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Be Not Moved–Compare and Contrast (D&C 87:8)

New Scripture Study Series

New Scripture Study Series

This is commentary based on the scripture study programStand Ye in Holy Places (Doctrine and Covenants 87:8). You can download the entire scripture study program here.

“Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.” – Doctrine and Covenants 87:8

In Doctrine and Covenants 87:8, not only are we taught to stand in Holy Places, but we are told to be not moved. Obviously, this can’t be taken literally, yet it is truly a commandment from God. We need to be steadfast as we stand in Holy Places. Wavering will not help us to complete the charge given to us by God.

In order to get a better understanding of how not to be moved, we will study four groups of people listed in Lehi’s dream).

Group One – Those Who Never Stand in a Holy Place

The First Group of People Choose Never to Stand in a Holy Place.

The First Group of People Choose Never to Stand in a Holy Place.


Lehi tells us about this first group:

And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of the fruit. – 1 Nephi 8:18

This first group of people see the prophet and the fruit of the tree of life, but they have no interest. They do not heed the teachings of the prophet. They refuse to follow him and partake. They never find themselves in a holy place.

Group Two – Those Who Wander Off

Mist of Darkness

Mist of Darkness

Lehi tells of the second group:

“And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.

And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.

And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.” – 1 Nephi 8:21-23

This group of people wanted to obtain the path that led to the tree of life. They desired to be in Holy places, and they commenced on this path. Yet, when difficulty arose, they lost their confidence and even lost their ways.

As we go through our lives, there are times when we must endure difficulties. We need to choose to stand in Holy Places and be not moved. If we waver, even a little bit, then we risk wandering off – to the point where we are lost forever.

Though this group of people weren’t openly rebellious, they still didn’t get to their final goal. We can learn from their example. We must be steadfast in our commitment to standing in Holy Places. Obviously this doesn’t mean that we must stand in the temple all day long, but we can be steadfast in our commitment in being the kind of person who is Holy and worthy of the companionship of the Spirit.

Group Three – Those Who Became Ashamed

This group of people partook then were ashamed.

This group of people partook then were ashamed.

Lehi teaches:

” And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.” – 1 Nephi 8:24-28

Of all of the groups that Lehi tells of, I feel like this one is the most unfortunate.

This group of people held to the rod, pressed forward through the mists of darkness, partook of the fruit of the tree, then looked around…they noticed the people in the great and spacious building – those who chose not to partake – and they were ashamed.

Their shame reached a fever pitch, and this group of people decided to leave the tree of life in search for empty pleasure and false happiness.

As far as standing fast goes, we can learn from their example. Even when we have obtained a testimony, we will still be tempted. We will still see the “fun” that others seem to have while we live simple, obedient lives. Even after tasting the fruit that is sweeter above all fruits, we will still be mocked and tempted. If we choose to “be not moved,” then we will be able to endure these trials. We will inherit blessings from the Father and abide the day of His coming.

It isn’t enough to work hard, cling to the rod, and partake of the Fruit. We need, also, to be steadfast after we have partaken, too.

Group Four – The Successful Partakers of the Fruit

The Tree of Life - Christ

The Tree of Life – Christ


Lehi teaches us about the final group:

But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.” – 1 Nephi 8:30

Finally, we learn of this last group who not only made it to the tree of life but never wavered after, either.

This group stood their ground throughout – they weren’t discouraged in mists of darkness nor were they ashamed by the calls of the people in the great and spacious building. They kept their eyes of faith focused on the fruit of the tree of life. Once they partook, they understood the joy and the source of that joy.

In our lives, we can be like this group by working hard to stay close to the Lord depsite external difficulties. We can “be not moved” from our holy places by nurturing our testimonies rather than listening to the deafening cries of the world.

***
What do you do to be like this fourth group of people – and persevere? How do you strive to be not moved?

2 Comments
by chococatania on February 28, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in 1 Nephi, Book of Mormon, Insights, Stand Ye in Holy Places
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Posted by chococatania on February 28, 2013

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/be-not-moved-compare-and-contrast-dc-878/

The Judgment: Required with God’s Justice

Click here for today’s assignment.

Well…it’s the second to last day…and I’m posting pretty late, but I wanted to write something really quick about today’s study assignment and the judgment.

Alma teaches a powerful concept about the judgment:

“I say unto thee, my son, that the plan of restoration is requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things should be restored to their proper order. Behold, it is requisite and just, according to the power and resurrection of Christ, that the soul of man should be restored to its body, and that every part of the body should be restored to itself.

And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.

And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them for evil. Therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame—mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption—raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one on one hand, the other on the other—

The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh.

And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.

These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil.” – Alma 41:2-7

What I’m struck by is the fact that it is requisite with the justice of God that we are judged according to our works.

I think that sometimes the current trend in society is to focus so much on the mercy and grace of God, that we forget His justice. Maybe we use His loving-kindness to rationalize away our sins. But the fact remains: Because of God’s Justice, there will be a judgment.

