All posts in category Matthew

The Timelessness of the Atonement

The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ This blog post is part of a series of posts that will explore the Atonement by studying Christ’s life in the New Testament. If you want to find the assignments, you can download my eBooks for Matthew, Mark, (Luke, and John coming soon).

The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ–Assignment for Matthew 1

Read Matthew 1.

Even though the Atonement seems to be one specific point in Christ’s life, all of the other events of His life (including His pre-mortal life) point to His great mission: the Atonement. In other words, many things needed to happen in order for the Atonement to take place.

  1. What do you think the relationship is between Christ’s heritage and the Atonement?
  2. What do you think the relationship is between Christ’s stepfather, Joseph, and the Atonement?
  3. What do you think the relationship is between the announcement of Christ’s birth by the angel (and preceding prophecies of His divine birth) and the atonement?
  4. How can understanding the relationship between His pre-mortal life and His Atonement help us to understand the power it has in our lives?

I suppose that when I think about this series of questions–and the Atonement in our lives, I’m really struck by the whole idea of fore-ordination. Christ was foreordained to be the Messiah. He was meant to be born in the line of Judah—in the House of Israel…from the beginning of time. Here, we see the lineage starting at Abraham and Isaac— which is also a powerful reminder since Abraham is the Father of Israel. Not only that, but Isaac was a type of Christ when Abraham was asked to sacrifice his birthright son. Isaac went with his father willingly, just as Jesus sacrificed His own life for us.

Later, Joseph, when he finds that Mary is pregnant, is thinking on what to do with Mary and His espousal to her. Instead of choosing to make an example of her, he decides to end the engagement quietly. this is a pretty kind thing to do. Joseph is generous and merciful-fit to be the “step-father” of the Savior.

An angel appears to Joseph and teaches:

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

Right here, we learn the entire purpose and mission of Christ’s life. He will save us from our sins. He will Atone. Christ wasn’t sent to earth arbitrarily. Even before He was born, there was purpose and planning. He had a divine mission to fulfill.

The Atonement wasn’t a reaction to the fall of Adam and Eve. It was always a part of the Plan, and Christ was foreordained to perform it.

I suppose that when I think of the Atonement and how it has been in the works long before Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane or the Cross at Calvary, I realize the mercy, the scope, the magnitude of Heavenly Father’s plan of Salvation, and His incredible love for us. The Atonement is the key to my happiness. As I develop my relationship with Christ and learn more about His Atonement, I can learn how to let it empower my life. It is not just some abstract idea to talk about sometimes during Sunday School. It is real. It is powerful. It is hope, mercy, love. It was designed long before Adam or Eve set foot in the Garden. It was prophesied many millennia before Christ came to the earth. And we still recognize and reverence the miraculous work He did for us now.

***
What do you learn about the Atonement from this chapter and assignment? How does it strengthen your faith in the Atonement and your relationship with the Savior?

Leave a Comment
by chococatania on April 29, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Insights, Matthew, New Testament, The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ
Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by chococatania on April 29, 2013

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/the-timelessness-of-the-atonement/

New Testament Study Companion: Matthew

I’m soooooooooooo excited.

I’ve been working on this completely insane project for a little while now. While I’m not completely finished with it, I can finally start sharing it with you.

In the past, you know that I’ve created several scripture study series. I feel like they’ve probably been helpful to people who have completed them. My newest project is a study guide for the Gospels. And Matthew is now available!

New Testament Study Companion: Matthew

New Testament Study Companion: Matthew

So…there are a few ways that you can get this book.

Free eBook

Click here for ePub or eBook.
This format will work for iPad, iPhone, Nook, and pretty much everything but the Kindle.

Free PDF

Click here for the downloadable PDF Version.
You can also download this as a PDF if you would prefer.

Print Version

Click here if you are interested in a print version.
You can also choose to have this book printed and sent to you for $5.86. This might be a nice option for people who like to hold things in their hands. It is also most likely less expensive and more durable than printing the eBook yourself.

***

Kindle

Click here if you are interested in the book for Kindle.
Here the book is available on Amazon, and can be read on your kindle eReader.

***

About the New Testament Study Companion: Matthew

This book is designed to help you study the book of Matthew. It is like the Scripture study series–in that you will read a block of text, and I have included many questions that will help you to ponder the scriptures you read.

