"Go Ye into All the World, and Preach My Gospel"
Doctrine and Covenants 112; Our Heritage,pages 30–33, 36.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
A Priesthood for all
Over the last few years I have really grown to love and appreciate the Priesthood power and those who hold righteously administer this power. I have always loved the fact that we can receive blessings, but my appreciation has grown beyond just the laying on of hands blessings.
For a while, I really wondered why women couldn't hold the Priesthood. I wouldn't say that I was antagonistic with the issue, but I just questioned and pondered. I read a lot and listened to what other people think and this is what I discovered: accepting the Priesthood is the resposibility of ALL, not just worthy men. Let me clarify. My husband can accept the Priesthood by living the oath and covenant of the Priesthood, but he still has the responsibility to accept the Priesthood power that is held by other Priesthood holder. I have to do the same, that is, accept the Priesthood power that is held by any Priesthood holder. Both degrees of acceptance require humility and faith and action and a lot of other virtues that both male and females can have. The end goal is to accept Heavenly Father's will.
Section 84:35-39 lays this idea out nicely. This is the "Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood," and I think sometimes when women or men who do not hold the Priesthood hear that it is directed to those who are ordained in the Priesthood, eyes and minds are shut. This is unfortunate. I could be totally off on this, so if I am let me know. But the principle of acceptance here is true for anyone. Here it is (italics added):
35 And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
I take it to mean that anyone, male or female, who receives the priesthood, speaking of receiving as an acceptance, will receive Heavenly Father's servants, receive the Lord and receive Heavenly Father's kingdom and all it has to offer. I believe these blessings are not limited by gender, nor are the required virtues for truly accepting what the Priesthood is and who holds it. Essentially, if the Priesthood is viewed as something you have or do not have, then you have a matter of PRIDE on your hands. If the Priesthood is viewed withThe End to that thought.
The other reason I have come to deeply appreciate the Priesthood is because it provides organization for the church. It gives us all a place and order to our places. It gives us confidence that such organization does not change and therefore
avoids chaos and therefore is a constant source of revelation, inspiration and comfort.
A quick comment about section 121:34-46. I think this is a passage that talks more about pride than the Priesthood, so whoever you are or whatever you hold, don't think you are more important that God, or what He thinks. The End.
For a while, I really wondered why women couldn't hold the Priesthood. I wouldn't say that I was antagonistic with the issue, but I just questioned and pondered. I read a lot and listened to what other people think and this is what I discovered: accepting the Priesthood is the resposibility of ALL, not just worthy men. Let me clarify. My husband can accept the Priesthood by living the oath and covenant of the Priesthood, but he still has the responsibility to accept the Priesthood power that is held by other Priesthood holder. I have to do the same, that is, accept the Priesthood power that is held by any Priesthood holder. Both degrees of acceptance require humility and faith and action and a lot of other virtues that both male and females can have. The end goal is to accept Heavenly Father's will.
Section 84:35-39 lays this idea out nicely. This is the "Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood," and I think sometimes when women or men who do not hold the Priesthood hear that it is directed to those who are ordained in the Priesthood, eyes and minds are shut. This is unfortunate. I could be totally off on this, so if I am let me know. But the principle of acceptance here is true for anyone. Here it is (italics added):
35 And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
I take it to mean that anyone, male or female, who receives the priesthood, speaking of receiving as an acceptance, will receive Heavenly Father's servants, receive the Lord and receive Heavenly Father's kingdom and all it has to offer. I believe these blessings are not limited by gender, nor are the required virtues for truly accepting what the Priesthood is and who holds it. Essentially, if the Priesthood is viewed as something you have or do not have, then you have a matter of PRIDE on your hands. If the Priesthood is viewed withThe End to that thought.
The other reason I have come to deeply appreciate the Priesthood is because it provides organization for the church. It gives us all a place and order to our places. It gives us confidence that such organization does not change and therefore
avoids chaos and therefore is a constant source of revelation, inspiration and comfort.
A quick comment about section 121:34-46. I think this is a passage that talks more about pride than the Priesthood, so whoever you are or whatever you hold, don't think you are more important that God, or what He thinks. The End.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Readings June 22-26
"The Priesthood: The Power of Godliness"
Monday, June 22: DC 84:33-44, DC 107:1-52
Tuesday, June 23: DC 107:53-100
Wednesday, June 24: DC 121:34-46
Monday, June 22: DC 84:33-44, DC 107:1-52
Tuesday, June 23: DC 107:53-100
Wednesday, June 24: DC 121:34-46
Smarter than your average devil
I have to say that I am getting much more out of Sunday School than I ever did. If no one reads this blog, I will still come out on top.