Now, this doesn’t mean that we can work our way into heaven. We still need the mercy of Christ. However, our works qualify us for Christ’s Grace. (See 2 Nephi 25:23.) One of the greatest works we can do is to repent.

Of course, there is so much we don’t know about the judgment. We really don’t know what it will be like. But thankfully, we know it will be personal. And we also know that standard by which God will judge: Christ. So – depending on how we conduct ourselves, the judgment will either be pretty exciting or scary.

I am both a little excited and a little nervous about the time when I can report to the Savior on what I’ve done in my life. I hope to give a good report. I hope to be able to say that I had done all that He wanted me to do. I hope to be able to admit that though I made mistakes, I always strove to be better. I hope that I will be able to say that I’ve become clean through the power of His atonement. I hope to be able to stand before Christ, with a good report, and full of humility and gratitude knowing that His atonement can help complete my weakness.

What are your thoughts on the judgment? What did you learn as you studied?

Click here for tomorrow’s assignment

7 Comments
by chococatania on September 25, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Alma, Book of Mormon, Insights, Plan of Salvation Scripture STudy Series
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Posted by chococatania on September 25, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/the-judgment-required-with-gods-justice/

The Doctrine of Christ

Click here for today’s assignment.

First of all, I have to say – I love the doctrine of Christ. I find it super exciting. This is where things really start to come together. We have studied our pre-mortal existence, the fall, and mortality. We have studied the need for the atonement, and the atonement. With the Doctrine of Christ, we learn how to apply the power of atonement to our lives. This is where everything comes together.

The Example

At the meridian of time, Christ came to the earth, and gave us an example. When he began his mortal ministry, he went to John the Baptist, and was baptized.

Nephi points out that Christ was holy, yet was baptized. He then asks:

“And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!” – 2 Nephi 31:5

Christ was holy, yet was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Of course we need to do the same.

Christ, himself, taught Nicodemus:

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” – John 3:5

Jesus taught us, through His example, that baptism is necessary in order to enter into the kingdom of God.

Baptism – an essential part of the Doctrine of Christ. (click picture for source)

The Doctrine

Foundation

  • We have to understand that we are fallen people. Christ wasn’t fallen, so He could covenant with God directly. We covenant with God in Christ’s name, and he enables us to overcome with fall.
  • If we want to be able to dwell with God again, then we need to be purified and Holy. Following the steps in the doctrine of Christ will help us, through Christ’s atonement, to be made pure and Holy.

The Steps

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.” – 2 Nephi 31:13

  1. Have Faith in Christ – follow Him, genuinely. In following Christ, we recognize that he knows where he’s going, and we want to go there, too. When we follow Christ, we believe Him. Another aspect of following Christ is doing what He has taught us to do – keep the commandments and covenant with God.
  2. Repent – Repentance seems to be a natural result of genuine faith in Christ. When we exercise our faith in Christ, when we keep His commandments, and experience His love, we are also made aware of our imperfections. It isn’t because God is some kind of guilt-tripper. It is because as we increase in our faith in Christ, we realize that we can be even closer to Him and feel more of His love when we repent and change our lives.
  3. Take upon the name of Christ – through baptism – I love this! We are able to become united with Christ when we are baptized. Can you really understand the scope of this blessing?

    I was talking with my sister today – about worthiness, the temple, prayer, etc. And I realized, none of us are worthy. None of us are worthy to go to the temple, take the sacrament, or even pray – ON OUR OWN. We pray – in the name of Christ. We bless and partake of the sacrament in the name of Christ. When we take on His name, then everything we do – as we approach the Lord – can be with the intercessory power that the Savior offers. So – am I worthy to go to the temple? When it comes to Catania, I’d have to say no. But, I’m faithful, I’m repentant, I have taken on Christ’s name, and I know that His grace makes up for my lack of worthiness. We aren’t in this alone. We can have Christ as a partner when we take on His name and live worthy of His atoning power in our lives.

  4. Receive the Holy Ghost – When we are baptized, we are purified. Then, when we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are sanctified. This is how the doctrine of Christ makes us Holy.

    I’m totally flabbergasted by the gift of the Holy Ghost. That hasn’t always been the case. When I was a little kid, I remember that we would learn about the Gift of the Holy Ghost in primary. Often, the teacher would bring in a little present – wrapped up and empty. How I longed to open that present – and find a toy or candy. Yet it was always empty: symbolizing the gift of the Holy Ghost. I understand the object lesson, but I always kind of wished it had a toy in there instead. I didn’t understand the Gift that was being offered.

    Yet, as I have gotten older, and have felt the power and blessing it is to have the Gift of the Holy Ghost in my life, I am so grateful that God chose this way to bless us (rather than toys or candy bars!).

    Think of the love God has for us. 1) We are His children, and are blessed with a divine nature. (See Romans 8:16). 2. We can take on the name of Christ – and be connected to the Godhead in this way. 3. We are literally blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost – who is a constant companion to those who live worthy of the blessing. Heavenly Father doesn’t intend for us to be alone on our mortal journey. Even though we are cut off from Heavenly father, the atonement and doctrine of Christ enables us to endure our mortal probation with divine help.