Additionally, each chapter includes several exercises that will help you to find patterns, themes, concepts, scripture chains, cross-refernences, etc. These exercises will help you to study each chapter in-depth. I hope that each time you use this study companion, you will be edified and excited about scripture study.

***
Okay…so check it out. Let me know what you think. And be on the look out for Mark, Luke, and John!

3 Comments
by chococatania on March 17, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Insights, Matthew, New Testament
Tagged , , , , , , ,

Posted by chococatania on March 17, 2013

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/new-testament-study-companion-matthew/

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.

Leave a Comment
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
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by chococatania on August 9, 2012

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

Easter Study – The Olivet Discourse

For the Easter Scripture Study Series, click here.

After Jesus teaches the Pharisees at the temple, He goes with His apostles to the Mount of Olives. They are wondering what He means by the destruction of the temple, the destruction of the Jews, His coming, and the end of the world.

Olivet Discourse

I’m not a bible scholar, so I don’t understand everything that the apostles know or understand, but it seems to me that they are still having a hard time grasping the fact that He will be dying a few days later; that His life with them was His coming to the earth where He would overcome sin and death through the atonement and resurrection, but that it wouldn’t be the end of the world or righteousness. That would happen later.

I have a feeling that they were aware of some of the prophecies, but it is important to remember that Christ – dying and then being resurrected – was unprecedented. I can’t see why they would understand it perfectly.

Signs of Christ’s Coming
Throughout Matthew 24 (or Joseph Smith—Matthew) the Lord gives various signs of what the world will be like before and when He comes.

One of them sticks out to me. He talks a lot about being deceived:

“…Take heed that no man deceive you;” – Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:5

“For many shall come in my name, saying—I am Christ—and shall deceive many;” – Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:6

“And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many;” – Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:9

“For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.” – Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:22

The part of the warning that really stands out to me is the idea of being deceived. Have you ever been lied to? I have. Sometimes the lies are little – no big deal. Other times, they are big and I end up believing…There are lies that I’ve believed for years. So, when I see this warning: not to be deceived, I feel a little puzzled at first. How?

Jesus tells us the answer:

“And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived,…” – Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37

We need to treasure the word of God. Not only that, but we need to be sure that when we do treasure up His word, we let it infuse our lives with the Spirit. It is through the Holy Ghost that we will know truth. We can also rest assured that the Holy Ghost will not testify to something meant to deceive us because the Holy Ghost cannot bear false witness. So…in order to have the Holy Ghost in our lives, we need to treasure the word of God: learn it, know it, and live it.

Jesus reiterates the nature of His second coming by relating the parables of the fig tree, the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats.

I’m not going to reiterate these parables here, but I will say that you should check out this post about the ten virgins.

In parables of the virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats, there are examples of people who were prepared for the coming of the Lord and those who weren’t prepared for it. None of the people knew when their master would return. They just knew that one day the bridegroom would come, there would be a reckoning of talents, or the sheep would be divided from the goats. Those who were prepared for the coming of the Lord had done work in one way or another. They were wise. They may not have had as much fun, but they were ready when it mattered. None of them were deceived.

As Easter nears, I hope to do a better job remembering that not only did Christ live, die, and then live again for me, but that He will return. The time before His return will be trying. Many people will try to deceive (and may even accomplish this) the very elect. I don’t want to be deceived. I want to keep my eye on the Savior – the Word, and let His Spirit infuse my life, so that I will understand, recognize, and rejoice in truth and be ready when He comes again.

***

Leave a Comment
by chococatania on April 3, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Easter Study Series, Insights, Joseph Smith--Matthew, Matthew, New Testament, Pearl of Great Price
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by chococatania on April 3, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/easter-study-the-olivet-discourse/

Easter Study – Teachings in the Temple

I don’t have much time or energy to post this right now, but I wanted to write a little something about today’s scripture… (for the Easter Scripture Study Series, click here.)

Dispute of Jesus and the Pharisees over Tribute Money, by Gustav Dore

Click here for source.