Satan is such an interesting being to think about. How can a being know that he will lose eventually, but still try to hard to win? Pride, I guess. And his purpose is to provide opposition, so I guess he just needs to fulfill his purpose.
Many of the readings for this topic talk about following the prophet (he knows the way!). That if there is ever a question about whether a person is telling us the truth, if it's really revelation for us, we can check with the prophets' teachings and verify truth. How blessed we are to have a current prophet and past prophets back to Adam. The trick is to be a follower.
Some of the readings are about other people who professed to receive revelation for the church. I think this is very interesting. It shows how Satan is so very clever (among other ways).
Here you are, a new convert in a new church. You believe that Joseph Smith receive current revelations. You have not heard of any other church receiving current revelations. It's quite a novel idea. This information is good. This information comes from God, via His chosen prophet. You learn that you can receive personal revelation. A true and wonderful doctrine and vibrates your soul. You receive revelation that blesses your life. Enter Satan: Having received knowledge of church and personal revelation, which are true principles, a though enters into your heart and mind - perhaps I can receive revelation for others, just to help them, after all you believe in a church that received revelation from God for the good of all. Errrrrrrt! Check with the prophets, God's chosen mouthpiece. Only he is to receive revelation for the church. So you keep your ideas to yourself.
Apparently some did not keep that idea to themselves, and in fact the Lord said that Satan deceived them. Others believed them, or were at least questioning. Which is why the Lord reminded them that revelation for the church only comes from the chosen prophet. It really is simple. There are grey areas of course, but only grey until it becomes clear.
I am continually amazed at how many evil things are based on principles of truth, but then twisted. Twisted just enough to make people think they are still operating with truths, and are therefore justified, but reaping very evil acts and evil fruits and then lives and even generations are changed. Very cunning and clever. We must be on guard at all times.
Satan is such an interesting being to think about. How can a being know that he will lose eventually, but still try to hard to win? Pride, I guess. And his purpose is to provide opposition, so I guess he just needs to fulfill his purpose.
Many of the readings for this topic talk about following the prophet (he knows the way!). That if there is ever a question about whether a person is telling us the truth, if it's really revelation for us, we can check with the prophets' teachings and verify truth. How blessed we are to have a current prophet and past prophets back to Adam. The trick is to be a follower.
Some of the readings are about other people who professed to receive revelation for the church. I think this is very interesting. It shows how Satan is so very clever (among other ways).
Here you are, a new convert in a new church. You believe that Joseph Smith receive current revelations. You have not heard of any other church receiving current revelations. It's quite a novel idea. This information is good. This information comes from God, via His chosen prophet. You learn that you can receive personal revelation. A true and wonderful doctrine and vibrates your soul. You receive revelation that blesses your life. Enter Satan: Having received knowledge of church and personal revelation, which are true principles, a though enters into your heart and mind - perhaps I can receive revelation for others, just to help them, after all you believe in a church that received revelation from God for the good of all. Errrrrrrt! Check with the prophets, God's chosen mouthpiece. Only he is to receive revelation for the church. So you keep your ideas to yourself.
Apparently some did not keep that idea to themselves, and in fact the Lord said that Satan deceived them. Others believed them, or were at least questioning. Which is why the Lord reminded them that revelation for the church only comes from the chosen prophet. It really is simple. There are grey areas of course, but only grey until it becomes clear.
I am continually amazed at how many evil things are based on principles of truth, but then twisted. Twisted just enough to make people think they are still operating with truths, and are therefore justified, but reaping very evil acts and evil fruits and then lives and even generations are changed. Very cunning and clever. We must be on guard at all times.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Reading Jun 15-18
"Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness"
This should be a good one. Our Sunday School lesson yesterday was about the three degrees of glory (section 76) which starts out describing how Lucifer became Satan. Our teacher, at the very end of the Satan topic, said that he thinks it's a bad idea to bear testimony Satan. I thought that was kind of an odd comment, but as I thought about it, I have heard people bear testimony that they know that Satan is real. While I agree with him, we should not, over the pulpit bear testimony of Satan, I think it is incredibly important to know our moral opponent. So, like I said, this should be a good one.