  5. Endure to the End – Nephi teaches:
    “And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

    Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” – 2 Nephi 31:19-20

    After we have completed the previous four steps, we don’t have it made. We still have to endure the tests of this life. The key is given here in 2 Nephi 31:20 –

    • Faith – steadfastness in Christ
    • Hope – perfect brightness of hope
    • Charity – love of God and of all men

    Through these efforts, we will be able to make it back to our Heavenly Father. His purposes (See Moses 1:39.) will be fulfilled, and we will rejoice forever with God.

The plan of salvation is pretty awesome.

What did you learn as you studied the Doctrine of Christ? What do you find particularly comforting about this doctrine?

Click here for tomorrow’s assignment.

6 Comments
by chococatania on September 21, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in 2 Nephi, Insights, Plan of Salvation Scripture STudy Series
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Posted by chococatania on September 21, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/the-doctrine-of-christ/

The Need for an Atonement – Scripture Chain

Click here for today’s assignment.

Yesterday, we learned about what happened at the Fall of Adam and Eve. Today we will look at a scripture chain that is an extension of the theme of the Fall – especially how it resulted in our need for an atonement.

Romans 5:12

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” – Romans 5:12

  • By Adam, sin entered into the world. It is important to note that this doesn’t mean that he committed a sin we must all pay for. “We believe that men will be punished for his own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression,” (See Articles of Faith 1:2). Instead, Paul teaches us that because of Adam, we are born into mortality – and are people who are capable of sinning. When Adam was in the garden, he was innocent. Now, we aren’t. This is how, by one man sin entered into the world.
  • Sin results in spiritual death.

Alma 42:9-10

“Therefore, as the soul could never die, and the fall had brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal, that is, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord, it was expedient that mankind should be reclaimed from this spiritual death.

Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature,…” – Alma 42:9-10

  • The soul is eternal. (See Doctrine and Covenants 93:29, 33.)
  • Even though the soul can never die, we keep hearing about how the fall brought on death. Alma clarifies that spiritual death means that we are cut off from the presence of the Lord.
  • Temporal death, physical death, is also a result of the fall.
  • Our natures became carnal, sensual, and devilish. In the scriptures, fallen man is often referred to as “natural man.”

Alma 41:11

“And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness. – Alma 41:11

  • I love this scripture!
  • When we are in our “natural” (fallen) state, we cannot be truly happy. This may not seem/sound true. In some ways, I think that our notion of happiness (or at least the world’s notion of happiness) may often be too connected with pleasure or chasing the appetite of the natural man. Of course, seeking to satiate our sensual appetites seems to be impossible. Often, this kind of unchecked passion leads us to bitterness and captivity (ie: addiction, disease, etc.)
  • The nature of God = the nature of Happiness.
  • As we learned earlier, the natural man is cut off from God. If we persist in our natural/fallen tendencies, then we cannot be happy because we are cut off from the nature of happiness.

2 Nephi 9:8-10

“O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.

And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness.

O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit.” – 2 Nephi 9:8-10

  • We can praise God: His mercy and grace. He prepared a way for us to overcome the effects of the fall. Remember: “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man,” (Moses 1:39). God’s purpose – His work – His glory is our immortality and eternal life. A way needed to be prepared for us to escape from the effects of the Fall.
  • If our bodies couldn’t rise again, then our Spirits would have been subject to Satan. – This would frustrate God’s purposes.
  • If our Spirits became subject to Satan, we would have become like Satan – remaining forever in misery. – Again, this foils God’s plan.
  • Heavenly Father, understanding the calamitous effects of the fall, yet the necessity for us to experience mortality and a spiritual separation from him (in order for our progression), made a way possible for us to overcome spiritual and physical death: the atonement.
  • When we consider the terror and bitterness of death, the concept of the atonement becomes a source of hope.

***
I am a woman who has been affected by the Fall. First of all, my body is imperfect, and I don’t just say that because I don’t have flat abs. I’m sitting here, on my couch, and I have been for 3 1/2 weeks straight – healing from a hysterectomy. I needed to have the hysterectomy because of problems caused by endometriosis. My body gets sick. I’m getting older, and I feel it in my bones. It isn’t something I like to think about: but I know that one day, my body will be laid to rest…I will die.

Additionally, I sin. I’m not as charitable as I should be. I make rash judgments. I get short-tempered with my kids. I think bad thoughts, say things I shouldn’t say, and then even do things that I regret. Obviously, I sin, and these sins, one by one, push me further away from God. I don’t really like thinking about this, either.

The thing is: we have hope in the atonement of Christ. God knew we would need it, and, to perform His purpose, he has provided a Savior that we so desperately need.

***
As you studied these scriptures, what were some of the things you noticed in a need for an atonement?

Click here for tomorrow’s assignment.

