Jude is a gospel writer who contributed just one chapter of scripture. However, that one chapter contains much to ponder and treasure. One phrase that caught my attention this morning is, "praying in the Holy Ghost." This gospel principle is also taught in D&C 46:30; 50:29-30; and 101:27 and in Matthew 6:8; Romans 8:6; James 4:3; 2 Nephi 4:35; 2 Nephi 32:8-9; Enos 1:18; 3 Nephi 18:20; 3 Nephi 19:24.) I am sure there are many more besides these.
We often rush through our prayers, saying the things we have frequently said. However, if we slow down and strive to sense the whisperings of the Spirit, we can be led in our prayers to pray for the things we most need to pray for and that are in accord with the will of the Lord. Sometimes we will even be led to pray for something we didn't know that we needed to pray for. Prayer is a wonderful blessing from the Lord, to strengthen in our earthly journey.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Faith, Coupled with Works, Leads to Salvation
I am reading in the Book of Mormon and the New Testament in English and Spanish. Today while reading 1 John 5, the following thoughts came to mind.
Works: "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments" (1 John 5:3). It is stated this way in John 14:15: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Faith: "He that hath [faith in] the Son hath life" (1 John 5:3, 12). In John 3:36 it is stated more clearly: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life."
Much of the Christian world has separated faith and works--saying works have little or nothing to do with salvation. I cannot comprehend how they can overlook scripture after scripture that clearly connects salvation to faith and to our actions. Thus, both faith and the works of righteousness--obedience to the commandments--are required for salvation. It is troubling how the adversary can convince so many to ascribe salvation as a function of faith alone. Indeed, living, vital faith is an impelling force that causes the true believer to love the Father and the Son and to demonstrate that love through obedience.
Works: "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments" (1 John 5:3). It is stated this way in John 14:15: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Faith: "He that hath [faith in] the Son hath life" (1 John 5:3, 12). In John 3:36 it is stated more clearly: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life."
Much of the Christian world has separated faith and works--saying works have little or nothing to do with salvation. I cannot comprehend how they can overlook scripture after scripture that clearly connects salvation to faith and to our actions. Thus, both faith and the works of righteousness--obedience to the commandments--are required for salvation. It is troubling how the adversary can convince so many to ascribe salvation as a function of faith alone. Indeed, living, vital faith is an impelling force that causes the true believer to love the Father and the Son and to demonstrate that love through obedience.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Times in Which We Live
Often, when I hear on the news of a people rebelling against repressive leaders, I think of the words found in Doctrine and Covenants 87:4: "And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war." Indeed, many people of the Middle East have been, in effect, made slaves by their unrighteous governments. Following the pattern of many in the past, they are rising up and demanding to be freed from slavery. There is something in the human spirit that yearns to be free--to have a voice in their government. My prayer is that good leaders will rise from the ashes of these rebellions to bless the people.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Studying the Scriptures Strengthens Our Testimony of Jesus Christ
In my study today, I was touched by these words of the Savior: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." This gives some insight into the reason that Paul said, "Faith cometh by hearing . . . the word of God (John 5:39, emphasis added)," which is found in its richest form in the scriptures.
One further scripture helps to confirm this thought: "These words [of scripture] are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:34-36, emphasis added).
When we study, we should "Let these sayings sink down into [our] ears" (Luke 9:44). In other words, we should take time to ponder what we have read. They will then have the desired effect in our lives, if we let them.
We gain and strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ while reading the scriptures, because they testify of Him, and through them we "hear" his voice, in a figurative, spiritual sense. As His words sink deeply into our ears, minds and hearts and as we apply them in our daily living, they make "an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast" (Hebrews 6:19), binding us ever more securely to Him Who is the Source of all spiritual power.
One further scripture helps to confirm this thought: "These words [of scripture] are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:34-36, emphasis added).
When we study, we should "Let these sayings sink down into [our] ears" (Luke 9:44). In other words, we should take time to ponder what we have read. They will then have the desired effect in our lives, if we let them.
We gain and strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ while reading the scriptures, because they testify of Him, and through them we "hear" his voice, in a figurative, spiritual sense. As His words sink deeply into our ears, minds and hearts and as we apply them in our daily living, they make "an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast" (Hebrews 6:19), binding us ever more securely to Him Who is the Source of all spiritual power.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Introduction to My Blog
I love to study, understand, live, and teach from the scriptures. This blog gives me a place to share that love with members of my family and others. Today while studying the scriptures, I came across this verse, which hadn't caught my attention previously: “He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away” (Luke 1:53).
To gain the richness of the spiritual feast that the Lord has reserved for us, we must go to the scriptures hungry to learn. “Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price” (2 Nephi 9:50). Feasting on the scriptures requires no money, just a mind and heart open to spiritual truths and ears that listen with real intent. A feast is available to all who have faith in Jesus Christ or who are open to developing faith in Him. Indeed, "faith cometh by hearing [reading]. . . the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
The richest of feasts go to those who follow the pattern taught in Luke 6:47-48:
46 ...Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
When we come to Jesus Christ through prayerful scripture study. When we open our hearts, minds and ears to His word. When we do our best to do the things that the Lord tells us in His scriptures. Then we have indeed founded ourselves on a rock, "the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God" (Helaman 5:12). We will sink our spiritual roots into the bedrock of His gospel, anchoring ourselves to Him Who is the "rock of our salvation" (Psalms 95:1).
When we follow this pattern, the Lord will bless and strengthen us. We will learn incrementally, building on what we have previously learned, "precept on precept, line upon line; here a little and there a little" (2 Nephi 28:30). The light of the gospel in our lives "[will grow] brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24).
I know this is true. I have seen it in my own life and in the lives of others.
Here is a link to the Book of Mormon app on iOS and Android: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/mobile-applications/book-of-mormon-app?lang=eng
To gain the richness of the spiritual feast that the Lord has reserved for us, we must go to the scriptures hungry to learn. “Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price” (2 Nephi 9:50). Feasting on the scriptures requires no money, just a mind and heart open to spiritual truths and ears that listen with real intent. A feast is available to all who have faith in Jesus Christ or who are open to developing faith in Him. Indeed, "faith cometh by hearing [reading]. . . the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
The richest of feasts go to those who follow the pattern taught in Luke 6:47-48:
46 ...Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
When we come to Jesus Christ through prayerful scripture study. When we open our hearts, minds and ears to His word. When we do our best to do the things that the Lord tells us in His scriptures. Then we have indeed founded ourselves on a rock, "the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God" (Helaman 5:12). We will sink our spiritual roots into the bedrock of His gospel, anchoring ourselves to Him Who is the "rock of our salvation" (Psalms 95:1).
When we follow this pattern, the Lord will bless and strengthen us. We will learn incrementally, building on what we have previously learned, "precept on precept, line upon line; here a little and there a little" (2 Nephi 28:30). The light of the gospel in our lives "[will grow] brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24).
I know this is true. I have seen it in my own life and in the lives of others.
As you seek peace in your daily life, I commend to you reading daily in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully reading this divine book will draw you nearer to Jesus Christ than any other book. As a companion scripture to the Bible, it will bring you peace and a nearness to the Savior that will bless your daily life with strength through trials and peace in troubled times.
You can read the Book of Mormon online at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng
To receive a free physical copy go to: churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/free-book-of-mormon
Here is a link to the Book of Mormon app on iOS and Android: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/mobile-applications/book-of-mormon-app?lang=eng
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