While in the temple, the Lord directed some of His teachings to the Pharisees after they asked the Savior what the source of His authority was. Interesting, really, when you think of it. They claimed to have authority because they were leaders of the Jews, and where did they get their authority? From Jehovah? Christ was Jehovah. they proclaimed to be members of the House of Israel, awaiting the Messiah, their God. And when Jesus came, not only did they not recognize Him, but they hated him. It is a horrible paradox. There is too much I don’t understand about the Pharisees, so I can only guess. But we don’t need to know much about them – we can still learn from them.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” – Matthew 23:27-28

The Pharisees look great on the outside, yet within they are horribly disgusting. They have no integrity, are not honest, and are judgmental. In some ways it seems like their sins are worse than someone who is at least honest about his sinning (not sure if this is making sense).

I think that the reason why the rebuking of the Pharisees really hits home to me is because it is easy to be like a Pharisee. It is easy to become proud of supposed righteousness. We begin to get so caught up with our own “goodness” that we begin to judge others, make assumptions, strain at gnats, and swallow camels. I know that I have a tendency to do this.

The Pharisees were completely void of Charity. They were absolutely un-Christlike. Even though proclaimed to know that gospel, hung out at the temple, wore broad phylacteries, they didn’t have the gospel written on their hearts. The Pharisees sacrificed their time and paid tithes, but they forgot the weightier matters of the law. Those weightier matters are the ones that matter!

The Pharisees were like the wicked husbandmen, corrupt and bent on usurping power from the Lord of the vineyard. The Lord tells the Pharisees the parable:

“Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.” – Matthew 21:33-39

This is just the saddest parable! It is mostly sad because it directly reflects what happened with the Lord’s kingdom and some of the wicked Jews and People of Ancient Israel. They killed the prophets, and they crucified the Lord – their God.

So…I don’t want to be like that. I know that I have the gospel, and consider myself to be a member of the House of Israel now. How do I ensure that I don’t fall into the same trap as the Pharisees? I have to work hard to keep my inner vessel clean. I have to repent and pray daily. I need to be willing to look inside of myself and identify my sins and do all I can to repent and be forgiven.

I have to admit, I don’t know the hearts and thoughts of the ancient Pharisees. Perhaps they misunderstood and truly thought that Christ was an impostor. Maybe they meant well in their vehement hatred of Him. This idea is also problematic for me, though. How do you go about worshipping a God, then unable to recognize Him when He comes?

Again, it goes back to keeping our inner vessels clean. If we stay close to the Lord, keep our hearts pure and full of purpose, then we can have the Spirit to be with us. Then we will not be deceived. We will receive witness of Christ. When we have the Spirit, we will receive gentle correction as needed, we will be able to have our hearts full of God’s love, and we will not be like the Pharisees.

So…this Easter, I’m going to try to remember the teachings that Christ gave at the temple to the Pharisees. I’m going to do what I can not to be like them, but to keep my covenants with inward integrity and devotion.

What do you do to keep yourself from being like a Pharisee? What did you learn from the teachings that Christ gave in the temple?

***

Leave a Comment
by chococatania on April 2, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Easter Study Series, Insights, Matthew, New Testament
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by chococatania on April 2, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/easter-study-teachings-in-the-temple/

Easter Study – The Triumphal Entry

The Triumphal Entry

The triumphal entry is a really nice part of the story of the Savior’s last week. It is actually a highlight of His entire life and ministry. There are a few things that I noticed while studying this event.

Christ – Giver and Fulfiller of Prophecy
Before entering into Jerusalem, the Lord instructs His disciples to get a colt.

“And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.” – Matthew 21:1-5

Christ understands all of the prophecies. Well, it is actually more than that. Christ, Jehovah, gave these prophecies to His prophets centuries and millennia before He came to the earth. Of course He knew the prophecies.

And, when He came to the earth, He was sure to complete everything according to the signs He had given. In the Old Testament, we read:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” – Zechariah 9:9

I guess, the thing is, knowing the Savior doesn’t have to be some difficult mystery. He doesn’t want it to be so. He has given us signs, types, and prophecies pointing us toward Him. Not only that, but he has fulfilled each sign, type, and prophecy with exactness. We can know Him if we look to the information that He has given us.

Christ the King
Again, we learn in this event that Jesus Christ is the King. There is the symbolism of riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, the palm fronds, and the timing of the event that point to Christ being king of Israel. (Not to mention the fact that He was a literal descendant of David, so the rightful heir to the throne). But Christ’s kingship is more than of physical Israel. He is the King of kings.