4 Comments
by chococatania on September 18, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in 2 Nephi, Alma, Book of Mormon, Insights, New Testament, Plan of Salvation Scripture STudy Series, Romans
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Posted by chococatania on September 18, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/09/18/the-need-for-an-atonement-scripture-chain/

Having an Eye of Faith – Scripture Chain

I’m intrigued by the concept of having an eye of faith. I think that it interests me so much because it has been hard for me to develop, yet I know that in many facets of our lives, visualizing ourselves accomplishing our goals will help us to see them through.

Can you imagine yourself reaching your goal – whether it is losing weight, getting a certain job, writing a novel, winning a golf tournament – do you see yourself obtaining that which you are working for? Chances are, if you can’t visualize it, then you won’t be able to accomplish it.

This concept holds true for obtaining eternal life. The Lord asks us to develop an eye of faith. Doing so will help us to achieve our ultimate goal of eternal life.

So – here’s the scripture chain.

Matthew 6:22 – Look to God

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” – Matthew 6:22
Notice, especially, the footnotes for the word “single”:
1. This is a Greek Idiom for healthy, sincere, without guile.
2. JST explains that the phrase “to the glory of God” should proceed included.

This scripture teaches us what we should be envisioning with our eye of faith: our eye needs to be single – to the glory of God, then our whole body will be full of light. This is the vision we must see with our eye of faith. Then we will be blessed.

The Lord doesn’t ask us to imagine ourselves keeping the commandments. He doesn’t ask us to imagine ourselves getting some kind of calling or even making a covenant. He tells us to envision His glory. It is the glory of God that will fill our souls with light and enable us to achieve our goal. Of course we need to keep the commandments and make covenants, but that should not be the focus of our eye of faith.

This makes sense to me. Sometimes, I forget to think of the glory of God. I forget about His power and mercy. I forget about His love and grace. Instead, I begin to focus too much on my flaws, then I get overwhelmed by the idea of perfection. I become discouraged and distracted. If we focus, instead, on the glory of the Lord, then our beings will be filled with light and hope. He will help us overcome our natural weakness and flaws. We will be able to see through to the time when our eye of faith is realized.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:68 – Be Sanctified

“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.” – Doctrine and Covenants 88:68

Here we learn that in order to have our minds become single to God, then we need to sanctify ourselves. To be sanctified means to be made pure. This happens as we repent, are cleansed in the waters of baptism, and continually work to keep the commandments and renew our covenants. As we keep our eye on God and work to become more like Him by being sanctified, then there will be a time when we do see him.

If we think of this scripture on very practical terms – as far as having an eye of faith concerning other goals – then I think that we apply this scripture to mean that we need to do what it takes to achieve our goal. If the goal is to run a marathon, for example, we can’t simply imagine ourselves crossing the finish line. We must also “sanctify” ourselves, by waking up early, running, eating right, signing up for the marathon, and logging in the miles. As we do this, not only are we are better able to keep our eyes on the ultimate prize: of crossing the finish line, but we will actually do it, too!

Acts 7:55-56 – Look Steadfastly

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” – Acts 7:55-56

This scripture is part of the account of Saint Stephen. Notice the phrase in the quoted verses, “[he] looked up steadfastly into heaven.” Stephen was steadfast in his vision. I have a feeling that Stephen spent his entire life looking to Heaven. He didn’t happen to finally have an eye of faith at the end of His life. Stephen had looked to heaven, steadfastly, for a long time and eventually saw – literally – what he had seen with his spiritual eyes for so long.

Not only do we have to look, and be sanctified, but we have to be steadfast. We have to maintain an eye of faith even when the vision we have seems completely impossible.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:38 – Seek the Lord

“And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.” – Doctrine and Covenants 101:38

Here we learn that sometimes we’ll have to seek the face of the Lord, and we may even need to be patient.

I forget this so much. It isn’t that the Lord’s face is hard to find, but it can be when I’m not being spiritually tuned into Him. When I really think about it, the Face of the Lord can be seen in everything around me. Have I ever mentioned how beautiful it is where I live?

This is where I live!

A few nights ago, I was busy in my house, getting ready for dinner, etc, when I happened to notice the sunset. Sunsets in Arizona are pretty much amazing. I decided to turn off the stove for a minute so I could go outside and enjoy the winds, the oncoming monsoon, and the amazing sunset.

I realized how often I go without taking much notice of the world around me – because I’m so focused on what is happening before my eyes. I don’t always seek the beauty of the world around me. I don’t always seek the face of the Lord in His creations and my blessings. So often, my little pathetic life is getting in the way of the bigger picture I need to have.

We may know that we need to have an eye of faith and look to the Glory of God, but there are times when this “vision” isn’t so apparent. We may need to seek His glory. Often, seeking Him isn’t so difficult – it is just a matter of turning down the distractions. No matter how you do it, we need to seek. If we do, we will find Him.

Alma 36:22, 28 – Reaching our Goal

“Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there.

And I know that he will raise me up at the last day, to dwell with him in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever,…” – Alma 36:22, 28

In this final scripture, Alma (the younger) is teaching his son shortly before His departure from mortality. He relates the experience of his conversion to his son, Helaman. He had endured the pains of his own sins, then he felt the joy of repentance. After repenting, Alma caught a glimpse – of God sitting on his throne, the beauty of the angels praising and singing. Alma longed to be there.