Tues, June 16: DC 26 , DC 28, 43:1-7
Wed, June 17: DC 50, 52:14-19
This should be a good one. Our Sunday School lesson yesterday was about the three degrees of glory (section 76) which starts out describing how Lucifer became Satan. Our teacher, at the very end of the Satan topic, said that he thinks it's a bad idea to bear testimony Satan. I thought that was kind of an odd comment, but as I thought about it, I have heard people bear testimony that they know that Satan is real. While I agree with him, we should not, over the pulpit bear testimony of Satan, I think it is incredibly important to know our moral opponent. So, like I said, this should be a good one.
Tues, June 16: DC 26 , DC 28, 43:1-7
Wed, June 17: DC 50, 52:14-19
Thursday, June 11, 2009
So much to learn. . .
I should've started posting on Monday. There are so many things I think about learning and studying, but I'll keep it to one post. Your welcome.
These verses are taken from their sections to go along with a theme, though some of their contexts are very interesting too. I think I will tak each passage as they sort of fit together and pontificate.
Here are the things that we are supposed to learn: everything.
88:78-79: "be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand. Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.
90:15: And set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people.
A bit of a tall order? Here is how we go about it:
88:118: And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
There are plenty of things to learn in the world. But we are requested to learn it by faith. Essentially, we need to ask Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ if what we are learning or have learned fits into the categories of "light and truth," see 93:36.
Here is how we discern light and truth from other knowledge: 136:33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.
Here is how we gain knowledge (first realizing that we have knowledge to gain and that there is a Giver of knowledge, that we don't know it all):
136:32 - Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;
88:118 - teach one another words of wisdom
88:122 - Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings
Here is what happens when we study by faith:
19:23 - Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.
88:80 - That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
88:122 - that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege
Here is what happens when we don't seek knowledge with faith and the Spirit.
2Ne 9:28 - O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
Here are my thoughts about Satan and learning: The purpose of Satan is to provide opposition. When he offered the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil to Adam and Eve, he didn't just offer the fruit, he educated them. He gave them the opportunity to learn, he gave them options. Like I said before, there are plenty of things that we can learn in the world and at a more rapid pace than every before. I think one of Satan's tactics is to educate and one of Heavnely Father's blessings is education. I think we sometimes believe that educating ourselves, no matter what the topic, is virtuous. But it is not virtuous if you choose knowledge over light and truth. I mean, light and truth can encompass knowledge, but all knowledge is not light and truth. How important and wonderful it is to use the Holy Ghost in judging whether we should start or continue on a certain path of learning.
These verses are taken from their sections to go along with a theme, though some of their contexts are very interesting too. I think I will tak each passage as they sort of fit together and pontificate.
Here are the things that we are supposed to learn: everything.
88:78-79: "be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand. Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.
90:15: And set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people.
A bit of a tall order? Here is how we go about it:
88:118: And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
There are plenty of things to learn in the world. But we are requested to learn it by faith. Essentially, we need to ask Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ if what we are learning or have learned fits into the categories of "light and truth," see 93:36.
Here is how we discern light and truth from other knowledge: 136:33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.
Here is how we gain knowledge (first realizing that we have knowledge to gain and that there is a Giver of knowledge, that we don't know it all):
136:32 - Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;
88:118 - teach one another words of wisdom
88:122 - Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings
Here is what happens when we study by faith:
19:23 - Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.
88:80 - That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
88:122 - that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege
Here is what happens when we don't seek knowledge with faith and the Spirit.
2Ne 9:28 - O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
Here are my thoughts about Satan and learning: The purpose of Satan is to provide opposition. When he offered the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil to Adam and Eve, he didn't just offer the fruit, he educated them. He gave them the opportunity to learn, he gave them options. Like I said before, there are plenty of things that we can learn in the world and at a more rapid pace than every before. I think one of Satan's tactics is to educate and one of Heavnely Father's blessings is education. I think we sometimes believe that educating ourselves, no matter what the topic, is virtuous. But it is not virtuous if you choose knowledge over light and truth. I mean, light and truth can encompass knowledge, but all knowledge is not light and truth. How important and wonderful it is to use the Holy Ghost in judging whether we should start or continue on a certain path of learning.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Readings for June 8-12
"Seek learning, even by study and also by faith"
The readings this week are just passages in a scripture chain. They are not long passages, so read them as you can and I'll post as I can.
D&C 88:122–25,
2 Nephi 9:28–29
D&C 90:15
D&C 6:7
D&C 93:36–37
D&C 19:23
D&C 93:53
D&C 88:76–80
D&C 131:6
D&C 88:118
D&C 136:32–33
2 Timothy 3:7
(Matthew 11:29).
The readings this week are just passages in a scripture chain. They are not long passages, so read them as you can and I'll post as I can.