Many of the people recognize this and rejoice and praise Him as he humbly entered into Jerusalem.

“And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” – Luke 19:36-38

The people praised Him for all of the Mighty works that they had seen.

That makes me think about my own life: do I praise God? What mighty works have I experienced?

I feel like I have experienced many miracles. In fact, most days, I’m astounded by the miracles I’ve seen. I have been protected, saved, and forgiven. I have been healed and strengthened.

Yesterday, I was unpacking boxes, I came across three pictures that I keep in my room.

Me and My Dad


This is me and my dad. He is and has been a miracle in my life. He adopted me and raised me. Through the consistent way he has loved me and my siblings, he has taught me to love my children. I have experienced a very good life, I have learned to laugh, and I have learned to love because of my dad.

My dad is not my natural father. Yet, the Lord found a way for him to be in my life. I consider him a miracle.

My Bishop, Me, and Homey

This picture is of My Bishop, Me, and Homey. They are also miracles in my life. My Bishop was an example of loving service. In one of the hardest times in my life, I was able to feel the love of my Savior through my good Bishop’s service. Thanks to His wise counsel, I was able to find, meet, and marry Homey! Every day, I’m flabbergasted by the love the Lord has had for me in being able to marry Homey. I know that there are so many people who do not enjoy a good marriage in their mortal lives. I know that I’m blessed.

Me and Jack

Finally, the last picture I have in my room is this – of me and Jack. He is my biological father. For so many years I never knew who he was. Although I was blessed with an amazing father, there was a gap in my life – in my identity. Two years ago, the Lord blessed me with the miracle of finding Jack. The miracles have continued to flow for me.

These three pictures represent three ways that I have seen the Lord’s mighty works. There are so many more – too many for a blog post.

I can see why the people rejoiced in the Savior, their King. Can you imagine, being there, rejoicing there? It reminds me of His birth and the host of angels that sang as they announced Christ’s birth to the shepherds.

Even though I couldn’t be there when Christ rode in, triumphantly, to Jerusalem, I know that I can still rejoice. I can rejoice through testimony, prayer, and living a life that would bring Christ happiness.

How have you seen His mighty works? How do you rejoice?

***
For the rest of the Easter Scripture Study Series, click here.

Leave a Comment
by chococatania on March 31, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Easter Study Series, Insights, Luke, Matthew, New Testament
Tagged , , ,

Posted by chococatania on March 31, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/easter-study-the-triumphal-entry/

Charity is Kind

Charity and Kindness seem to be pretty obviously related, and I’m not going to post much about this concept (I have only a few minutes to post)

One of the best lessons on kindness is that of the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Here are a few things that I noticed

  • Kindness and compassion are closely related. In fact, sometimes compassion motivates us to be kind.
  • Being kind is a state of being – either we are kind or we are not. If we are truly kind, then we will serve others – regardless of their status or circumstances. We are kind to all because we are kind. It is simple. – I guess another way of saying this is if we are kind, then we are kind to friends, enemies, plants, animals, everything. Kindness isn’t a way to act for a day or two – it is a sense of being.
  • Kindness also seems to be quite spiritual in that we must follow the Spirit. In the parable of the good samaritan, he went above and beyond to serve his fellow man. He made sure that the robbed man was taken care of. Yet, the Good Samaritan didn’t completely abandon his journey. He did what he needed to do, and then went on. I’m not sure if I’m making sense here or not, so I’ll try…

    Sometimes I have this idea that if I’m truly charitable or kind, then I’ll do everything within my power that is needed. I even tend to get this confused with the idea that I need to do everything. But this isn’t the case. The Good Samaritan doesn’t completely cancel his journey. He takes care of the robbed man, then pays the innkeeper to take care of him while the Samaritan leaves. This isn’t out of selfishness, it is out of prudence. The Spirit will help us to discern what is needful and what is extraneous.
  • We also need to be kind to ourselves. What if the Good Samaritan had seen that the robbed man was a Jew then thought to himself, “Well, I’m not really worthy to help a Jewish man. It would only offend him.”? It seems silly, but I’m often unkind to myself, which stops me from having kindness or charity to others.
  • Kindness is given without expectation or compensation.
  • Kindness can be the way that others experience the love of the Lord. – How cool is it to know that through our kindness, we can help to contribute to the testimony of another. It isn’t that I want any recognition for being kind, it is just cool to know that when we are kind, the Lord is able to use us his instruments.