This vision became the picture Alma saw in his eye of faith.

We can study Alma’s life after his conversion. He spent his time devoted to the Lord. He was sanctified through keeping the commandments and making and keeping covenants. He was steadfast and didn’t waver once he had covenanted with God. He sought the Lord diligently and with patience through prayer and fasting. Because of Alma’s eye of faith, he was, eventually, able to know that he would be able to go where his soul longed to be.

How do you keep an eye of faith? How has having an eye of faith helped you to get through trials and difficulties in life? What are your favorite scriptures that teach us about having an eye of faith?

***
Read this blog post for more information on marking scripture chains in your scriptures.
or
Check out my free eBook Getting More from the Scriptures: Techniques and Projects for Effective Scripture Study.

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by chococatania on August 9, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Acts, Alma, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Insights, Matthew, New Testament, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
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Posted by chococatania on August 9, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/having-an-eye-of-faith-scripture-chain/

Overcoming Clutter through Charity

I recently read a book about hoarding. It was really fascinating. I was drawn to this book because I know and love someone that I believe to have a problem with hoarding. I know that this person is faithful, but I can see how their possessions have become a true disruption in their lives.

Going to the home of a hoarder is difficult. Whenever I go to this person’s house, I’m filled with shame, anger, and I have an extremely difficult time paying attention. The house is chaotic. There is no order, whatsoever. It is as if I feel the Spirit leave my body before I enter into the premises.

The interesting thing about this scenario is that the person I know who is a moderate hoarder is a faithful person. They go to church! They have a testimony. There is nothing, in particular, in the house that would drive away the Spirit. Instead, it is the number of objects, and the lack of order that makes this place feel like some kind of insane prison. I feel like I’m developing ADD when I am in the walls of this home. I can see that not only am I affected, but that there have been many ramifications to this person, too. They have been adversely affected by their “stuff”. In the home, there is no feeling of peace. Nothing can be nurtured in such an environment. Because of my relationship with this person, I often begin to feel overwhelmed by frustration and even anger when I think of the house and the stuff. It is no way to live.

Hoarding is becoming a more prevalent issue (especially in the U.S.). Perhaps it is because so many people have so much now. It is hard to let go of our stuff. For some reason, we attach meaning to it. We feel like if we give up something – even if it is essentially trash – we are giving up a memory, an opportunity, or a choice. We become attached to these things, and the stuff accumulates to the point where we have a hard time following Christ because his Spirit is drowned out by the chaos created by our stuff.

In the Doctrine and Covenants, we are given a piece of valuable advice:

“And if any man shall give unto any of you a coat, or a suit, take the old and cast it unto the poor, and go on your way rejoicing.” – Doctrine and Covenants 84:105

When we get something new, we need to let go of our old stuff. There is no need to keep accumulating more.

I love this pattern of advice, too. Because we can help other people amidst our own prosperity. This is the best way to be grateful. And, as far as being resourceful, when we give our old things (that are still in good shape, of course) to be used by someone else, then we are not wasting as much! The item is getting good use, and now two people can rejoice.

King Benjamin, likewise teaches:

“And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.” – Mosiah 4:21

It seems to me that the key to overcoming clutter, and even hoarding is charity. It is simple, but maybe not quite as easy as it sounds.

I am reminded of the story of Christ and the rich young ruler.

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler, Index of Armenian Art. (Click Image for source)

The story is basically about a guy – a faithful guy. He asked the Savior how to obtain eternal life. He was interested in the promises of the gospel. He knew that eternal life was something to seek after. He also recognized that Christ was the Son of God and would know how to obtain eternal life. So he inquired of the Savior.

Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. He reiterates some of them. The rich young ruler had kept the commandments his whole entire life. He was a good guy. Yet there was still something he needed to do in order to obtain eternal life:

“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” – Luke 18:22

This advice isn’t easy for the young ruler to hear.

“And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” – Luke 18:23-25

It is easy to look at the rich young ruler and chide him for not being charitable. It is easy to judge him, and say, If I were rich, then I would give up what I had and follow God. It is always so easy to judge these people! Yet, I think about clutter – the things we are hoarding – and are we really that much different than this rich young ruler? Are we letting our “things” cumber us to the point where we cannot follow Christ?

When you think of this in regards to a hoarder, following the advice of the Savior will not only help you to inherit eternal life in the future, but will make your life infinitely better in the present. A hoarder lives in a prison – made up of stuff. Many of us, even if we aren’t hoarders, also imprison ourselves with our stuff. We imprison ourselves before we even own it by getting into debt. We become so worried about our stuff, and obtaining more of it, that it gets in the way of our charity and support of others. We begin to assign more value to the items than they are worth. They become symbols of opportunities, knowledge, and maybe even happiness, and we think that if we give the item away, then we are also giving away opportunities, knowledge, and happiness. We begin to fear that we will regret giving something up. This fear creates a shackle of lifeless goods: books, clothes, toys, papers, electronics, etc.

