What is there to fear?

2 Nephi 29

We believe the Bible to be the world of God. This chapter is on the coming forth of more scripture, specifically the Book of Mormon, but it doesn't stop there. Many people have been led away into other countries and the Lord loves all his children. Therefore, he speaks to all of them and the day will come when we will have the words he spoke to all nations and they will be combined. Will I accept them?

I've pondered this thought. What if the Bible would have been my main source of spiritual food. Would I have readily accepted the Book of Mormon? It is hard to know. I can only hope that it would have rung true to me under those circumstances. I know that when I read it as a person seeking truth and answers to my questions, it spoke to me and continues to speak to me. I'm not a scriptorium by any means, but I love the scriptures and they guide me. They are a protection to me from the evils in this world and they bring me comfort from the sorrows that constantly are before me. They give me the courage to make righteous choices and the peace of mind to know that this life is but a test. The day will come when I will stand before my Savior and be judged. This is not something I fear, and that is because of the scriptures. I am sure there are many things on which I fall short; but because of the scriptures and my love for the Savior, I know that I will be forgiven. The Lord knows the desires of my heart. I know this because of the scriptures. I probably try more than I do; but I do try.

So how does this apply to me today? Keep on keeping on. Listen to the promptings of the Spirit and continue doing my best. He asks for nothing more. I have learned (relearned) a powerful tool this week, and that is the power of prayer. As I was given a task by my Stake President on Sunday that was monumental in my mind, I came home and prayed harder than I've ever prayed. I prayed for each one of my presidents by name and ward and asked Heavenly Father to give them ideas on how to improve their visiting teaching in their ward. I have said this same prayer every morning, noon and night and for the first two days even in between as I felt prompted. I am anxious to hear the results of this effort. Some wards have kept me abreast of their success as they have gone along. On Tuesday night, I was exhausted from my concern for these presidents and the heavy load they carry. After all, they are students at the beginning of a new school year. Tuesday night, I put out my hand and gave my concerns to the Savior and asked him to carry it for the night so I could sleep solidly and be restored. What an amazing tool this is! He hears our prayers. He is very aware of our concerns and needs. When you know this, what is there to fear?   

2 Nephi 27

I love this chapter!  I can see clearly see the things being talked about in our day, i.e. the darkness and apostasy, the Book of Mormon coming forth.  I love the first verse where it uses the phrase “. . . drunken with iniquity and all manner of abominations”.  Have you seen a drunken man or woman?  They have absolutely no sense of value at all.  Their mouths are incontinent and they say the stupidest things. 

Verse 2 – Have we not seen the hand of the Lord just recently in the earthquakes, storms and fires?

The wicked are in a spirit of a deep sleep (v5) and have closed their eyes and rejected the words of the prophets.  They just don’t get it!

Verse 11 – I love this thought “the power of Christ”.  What is the power of Christ?  For one, he is all powerful and can do anything.  He created the world.  He created us.  We can tap into that power through prayer as we serve him in the work of saving his children.  I have experienced this myself this week as I have prayed harder than ever in my life for the same thing – that the presidents in my YSA stake will have his guidance as they figure out their visiting teaching.  I have already heard of amazing experiences these young women have had.  I know it is a direct result of the prayer we have given in their behalf.  We have tapped into the “power of Christ”.  In verse 20 it says “. . . I am able to do mine own work. . .”  This is so very true.  He does it through us as we turn to him for guidance.  I testify this is so very true.  I love the Savior and his promises are sure.  We just have to do our part to get to that point.  We also need to remember that the Lord has given us our agency – to choose. 

I will Follow the Lord

2 Nephi 18

I read this chapter this morning from my iPad hoping to remember some of the things I have written in my scriptures. I did okay, but it still seems to be written in code. Those sentences that I do understand seem to drop off without completion.

I understand that v3 where it says “Call his name Maher-shalai-hash-baz” is another type of Jesus Christ. I don't understand why. I just wrote it from “Understanding Isaiah”.

The one thought that I might be able to really understand is v9 where it says “Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces. . .” Associate with what? The adversary. Counsel together and it won't be good either. Strategies are useless, is what I wrote in the margins. We must not walk in the ways of people but in the ways of the Lord, receiving counsel from him; teaming with him.