Kindness and charity are related. In fact, it seems preposterous that charity could be obtained or expressed without kindness. The connection is obvious. If we have Christ’s pure love, then we are kind.

I know that I can do more to show kindness. A lot of my lack of kindness has to do with my lack of patience. I get frustrated with someone, then I withdraw kindness. Charity doesn’t work that way, and neither does kindness. I know that I need to learn to be kind, unconditionally. Being a parent has really helped me with this.

How do you work to increase your kindness?

4 Comments
by chococatania on February 3, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Charity Study Series, Insights, Matthew, New Testament, Scripture Study
Tagged , ,

Posted by chococatania on February 3, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/charity-is-kind/

Joy and Thanksgiving – Gratitude and Blessings

Today, in our study, we are learning about a pattern given in the scriptures. This pattern is given in various places throughout the scriptures.

The first instance of this pattern that we study will be from the life of Christ.


“And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.” – Matthew 15:36-37

Christ is always the master example for us, which is why I love this story.

A few things to consider:

  • Christ had to feed at least 4,000 people – with seven loaves and fishes.
    • This doesn’t seem like it will be enough food to feed the multitude.
  • With gratitude, He gave thanks for the food that had been provided.
    • He was confident in His gratitude and thanksgiving. He was confident that the multitude would be fed and blessed.
    • Sometimes, I hesitate in gratitude because I feel like what I have been given (ie. 7 loaves and fishes) isn’t enough for what I want. (ie- to feed a multitude). Instead of seeing what I have and recognizing that the Lord also knows what is available, I seem to have a tendency to focus on what I think I lack.
    • Sometimes, I am tempted to think of course it was easy for Jesus to be confident…he was Jesus!…but when I think about it, why should my faith be any different. Jesus believed in the same God I believe in. He had the power of the priesthood, the same power we’ve been blessed with. We can trust in the Lord and in Heavenly Father. So…I can be confident in the power of the Lord, and I can show my gratitude for His love and blessing.
  • The people ate, and were filled, and there was food leftover.
    • When we are grateful, the Lord blesses us and fills us. – and He is capable of doing that – even with only seven loaves and fishes!

Paul teaches us this pattern:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – Philippians 4:6

The Pattern

  1. Be confident – in the Lord. – The first part of this scripture “Be careful” – means that we shouldn’t be overly concerned or afflicted about anything. Again, Christ is a great example of this. Instead of fretting about the multitude he had to feed with only seven loaves and fishes, he was confident.

    As I ponder this, I am thinking about the connection between confidence and gratitude. And I don’t mean confidence in ourselves, but confidence in the Lord. Confidence shows that we trust the Lord, which is a key ingredient in our gratitude.

  2. Instead of worry, pray.
    • Supplication – I have always had a “feeling” of what this meant, but just to be sure, I looked it up in the dictionary: ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly. That is how we ought to pray – with humility. And in a sense “begging” – we do kneel, and when we pray, we know that we, in and of ourselves, aren’t worthy of any blessing, so we must ask God to bless us out of His mercy and love for us.
    • Thanksgiving – I don’t think that we can supplicate without thanksgiving. As we recognize the blessings we have already received (even if they don’t seem like they’re enough), we recognize our Need of Heavenly Father. We become more humble. A grateful heart is the fertile ground for faith. Why was it easy for Christ to be confident that the multitude could be fed with such a small amount of food: because His faith was perfect.
  3. Let your requests be made known to God. – Heavenly Father wants to know what we want. He wants us to make requests. He wants us to ask. And when we do, we just need to ask with humility and Thanksgiving – having faith that we will receive.

    4. So – this is the pattern…

    We can find various examples of this in the scriptures.

    Paul follows the pattern he taught, as recorded in Acts 16:25-34.

    Another example is when Nephi is tied up on the boat, as recorded in 1 Nephi 15:18-21

    Finally, an example that I particularly love is in Ether 6:4-12 Throughout their journey, they sang praises to the Lord, even though the winds and storms never ceased. It is interesting to realize, too – that the Jaredites needed these storms to progress to the promised land. We can be grateful for all that we have – even trials, AND supplicate the Lord for needed blessings at the same time. In fact, the most effective way to get the blessings we need in this life is through humility and gratitude. Asking for desired blessings isn’t complaining.