In order to break free from this pattern, we simply need to remember that our stuff is just stuff, and that Christ offers us so much more than what we have now. We need to remember that when we support others, we will both rejoice. We need to remember that our things aren’t truly opportunities, or happiness, but that they’re just things. Above all, as difficult as it may be, in order to break free from this pattern of fear and chaos caused by hoarding and clutter, we need to keep the commandment that has been given of us: to impart of our substance to the poor. It is when we give to others, that we begin to see the true source of happiness and opportunity in our lives. The Spirit sanctifies us as we give to others, which helps us to have a better perspective on our possessions.

How do you keep a good perspective on your “stuff?” What do you do to impart of your substance? What are ways that you keep your eye on the true goal: of inheriting eternal blessings rather than get sidetracked by the shiny things we accumulate in our homes?

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by chococatania on July 19, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Insights, Luke, Mosiah, New Testament
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Posted by chococatania on July 19, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/07/19/overcoming-clutter-through-charity/

Following the Spirit can Save a Nation (Mosiah 7:1)

You might already know this background, and if you do, then skip on ahead, but read on if you want the background that will help us to see how the Lord helps us save one another through the whisperings of His Spirit.

In the Book of Mormon, we learn about a few main groups of people: The Nephites, Lamanites, and (later on) the Jaredites. Throughout the Book of Mormon, these people migrate to various lands. The Nephites, somewhere around 279 BC, were led out of their land (the Land of Nephi). They escaped the Lamanites, and ended up being guided to a Land: Zarahemla.

At about 200 BC, a few Nephites, including a man named Zeniff, were interested in going back to the land of their inheritance: The Land of Nephi. So, while King Benjamin was king, a group of people left Zarahemla to the Land of Nephi – which was then inhabited by the Lamanites.

Plenty of drama surrounds this situation, but it isn’t important to really discuss right now. What is important is: Zeniff reigned as king. His son, Noah, inherited the throne, but was incredibly wicked. He led the people into wickedness. Their wickedness culminated in killing the prophet, Abinadi. Shortly after this, their life in the Land of Nephi became very difficult. The people rebelled against Noah, he was killed, and the people also were put under stricter rules imposed by the Lamanites. Limhi, Noah’s son, inherited the throne while they lived in captivity. He was not wicked, but the Nephite living conditions were difficult – they endured beatings, persecution, and they were required to pay a 50% tax to the Lamanites for nothing other than the promise that the Lamanites wouldn’t kill them.

Despite the difficulties they faced, they were slow to remember the Lord. Instead, they tried to rely on their own faculties – sometimes even facing the Lamanites in war, only to be beaten down, and further oppressed.

Eventually, the people humbled themselves and began to pray – pleading for the Lord to deliver them from their difficult circumstances. We learn:

“And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.” – Mosiah 21:15

The Lord did not quite deliver them from bondage. They couldn’t find a way out either. They sent a search party out to look for the land of Zarahemla, but they came up empty-handed. They had to wait until finally, one day, King Limhi ran into Ammon – while hunting – and learned that Ammon was from Zarahemla, sent to find the people of King Limhi.

So…here’s where it gets interesting…

“And now, it came to pass that after king Mosiah had had continual peace for the space of three years, he was desirous to know concerning the people who went up to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi, or in the city of Lehi-Nephi; for his people had heard nothing from them from the time they left the land of Zarahemla; therefore, they wearied him with their teasings.

And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted that sixteen of their strong men might go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi, to inquire concerning their brethren.” – Mosiah 7:1-2

By this time, when King Mosiah is thinking about the people who had left Zarahemla, two generations had passed. At least 60 years had gone by. Why did he wait until this time to go and search for the People of Zeniff?

Meanwhile, King Limhi had sent a group of men out to search for Zarahemla. They wanted to petition the Nephites in Zarahemla to help them get out of bondage to the Lamanites. This trip was unsuccessful. Zarahemla and the Land of Nephi were far apart – to the point that neither land was easily found by each other. This group of spies returned back to Limhi, defeated, and they had to continue to endure the difficult captivity of the Lamanites.

Yet, King Mosiah was inspired to have a group go out and look for the land of Nephi. This group was led by Ammon and was successful. They found the people of Limhi, learned of the difficult captivity they were in, and helped to liberate them – bringing them back to Zarahemla.

I realize that King Mosiah was probably prompted by the Spirit – to think about these people. In the scripture it says that “they wearied him with their teasings.” The prompting to search for the people that had left with Zeniff didn’t seem to come to King Mosiah as a super-obvious spiritual message. Instead, it was a feeling – a teasing.

I have experienced this – little feelings that irritate me until I take some kind of action. I am starting to realize that these feelings are often the Spirit – or maybe a combination of my own spirit communicating with the Lord’s Spirit. It is good to pay attention to them – pray about them, and even take action on them.