Apologies. I know the Lord is my light and it is his laws I will keep. That will have to suffice until I'm more spiritually mature enough to understand Isaiah who says he writes plainly. Really?

Comfort in Serving

2 Nephi 16 & 17

Isaiah is still being quoted. Chapter 16 prophesies of the coming of Christ. Chapter 17 talks about the waring in the last days.

It continues to be a struggle for me to understand these chapters and that makes me sad. However, I get the gist of what it is I'm reading because of a few phrases I've been told to watch for in the Book of Mormon and specifically these Isaiah chapters. When we read “in that day”, it is speaking about the last days – our days. Chapter 17 is talking about the wars that will be waged in the latter days.

As I am reading this morning, I noticed that the Lord (Vs 18) shall “hiss” for the fly and the bee. Now these are pretty small and somewhat insignificant creatures, yet they are who the Savior calls to fight the battle. They come and are sent to desolate valleys. Could this mean missionaries are sent to far away countries to preach the gospel? I'm guessing.

I'm sad I'm not better at this, but I will say this much. The more I read it, the more I think I might understand. I actually read Chapter 17 twice this morning. Once on my iPad and once out of my scriptures which have markings from classes I've taken and when I used my “Understanding Isaiah” book. Although there is much I miss, I do understand that the last days – our days – are going to be filled with war among nations and within nations. Such a comforting thought. NOT! The real comfort comes in staying on the Lord's errand.   

Just as a footnote.  When I post each day, I notice someone is looking at these posts.  Oh how I wish I could get a conversation going.  Am I making any sense?  Or is this nonsense?  I know (or at least I think) I have a brother and mother who check in regularly.  But there are more.  Let me know who you are.

Temple brings peace in the last days

2 Nephi 14 & 15

The entire gist of these two chapters is the judgments that will come upon those wicked who reject the words of the Lord and make their own laws. Where is the comfort for those who keep the laws and have loved ones who do not? It is only in the covenants we have made in the temples of the Lord and the promises that are given if we are faithful. It will be tough for those who reject the gospel. But I know the Lord has a plan. I can only stay focused on that thought.   

Countenance witnesses against the wicked

2 Nephi 12 & 13

I obviously move through Isiah chapters a little differently. I have writing in the margins so small I can't read them now. But as I read, I get the gist of what I'm reading. In the last days, things are going to be pretty tough. In many ways, those days are now. However these two chapters don't specifically talk about the calamities in the world but rather the decadence of the people of the world – even of Zion. In Chapter 13 it talks specifically about the women and their clothing, fine linens, etc. It definitely gives the reader cause to pause. Am I the subject? Is it I?

Verse 9 says “. . .their countenance doth witness against them. . .” This is a verse I think of often. I know we aren't to judge others. It is very difficult when you see a person apostatizing from the gospel and you can see it in their eyes first, then it begins to show in their very appearance. The interesting thing is that those of the world see it and don't know what is happening. When you have the Holy Ghost, you know what's happening when you see it and it sad.

I will never forget when I was turning my life around and embracing righteousness. I was in the work place and not all knew what was going on in my life. Those who knew me but not my personal life would come up and ask me if I had cut my hair. Had I lost weight? Had I changed my makeup? Of course, the answer was no. I knew at this time what was different. It was fun for me as well and interesting to watch it happen in the lives of others as well since then.

My soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord

2 Nephi 11

Nephi is now the author. He delights in the scriptures. He saw the Savior as well as Jacob and many others have testified of seeing him. His delight is in proving the truth of the coming of Christ. I had to smile when I read that. When Chase was on his mission, that was his joy as well. He loved to prove the truthfulness of the gospel.