    The Lord wants us to do ask. He wants to bless us. He wants us to Be Happy. He wants us to come to Him. He wants us to make it to our “promised land”, and we won’t be able to do that without Him.

    So, we need to go forward, confidently, grateful, and asking God, in His mercy, to bless us with what we need to overcome whatever problem happens to stand in our way.

    Have you experienced this in your life? How has humbling yourself and being grateful helped you to receive needed blessings? How has this pattern contributed to your overall happiness?
    ***
    For tomorrow’s assignment, click here.

1 Comment
by chococatania on November 21, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Insights, Joy and Thanksgiving, Matthew, New Testament, Patterns, Scripture Study
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by chococatania on November 21, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/joy-and-thanksgiving-gratitude-and-blessings/

Challenges, Heart Conditions, and Knowledge – Matthew 13:12

So – this post is partially a response to my scripture study today and also a response to this article. So just go with it for a second.

So…we’ll start with the scripture study portion of this blog post:
After giving the parable of the sower, the apostles ask Jesus why he speaks in parables. Christ answers them the following:

“12For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.> – Matthew 13:12

Note the Joseph Smith Translation of this verse: “JST Matt. 13:10–11 For whosoever receiveth, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance; but whosoever continueth not to receive, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.”

I’ve thought about the theme of being receptive/having a soft heart and knowledge a lot. I guess it is because I love learning more about the gospel. I have definitely learned that the Spirit speaks to me as I study the gospel. I may not get the “warm fuzzy” feeling we think we should get. Instead, I feel the enlightenment of the Spirit – what some may call an “Aha moment”. I know that these are things I couldn’t have learned on my own, but I need the gentle guidance of the Holy Ghost. Such experiences are humbling. And they cause me to truly hunger and thirst for more experiences with the gospel.

Alma explains a similar concept taught by Jesus:

“10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.” – Alma 12:10-11

So – I really do want to know the mysteries of God, and this scripture tells me what, exactly that means. Knowing the mysteries of God requires that I have a soft heart – in my studies and in my actual life. In other words, I need to be willing to accept and do what I have been taught – even if it is hard.

So…

I recently read a post in the NYT about a single, Mormon woman. Overall, I felt like she has lost her faith in one way or another – and seems to point to her being single in the church to be the cause of such a loss. I kind of felt sad as I read the article because I have also been a single Mormon woman.

My situation was different than hers. I was married at a young age. I was married in the temple to a return missionary. I never figured I’d be married so young, but that was right for me. Within two months of my marriage, my spouse began cheating on me – officially. Of course, I had absolutely no idea, and his unfaithfulness continued throughout our marriage.

I discovered his second life – his sexual addiction – his betrayal(s) – 6 1/2 years into the marriage. The challenge was staggering. We had two children – 3.5 and 2 years old. I was completely blindsided as he did a really good job of living a double life. However, the Lord softened my heart and helped me to remain faithful with the help of two amazing bishops, and really really great friends.

I remember, two days after finding out about his infidelity, the day after meeting with the bishop, I was leading the Primary – as the primary chorister – and we were singing “Families can be Together Forever”. It was emotional and difficult. No one, other than my bishop, my mom, and another friend, had a clue as to what was happening in my life. I needed to continue in my calling, but it was hard.

I wanted to stop. Sure, there was a part of me that was tempted to say, “It’s not true!” But I couldn’t say that because I knew that it was true – Families can be together forever – through Heavenly Father’s plan – meaning you actually have to keep the commandments! Otherwise, there is no guarantee. So, I was very tempted to give up.

About a month after the dissolution of my marriage, I was scheduled to go to the temple with my ward. Our entire stake had rented buses for each ward, and months prior to the trip, My (then) husband and I had reserved two seats for it. By the time of the trip, I didn’t really want to go. How was I supposed to go to the temple – alone, and in the process of a divorce?!

But my bishop encouraged me to go, and I went. I’d love to say that it was a wonderful, easy, uplifting trip. I’d love to say that I smiled and laughed the whole time.

