the joyful, and the godly.

I’ve spent too much time wanting to find a “safe” place for myself and family, away from the craziness of the world, but that would feel like being an unprofitable servant. The Lord has commanded us to help those who are weaker than we are and to share the good news of God and Jesus Christ with them so that they can find the strength, peace, hope, and joy that comes with knowing the truth of God’s Gospel. Knowing that this life is only a short probationary period where we get to see just how well we do before returning to God is empowering, and takes away the fear of what comes next. Satan is trying hard to confuse and deter us, but in the end, God will always win out!

I think my favorite scripture today was the one in Ephesians 4:11-16 where we are told that the word of God is taught to us in many ways, probably presented in a way that we will be most likely to accept it. We each learn differently, and God is the perfect teacher! Receiving truth is not the right of only one type of person, but God wants all to have a chance to receive it and incorporate it into their lives so He has already prepared and planned a way for each to have the opportunities we need to accept it. What a loving and gracious Heavenly Father!

Scripture Study - Understanding

 

1/15-16/24 – Understanding

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: … (1 Kings 3:9) And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. (1 Kings 4:29) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; … (Eph. 1:17-18) But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. (Job 32:8) And unto man he said, Behold, the fear (reverence) of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. (Job 28:28) … he that keepeth understanding shall find good. (Prov. 19:8) Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. … (Mosiah 12:27) … howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (1 Cor. 14:20)

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, … Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. (Deut. 4:5-6) Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. (Luke 24:45) For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding. (2 Nephi 31:3) … we also, … do not cease to pray for you and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (Col. 1:9) … and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. (2 Tim. 2:7) And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God … (D&C 88:11-12)

By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God – (D&C 76:12) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7) … yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. (Alma 17:2) And they shall give heed to that which is written, … and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same to their understanding. (D&C 32:4) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of Christ, who is of God, even the Father. (Col. 2:2) And their (those who reverence God) wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; … (D&C 76:9)

Insights: God provides light and then understanding. Light is truth and understanding is knowing what to do with that truth. This is something we need to pray for and work for. Just as you wouldn’t give a slothful person your greatest treasure to take care of, the Lord isn’t going to give you His treasure, or light, unless you show that you want it and are willing to do what it takes to get it and move forward with it. We do this by getting to know Him through prayer and studying His words in scripture. By learning more about Him, we find what it is He desires for and of us. By keeping His commandments, we prove our ability to take His light and understanding and be “profitable servants” for Him. It is with the increasing light and understanding that we are able to find comfort and peace even amidst the onslaught of the challenges of this life. Having the understanding of the Lord’s light anchors us to a sure shore even as the winds and waves toss us about – allowing our minds and hearts a measure of assurance and peace. What a wonderful blessing to seek for!

Scripture Study - Enlightenment

 1/12/24 - Enlighten

And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth (light of Christ) your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understanding; which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space - The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things. (D&C 88:11-13)

For thou wilt light my candles (lamp): the Lord my God will enlighten (clarify) my darkness. (Ps. 18:28) ... thou hast enquired of me and I did enlighten (truthful knowledge) thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth; (D&C 6:15) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened (education), that ye may know ... (Eph. 1:18) And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth (intelligence) every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit. (D&C 84:46)

... It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten (discernment) my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. (Alma 32:28) Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten (inspire) your minds, which shall fill your soul with joy; (D&C 11:13) For by my Spirit will I enlighten (testimony) them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will - yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man. (D&C 76:10) The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening (edifying) the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. (Ps. 19:7-9)

... wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened (refreshed). (1 Sam. 14:27)

Insights: Light and enlightenment comes from God. Evil cannot provide light, only darkness, so when we have light, we can know it is from God. We are all entitled to that light, as it is in all - even God himself. It is through the Spirit that the physical manifestations of enlightment come. This can include clarification when we have questions, truthful knowledge when we are confused, education when we are seeking, and intelligence on how to use the knowledge we receive. It also gives us discernment when there are more than one option - both between a good and bad option, as well as between two or more good options. To be enlightened by the Spirit inspires us, builds our testimonies, and edifies, or builds us up. But perhaps most surprising and most needed right now for me about enlightment is the ability to refresh. This time we have been living through has been unlike any other with a global pandemic, wars, global ecological mayhem, and the fear, aggression, and hopelessness that have ensued. It's taken a toll on me, and most likely on everyone else around the world. We are not the same people that we were only 5 years ago and my spirit has been dragging from it. Even though I know that God can do all things, I am excited to pray for that refreshment - to know that it is a form of enlightenment. I challenge you to pray for and seek enlightment in your life even as I do the same!