I particularly came to attention when I read v5 because if is somewhat the theme for our single stake's ward conferences this year. “. . .my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord. . .” As I have pondered this theme for weeks, I find that I too find delight in the covenants. As I struggle with the course of a wayward child, it is almost more than I bear. Then I do an endowment and hear the promises that are made through my keeping of the covenants and I somehow find comfort that things will work out. I don't know how. I see such entanglement in sin and destructive behavior that I wonder just how the Lord can fix this. But I have faith that I did what I covenanted to do as a parent. We taught the gospel to our children. We taught them about the atonement and that they have a Heavenly Father and a Savior who will be there for them. Because of this, I know somehow at some time, she will reach out and beg for forgiveness. It may not be in this life. I understand that too. I don't understand exactly how, but I understand it is not over until the judgment day.

Yes, I find delight in the covenants of the Lord. His promises are sure. He has shown this to me in so many ways. It is up to me to keep the covenants I have made – to attend the temple often to renew those covenants. Interesting that as we get older and our children need those blessings, there seems to be more time – or at least a higher priority – for just that. For this I am grateful.

And tomorrow I begin the Isaiah chapters. Each time I reach this point, it becomes easier and I understand more though I wonder if I'll ever be able to explain it to anyone else. Isaiah was an interesting man in his writings. I find it interesting that he said he wrote plainly for those who had the spirit of the Lord to understand. I pray each time I read these chapters that the Lord will bless me with that spirit to understand.

Gems missed

2 Nephi 10

A few gems I missed. The last few days I've read my scriptures from my iPad. The advantage is that I have have my scriptures nearly anywhere I go. The disadvantage is I miss some of the “gems”. One is 2 Nephi 9:39. SMILE=Spiritually Minded is Life Eternal. I love that thought. Those who have their focus on the Lord, doing His work here on earth and keeping the commandments DO smile more than those who are, as Jacob puts it in chapter 10:24, yield to the will of the devil and the flesh.

This is the first time I've thought about it. The devil and flesh are used in the same breath. Why? The devil never has had a body of flesh. Yet he knows the weakness of the human family. It is the flesh! As I look at it, nearly any sin I can think of is a fleshy one. Drinking, drugs, pornography, sex outside of marriage – the list goes on. That was just an interesting thought to me this morning.

Going back to the SMILE, in Ch10, v23 it says: “. . .cheer up your heart. . .” The Lord wants his people to be happy. Last night in the temple a member of the presidency spoke to us before our endowment session. He mentioned several references to “resting upon the Lord”. What is that rest? It is the peace/rest we find by keeping our covenants in an upside-down world. The world is whacked and it's not going to get better. In fact, prophecy tells us that the world will be worse then Sodom and Gomorrah before the Savior returns. We can see it is headed in that direction, yet those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ and hold strong to the covenants they have made with the Lord and prepare for his coming, somehow find peace/rest and manage to have joy in the gospel. It is an amazing thing.

How do I apply this to myself this morning. Well, the last few days I have let myself dwell on the self destruct of a precious daughter. I know I need to give it to the Lord. I can't fix it and it isn't mine. He will work his miracle with her just as he did with me. I need to find rest in that belief and focus my attention into building his kingdom as I have covenanted to do. I will say that I actually asked the Lord to take this one from me last night. I've done this before, but I for some reason decided to take it back. This is not a good thing. I gave it back to Him and I will move forward. I can love without being consumed in the poor choices of someone else.

O the goodness of God!

2 Nephi 9

O how great the goodness of our God! This is from verse 10. This entire chapter lays out the joy of righteous living verses the consequences of going contrary to the teaching of Christ. One would be wise to study this chapter very carefully. I don't think it's going to be a lot of fun on judgment day when you come before the Savior and have wasted your life.

Satan is described as a monster in v10. Certainly that is a good description. He plays havoc on the lives of those who cannot bring themselves to keep the covenants they have made with God. This whole chapter is so very real to me given the overtime I spend worrying about a wayward daughter. I can see the clutches Satan has on her, and can only envision the miracle that hopefully will take place at some future day that will save her from the life she is creating, which is no life. “. . . wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!” v27 This is not comforting to a parent of a wayward child, but very clear. I know the Lord will not tolerate sin in any degree. There is only one way out, and that is through accepting Christ as your Savior and Redeemer and turning to him for help. It is doable; but it is hard work. Why is it so hard? Because the chains of Satan are so very strong. As miserable as life is, habits are not easily broken. But this I know. It can be done.