But it was really hard. The idea of being a single woman was even more pronounced in the halls of the temple. I felt a little isolated -for a second. No one was isolating me, though. It was just a way that I felt. I don’t want to blame anyone…

Of course, the Lord has a way of comforting us in the exact right way at the exact right time, and that happened in that temple trip. The Lord blessed me to know that I would have the blessing of a temple marriage again one day (no idea when). Until then, it wouldn’t be an easy life, but I’d manage – if I relied on the help of the Lord – if I made the commitment to keep going to the temple and other church activities that were more “family-oriented.”

I realized that the Lord would bless me with strength, and knowledge, if I continued with a soft heart. And He did – all along the way.

This is where I get back to my original topic. We are all given challenges, but we are given the tools to overcome them, too – through knowledge. And we can’t gain this knowledge unless we come to the Lord with a soft heart. Having a soft heart may mean that we accept the challenges that He has given us. We can remember the words of Nephi, “He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world;” (2 Nephi 26:24). This includes giving us challenges. He wouldn’t give them to us if they didn’t benefit us in some way. If we accept them with a soft heart – ready for the information he is willing to teach us, then we will gain knowledge.

Which leads me to my most favorite “knowledge” scripture:

“3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” – John 17:3

This is why we need to gain knowledge – so we can have eternal life. And Heavenly Father disseminates his knowledge in various ways. Sometimes, we learn through the scriptures and prayer. Sometimes we learn in our challenges. Sometimes we learn when we repent. Other times we learn through our blessings. The Lord wants us to succeed. He glories in our salvation.

So – we just need to keep our hearts open – ready to receive what he yearns to give us.

Leave a Comment
by chococatania on January 19, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Insights, Marriage, Matthew, New Testament, Single Motherhood
Tagged , ,

Posted by chococatania on January 19, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/challenges-heart-conditions-and-knowledge-matthew-1312/

Eye of Faith – Matthew 6:22 (and a little Alma 36:22)

I have been intrigued by the idea of having an Eye of Faith. I remember, when I was younger, I heard a talk about having an Eye of Faith – where if you can envision yourself as something or somewhere, eventually you will become that person or be in that place.

Of course, I have a tough time having an eye of faith. I have an imagination, sure, but I have had a tough time developing that Eye of Faith.

Today, I read the following scripture, which re-emphasized having an eye of faith:

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single (JST-to the glory of God), thy whole body shall be full of light.” – Matthew 6:22

This is taken from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is letting us in on a little secret – if we can develop an eye of faith -one that is single to our Father in Heaven, then we will be full of light – then we will become like him.

This reminded me of another scriptural account – found in Alma. Alma is speaking to his son, Helaman. He is relating his conversion story. After Alma had repented of his sins, but before coming out of his comatose state, Alma sees the following:

“22 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.” – Alma 36:22

Even though Alma is not a part of this group, he could see God – He could see God’s throne and glory. He saw Heaven. And his soul longed to be there. He knew what he wanted. As soon as he envisioned this scenario, he woke up. Although Alma had been born of God, he had not yet entered into the presence of God. Alma understood that more than repentance would be required to get him there – he would also need to serve God.

And, we know, from the account given in the Book of Mormon, Alma spent the rest of his life faithfully serving God. I feel like this vision – seeing God, Heaven, and those who surrounded Heavenly Father praising him – filled his soul with hope. He developed an eye of faith. I also think that this vision served to be a motivation for him to continue in righteousness for the rest of his life. Alma continues teaching his son:

“28And 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 36:28

Even at the end of Alma’s life – his vision was set at that scene he imagined right after his conversion. He envisioned himself – in the presence of God praising Him.

I love the concept taught in Matthew 6:22. I also love the example given to us by Alma. When we keep our eyes single to the glory of the Lord, we will be filled with His light. We will be able to accomplish the goals that we have for ourselves. We will be able to join in with Alma and so many others – to dwell with our Father in heaven in glory, and praise Him forever.

Pretty cool.

3 Comments
by chococatania on January 13, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Alma, Book of Mormon, Insights, Matthew, New Testament
Tagged ,

Posted by chococatania on January 13, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/eye-of-faith-matthew-622-and-a-little-alma-3622/

« Older Posts
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 94 other followers