In the case of King Mosiah, if he had done nothing, then the People of King Limhi would have continued to suffer and pray for help. King Mosiah thoughts, his teasings were the answers of the prayers given by those who were in captivity. It may not have been obvious to him at the time, but it is very obvious from our point of view – where we know the whole story.

This is just such a good reminder to me to always stay close to the Spirit and to learn how the Spirit of God works with my Spirit – so I can help be the answer someone’s prayers.

Have you experienced these kinds of promptings – teasings? What do you do to determine if they are messages from the Holy Ghost? How have you learned to fine-tune your spiritual ears?

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by chococatania on June 28, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, Insights, Mosiah
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Posted by chococatania on June 28, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/following-the-spirit-can-save-a-nation-mosiah-71/

Parenting Tips from King Benjamin

Usually, whenever I think of King Benjamin, I think of his speech on the tower.

And that was great, no doubt about it. But lately, I’ve been considering the example that King Benjamin is to parents.

I) King Benjamin taught his sons to be men of understanding
This is a direct example of King Benjamin’s parenting abilities. He taught his sons the language of his fathers that they might be men of understanding.

First of all, we have to recognize the significance of understanding. It is more than knowing. Often, we hear about opening our ears to hear, our eyes to see, and our hearts to understand. Being understanding connotes humility and conversion to the message that we have received. It is more than knowing. It is an application of knowledge received.

Secondly, we need to understand what the “language of our fathers” are. In this case, the fathers of King Benjamin were righteous people. I think about my fathers, my mothers, my ancestors. I don’t know many of them. So I can’t really teach my children in their language. But there are good things I’ve learned from my parents. I want this information to be passed on to my children. Additionally, I want to teach them of my spiritual fathers – the heroes of the gospel that I look up to. The men and women who have helped to form my faith and testimony. When I teach my children of these “fathers” they will also become people who understand.

II) He admits his faults.
In Mosiah 2:10-16, King Benjamin accounts for his service as King. He admits that he is a mortal man. He doesn’t claim to be any better than the people in his kingdom. He is humble.

I think of myself as a mother – do I show this in my parenting? Do I act like I know that I’m a mortal, or do I act like I’m perfect and shouldn’t be questioned?

I have noticed, in life, it is easier to give “breaks” to the people who are free to admit their weakness. When someone acts perfect and isn’t perfect, it is a lot harder to be patient with them (even if they would like the break!). I know that I’m imperfect. I want my children to be patient with me because I happen to have no idea what I’m doing. This means that I have to fess up to my weaknesses. If I act like I’m some kind of domineering, omniscient force, I don’t think that they will readily accept my weakness.

It is so easy to respect King Benjamin because he is open about his intentions, his work, his limitations. He doesn’t say these things to win anyone over or be political. He is honest – even if that means he must readily accept his own faults.

III) King Benjamin was a peacemaker

“And now there was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla, among all the people who belonged to king Benjamin, so that king Benjamin had continual peace all the remainder of his days.” – Mosiah 1:1

This is what I want for my home and family. I have to admit, my home isn’t always a peaceful place. sometimes it is full of confusion. Sometimes there is an air of contention. I don’t like it when these things happen. I want to make my home a haven of peace – of countinual peace.

There are a few things that I contributed to the peace that he was able to establish

  1. He spoke the word of God with authority. – I need to have authority in my home. This doesn’t mean I need to exercise unrighteous dominion, but there does need to be order. As a parent, I need to be the one who is a voice of authority. If I give this up to my kids, I do them a disservice. They do not fully understand what they want or need. I can, along with my husband, rule our home with authority in a way that uplifts and inspires our children.
  2. He labored with all of his faculties. – I think that this is so important. There are many reasons that I need to work hard. In order for peace to reign in my home, I know that the conditions of my home need to inspire peace and tranquility. I need to work hard to maintain cleanliness and order in the home. It is impossible to feel peace in a messy or filthy house. And, as a parent, If I laze around and expect my children to do the housework, then I won’t be able to establish peace. It is better for me to work hard, alongside my children – therefore reinforching our relationship through work.
  3. He fought to protect his Kingdom. – I may not have to fight with the sword of Laban, but I do have a fight. There are forces that want to push their way into the walls of my home. I have experienced these. I was born out of wedlock. My parents were divorced. I was divorced. Satan used many tactics to do what he could to destroy my family. It has had far-reaching effects. If I don’t fight to protect my family, then I know that there is a good chance we will not make it. Everything is on the line. My children, my children’s children depend on my efforts to protect our home in much the same way the Nephites relied on King Benjamin.

IV) He did not tax or become burdensome to His people.
This is easy to see why not taxing the people would be good for a kingdom, but it also applies to parentings. Even though I’m not a king, I do have a stewardship. I wonder, do I ever “tax” my children – put undue burdens on them – because of my own refusal to work hard or repent?

I love the things we learn in the scriptures. What do you learn about parenting from King Benjamin? How do you think that you can apply his example to your life?

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by chococatania on June 4, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, Family, Insights, Mosiah, Motherhood
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Posted by chococatania on June 4, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/parenting-tips-from-king-benjamin/

FHE – Murmuring

Last night, Tiger taught us about Murmuring. It was pretty appropriate for our family considering last week we learned about language.