But let's not focus only on the sadness of the judgment. Jacob also warns us not to spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Come unto the Holy One and feast upon that which perisheth not (v51). I love the words used in the verse: feast, fatness. In our mortal condition, these are frightening words. However, in coming unto Christ, the more we feast on his words, the fatter we get – the kind of fat that we should all seek after.

Okay, so how does this apply to me today? Does it bring me comfort. Yes and no. I will never stop being concerned for my children. The world is so evil. How I pray every day that they (and I) will embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ to save themselves from the awfulness described in this chapter. Is that all I can do? Love them. Love them as the Savior has loved me. But not tolerate their evil behaviors in my own life. And that is the challenge.

Who leaves whom?

2 Nephi 7

Nephi quotes from Isaiah again about the Savior, Jesus Christ. I have to admit I got snagged on the first verse this morning. I've read it before and I really do understand what it is saying. The Lord has not turned away from us. We are the ones who move. What grabbed my attention was the last phrase, “. . . and for your transgressions is your mother put away.” What does that mean? When a child transgresses the gospel of Jesus Christ, how would that cause the mother to be put away? As a mother, may I suggest dissapointed? Maybe even unable to be around the transgressor because it is too painful? Certainly as I've watched one of my own turn away from the teachings of the gospel, I've noticed she has pulled away from her parents. It's been a process, but once the declaration was made that she did not believe, it was a fast decline.

The last verse (11) talks about kindling ones own fire. What is meant by that? I've written notes that say people who come up with their own religious beliefs, i.e. God loves all his children and we will all be together in the next world. I've heard that one. I've also heard that the “gospel” was created by parents to keep their kids from doing bad things. Whatever. That is a belief conjured up by a young mind trying to justify wrong behavior. The sobering thought is the last sentence: “This shall ye have of mine hand – ye shall lie down in sorrow.” So you think you're sad today, that life has dealt you a rotten hand. Well, it is nothing compared to what you will feel at the resurrection when you see those you have associated with all your life gain eternal life and you are given a smaller portion. Sorrow will be your constant companion!

So what does this mean to me? It means I need to do all in my power to preach truth to my children, grandchildren and others I have stewardship over. That they might avoid this sorrow that is mentioned. Not only will this have the potential to save them at the last day, but will give them a better shot at joy in this early existence.   

The Last Days

2 Nephi 6

Jacob quotes Isaiah concerning the last days – today! It really grabs my attention toward the last few verses as he talks about the destruction both by fire, tempests, earthquakes, bloodsheds, pestilence and famine. Have we not already seen a great deal of what he has spoken? Can we not see the hand of the Lord in all the calamities that the world is currently suffering? Certainly the Lord knows how to get our attention. This chapter brings concern and comfort. It all depends where you are standing in the Lord's work. Are you a covenant keeper?

What does Isaiah mean when he says kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers? It will be Gentiles who take the saving ordinances of the gospel into the world where kings and queens will be taught and embrace the gospel. We see some of that, but I don't think it's to the degree that it will eventually come. In verse 6 the Lord says, “I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people. . .” The Lord will covenant with the Gentiles (us), and create a standard, i.e. the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's happening in our time. We're seeing this prophecy unfold in the nations of the world. What an exciting time in the history of the world. We see the destruction, but we also see the spreading of the gospel into lands never before dreamed. What a blessing!

My role in this, should I choose to accept it, is to be one of the Lord's servants in taking the gospel into the world in whatever capacity he chooses. For now, it is serving at BYU and influencing for good those young people who are so ready for the tasks that are ahead of them. It is a thrill to see how good they really are. They already know their Savior. They have strong testimonies. And when this call is completed, there will be another. My task is to stay healthy and strong so that I might be able to accomplish the tasks I'm given. The older I get, the more I realize this is the challenge.  

Compare then and now

2 Nephi 5

The Nephites separate from the Lamanites. The Lamanites are cursed with a skin of darkness, are idle, and a scourge to the Nephites.

As I read this entire chapter I could not help but think of how it is in today's world when people do not heed the counsel of the prophets and the Lord. They might not take on a skin of darkness, but there is a dark countenance about them – especially if they once partook of the light. The may not be idle like the Lamanites, i.e. stealing and plundering and causing all manner of destruction. However, they are focused intently on their own selves and very little on the welfare of others. This is not a generalization, as I realize there are many good people who help the world in many ways and they don't necessarily have the true gospel in their lives. They do, however, follow the Savior, Jesus Christ, and try to keep his commandments. They can become a scourge to those with whom they once associated. It is not a stretch for me to understand how that happens. They are uncomfortable around goodness. It makes them feel guilt and they don't like it. Having been there myself at one time in my life, I truly do get this one.

So how does it affect me in today's world? Well, I obviously know people who have “defected” from the gospel of Jesus Christ. What is the role I am to play with them? Of course, I will always be kind and loving. Trusting? To a degree that it is deserved. I will set a righteous example and have in my home a spirit of love to the degree that it might instill within others a desire to return to the gospel. One thing that is a little disconcerting, but quite reasonable, is the fact that I prepare to deal with the hatred of those who hate me. I can't conceive of that, but I know it is a reality. Make swords? Well, at least have a way to defend my home and family against an enemy to us.

Usher in 2nd Coming

2 Nephi 3

Lehi gives a patriarchal blessing to his son, Joseph, who is quite young and was born after they left the city of Jerusalem.

This is really quite an amazing chapter. I can't help but wonder what Joseph Smith would have thought as he was translating this particular chapter in the Book of Mormon. Did he recognize that the Joseph spoken of who would one day do a marvelous work and a wonder was him? No doubt he did. As I was thinking this, I wondered how it would be to have that experience. Then I thought of the prophecies of those who would usher in the gospel and the second coming in these latter days. Do I recognize they are speaking of me? I would think they are – especially if I choose to step up to the plate. The gospel is so beautiful and fascinating to study!

Well, how does this apply to me today? Keep on keeping on, I would think – hope. I could always do better. Today I feel like I'm running about as fast as I can run, however. It is my desire that this is pleasing to the Lord.   

What keeps me awake?

2 Nephi 2

Lehi preaches to his children about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This is his “parting shot” so to speak. Would it be every righteous parent's parting shot – that their children would accept the spirit of the Holy Ghost to guide them back to eternal life? I would hope so. But as with all things pertaining to righteousness it is easier to write about than to do.

In spite of the seemingly untiring need to follow the evil prompting of the adversary, I am impressed that Laman and Lemuel continue to listen to their father. Could they have been all bad at this point? At least they were being somewhat respectful to listen. Or were they listening? Were they just doing “lip service” so to speak? Do our children do that today? Absolutely! There are times when we start talking about the gospel and I know at least one just tunes out.

But Lehi makes it very clear that the spirit is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will not dwell in unrighteous places. He will protect and guide those who truly love the Lord.

In verse 25 we have a scripture mastery: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy. “ This would seem to be an excellent measuring tool for whether we are on track. Are we finding joy in the things we do in spite of the turmoil that surrounds us? If so, that is a good indicator that we are okay in the Lord's eyes. Or are we miserable in spite of everything we do? Are the moments of joy merely moments of entertainment and worldly influence? When we go to bed at night and we are alone with ourselves and our own thoughts, what keeps us awake? Are they thoughts of the joy we have experienced, the friendship we have deepened, the feelings we had as we served and felt for a moment that we were truly doing the Lord's work – being His hands? Or are the thoughts that trouble us thoughts of guilt? Have our attentions been on ourselves or others? Are we the ones we are trying to serve, or are we serving our fellow man. I think this is a pretty good indicator of where we are in the Lord's plan for us.   

Where are the men?