Tiger decided to frame this lesson in the context of Nephi/Laman and Lemuel. Laman and Lemuel are classic murmurers, so this was a good place to start.

Tiger prepared a piece of paper that had two columns. On the left was Laman and Lemuel on the right was Nephi We began by reading the following scripture:

“And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them.” – 1 Nephi 2:12

On the paper, we wrote down the reasons why Laman and Lemuel chose to murmur:

  • They didn’t know God

We then read about Nephi

” And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.” – 1 Nephi 2:16

We found the reasons that Nephi chose not to murmur

  • Nephi Prayed
  • the spirit of the Lord visited and helped Nephi

We also looked up the following scriputres:
1 Nephi 3:5, 7
1 Nephi 17:17, 50-51

As we studied the scriptures we added to our chart. It ended up looking like this:

The Murmuring Chart

One of the things that we noticed, as a family, was that a big cause of murmuring comes from a lack of understanding our God. However, this doesn’t mean that we are blameless when we murmur. Nephi didn’t have more than a desire to understand when he prayed to God (in 1 Nephi 2:16). If we don’t understand God, but we have the desire to, then God will bless us as He blessed Nephi.

Through these experiences, Nephi began to gain confidence in the Lord. He knew that he could trust God. Because Nephi didn’t murmur, and instead prayed, he was blessed with courage. Often, we think of Nephi’s courage as being something difficult to cultivate in ourselves, but as we read through these scriptures, I realized that Nephi’s courage wasn’t based in his own ability. Nephi’s courage was based in his trust in God.

So…we can refrain from murmuring by trusting God, getting to know Him, and praying. We don’t have to be like Laman and Lemuel. We can be happy and obedient, and through this be strengthened by the Lord.

What did you do for FHE? Check out another great FHE experience over at We talk of Christ…

by chococatania on May 29, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in 1 Nephi, Book of Mormon, Family Home Evening, FHE Chronicles 2012, Insights

Posted by chococatania on May 29, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/fhe-murmuring/

Mothers in May – The Mothers of the Stripling Warriors

Happy Mother’s day!

So…one of my favorite examples of mothers given in the scriptures are the mothers of the stripling warriors.

We don’t get to read their narrative. We don’t read their testimonies, per se. We don’t know much about them, specifically, yet these mothers play an integral role in the history of the Nephites. When we learn about their sons, we also learn about the mothers.

The Stripling Warriors
This is what the scriptures teach us about the stripling warriors:

“And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.” – Alma 53:20-21

The stripling warriors were young.
Usually, when I think of the stripling warriors, I think of the classic picture of Helaman with his host of armies…

Stripling means “youth”. Think about the youth in your ward, perhaps. The young men most likely come in various shapes and sizes. There may be some who are strong and big. Yet there are some who are probably still growing – lanky, a little clumsy, and maybe even scronny. I have a feeling that the young warriors were probably like a typical teachers and priests quorum in shape and size.

The stripling warriors were also exceedingly courageous, strong, and true in whatever they were entrusted.

These dudes were awesome. We learn that these warriors weren’t just born true and sober, but had been taught to keep the commandments.

Helaman explains:

“Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.” – Alma 56:47-48

The courage, confidence, and integrity of the Stripling Warriors had been taught to them by their mothers. I think about this, and wonder – what am I teaching my children? Do I teach them to keep the commandments? Do I teach them that God will deliver if they will keep the commandments? Have I taught my children to be true, to obey with exactness?

I have to admit, I’m working on all of this. We have Family Home Evening. We read the scriptures. These are good things, but I have a feeling that it is more than that. I have a feeling that not only did the mothers of the stripling warriors teach their children through precept, but that these Warriors could see the testimonies of their mothers in their examples. If I want my children to trust God, be courageous and strong, and to be true, then I need to trust God, be courageous and strong, and be true. Funny how that works!

Not only did the mothers teach their young sons, but they didn’t doubt that their mothers had testimonies. I think about that, and I wonder, do my children know that I know? What am I doing to share my testimony with my children. Even if my own children falter in their own testimony, I want them to be sure that I have one.

I love the example of these women. There are only a few mentions of them – they are phrases in three verses, yet their impact has been felt by millions. Not only did they teach their sons, but their testimony preserved the Nephites. Additionally, their examples – as women and mothers – have encouraged and inspired many women in these latter days. I’m so grateful for this quick mention. It helps me remember the importance of what I am doing in my home.

How do the mothers of the stripling warriors inspire you? What are you doing to teach your children and instill your testimonies into their hearts?

***
Learn more about the mothers of the stripling warriors. Download the PDF, and read/study the scriptures. You can also answer the questions to help you think about and learn from their examples. (If you don’t see the PDF below, then click here).

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by chococatania on May 13, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Alma, Book of Mormon, Family, Insights, Motherhood, Mothers in May
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Posted by chococatania on May 13, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/05/13/mothers-in-may-the-mothers-of-the-stripling-warriors/

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