2 Nephi 1 Lehi talks to his posterity before he dies. I truly love this chapter. There are some real gems. For one, Lehi is bold in speaking to his children. I love that he tells them to “Awake and arise from the dust and hear the words of a trembling parents. . . “v14 Why is Lehi trembling? He fears for the welfare of his children. He sees that they are on the path of destruction. He actually talks to them about it, however. It just is not that easy to say anything of a religious context to a child today who has turned against the saving grace of their Heavenly Father. They just aren't interested in what you have to say. The real verses that are of interest to me in this chapter are the description of a real. Since this is a topic of discussion all the time when my girls get together, I think I want to describe what a real man looks like. I believe they're looking for the wrong character traits. Of course, I know they don't read this, but they would be wise if they did. What is a true man? 1) He is united, of one mind, one heart and in all things that he might avoid captivity (v21). What might prevent a man from being held captive in today's world? Avoid Porn, embrace completely the Word of Wisdom, avoid the attractions of the world, i.e. entertainment, playing on Sabbath, etc. What about united? What is he to be united with? The brethren of the church and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be found doing his duty on the Sabbath and frequently during the week. 2) He wears proudly the armor of righteousness. You don't have to guess where he is in his standing with the Lord. He attends the temple regularly. 3) He does not rebel. When the Lord speaks, he listens and obeys. 4) He is an instrument in the Lord's hands. What does that mean? He is active in his church calling, he serves others, he seeks ways to make the world a better place. 5) He does not seek for power nor authority, but seeks for the glory of God. How would a man do that? Again, he tries in every way to keep the commandments of God. 6) He speaks the truth – in all things and always. What he says, you know you can trust. He is b man old in calling out iniquities. Again this is a hard one. 7) He has the power of God. What would this look like? To me, he would be humble yet strong in his personal convictions. There would be no doubt where he would stand in his relationship with God. You just might take second place at times, but it would be behind God and not another woman, interest or entertainment. This comes from Verse 21 through 27. So can I ask where you're looking for the man of your dreams? It is not in worldly places. You start at church. I realize there are scum buckets who attend church for the sole purpose of plucking the righteous daughters of God from the fold and using them for their personal gain. Your challenge is to live worthy of the Holy Ghost to be as your guide and not even be tempted – not even for a single date to be sure. The Holy Ghost knows the desires of a man's heart just like he knows yours. I will not back down on this theory. It worked for me 32 years ago and it still works today. How do I know this? Because the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. His ways will not change.

All these things. . .

I apologize this is one long paragraph. Blogger has changed their format. I will need to find out how to make paragraphs. This is not very pretty. :) 1 Nephi 21 Isaiah speaks about the gathering of Israel. I must confess these are difficult chapters for me to understand. One time I went through them word-by-word and wrote in the margins what a book, “Understanding Isaiah” by Perry, had to say about each word. That certainly helped. Many of my notes that I wrote in margins I can still read. Suffice it to say, the chapter is on gathering Israel. It's not clear as glass, but if you understand a few symbolisms, it becomes clearer. The “mountains” are the temples. Kings and Princes are covenant people. Those who are covenant people will be about the business of rescuing Heavenly Father's children. How will that be? For one, we will be rescuing the deceased as we do their temple work. The other is seeking out those of Heavenly Father's children who are lost and need rescuing. This is done by serving missions, yes; but it is also done one friend at a time as we come in contact with people who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. As I was reading this morning, my mind wandered to when I first left my parents' home and went into the world. Since visiting teaching is sitting hard on the front lobe of my brain currently, I thought about that time in my life. I thought of the many blessings I have missed out on because I did not have a visiting teacher at that time in my life. Had I had a friend who saw it as her responsibility to “rescue” me from my inadequacies and shyness – who would have been my friend, who might I have become? Where would I be today? Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. I would not change the people who are dear to me in my life. I'm totally happy with how my life has turned out. But I know I missed out on serious growth and blessings because of my nine years of inactivity. If that's not enough, I created a host of problems for a sweet daughter and her children by sticking them with a family consisting of a dead-beat dad/grandpa who she is now caretaker over (somewhat), not to mention his ailing sibling and mother. Now is all this a bad thing? Absolutely not! All these things shall be for our experience and will be for good in our lives, meaning it will help to sanctify us. (D&C 122:7) I can say without a doubt that the bad things I have experienced have benefited me as I have served the Lord. They serve me quite well right now as I serve as Relief Society president in a singles ward. They serve me as I grieve for a daughter who has turned from the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that what she is going through has the capacity to eventually help her be a better person if it doesn't kill her first. And even then, only the Lord knows what she is going through and he will be the judge.