D&C 88:122–25,
2 Nephi 9:28–29
D&C 90:15
D&C 6:7
D&C 93:36–37
D&C 19:23
D&C 93:53
D&C 88:76–80
D&C 131:6
D&C 88:118
D&C 136:32–33
2 Timothy 3:7
(Matthew 11:29).
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Everything is for something
I think our bodies are miraculous. Really. We take for granted, or don't even know, all of the chemical reactions that take place every second so our bodies can move, breathe, think, feel and much more. I really is very amazing.
I think food is miraculous. Take an orange for example. there is a hard outer peel for protection, a white pithy covering to hold in moisture, then there are sections that create themselves with thin membranes, then within each section there are tiny membraned droplets of juice. When an orange is peeled, there is an orange smell and when those tiny membraned droplets are burst juice sprays - and it's sweet! That's just an orange, I won't even get into raspberries and peas and watermelon!
I think how the food and the body need each other are completely divine! So when the Lord says: "all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man" I really believe Him!
He also said: "Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving." Most definately thanksgiving, and not just saying a trite prayer for every meal, but real thanksgiving and understanding that Heavenly Father made food so that you can function.
Here is the definition of prudence: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. This is why I think treating your body and what you eat is a moral decision. It takes great discipline to do this, especially when we have all foods available to us all the time, at least in our country. Because it is so ready available, and viewed as a treat in many instances, we think we deserve as much food as we want. Which is not prudent when we view food in light of nuturing our body. I'm guilty of it too. It is a hard thing and issues with food are not really catagorized with transgressions such as murder, so the issue as a moral decision is not really discussed. But I believe it has a huge effect on how we feel and how we feel about ourselves. Not just how we feel about ourselves physically, but how we feel about our abilities to control ourselves, which translates to what kind of a person we think we are.
Well, I could go on and on. I will tomorrow.
I think food is miraculous. Take an orange for example. there is a hard outer peel for protection, a white pithy covering to hold in moisture, then there are sections that create themselves with thin membranes, then within each section there are tiny membraned droplets of juice. When an orange is peeled, there is an orange smell and when those tiny membraned droplets are burst juice sprays - and it's sweet! That's just an orange, I won't even get into raspberries and peas and watermelon!
I think how the food and the body need each other are completely divine! So when the Lord says: "all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man" I really believe Him!
He also said: "Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving." Most definately thanksgiving, and not just saying a trite prayer for every meal, but real thanksgiving and understanding that Heavenly Father made food so that you can function.
Here is the definition of prudence: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. This is why I think treating your body and what you eat is a moral decision. It takes great discipline to do this, especially when we have all foods available to us all the time, at least in our country. Because it is so ready available, and viewed as a treat in many instances, we think we deserve as much food as we want. Which is not prudent when we view food in light of nuturing our body. I'm guilty of it too. It is a hard thing and issues with food are not really catagorized with transgressions such as murder, so the issue as a moral decision is not really discussed. But I believe it has a huge effect on how we feel and how we feel about ourselves. Not just how we feel about ourselves physically, but how we feel about our abilities to control ourselves, which translates to what kind of a person we think we are.
Well, I could go on and on. I will tomorrow.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Many words of wisdom
I have found it peculiar that the instruction from the Lord concerning the care of our bodies in seciton 89, is referred to as the word of wisdom. It says so in the heading to the section, so who am I not to call it "the word of wisdom," and "word" can mean collectively not just singularly, but of all the commandments and examples and scriptures we've been given, this section is proclaimed THE word of wisdom. I guess it's pretty important.
One of the reasons I find this a peculiarity is that the first three verses, inspired by Joseph Smith, state that this revelation is to the council of the high priest by way of greeting, not commandment or constraint. What?! Commandment and constraint is what the whole "word of wisdom" is about. It turns out that "the word of wisdom" was not ratified as a commandment until 1851, when Brigham Young proposed it to all the saints as a binding commandment. Which is why now, it is part of the temple recommend interview.
Two other parts of the introduction to the bulk of "the word of wisdom" are interesting to me. In verse 3 it states it is "adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints." Weak here meaning humble and teachable and ready to change. I've heard stories of missionaries teaching people who have smoking or drinking habits, but were able to go cold turkey because of their readiness to accept the gospel and change. I think it is interesting that the saints at the time had 20 years to get used to the idea of eliminating alcohol and tobacco from their diet before it was a commandment that they would be held morally responsible for. The DC manual suggests that the Lord extended mercy and time in allowing the saints to get used to this idea before making it a commandment. I've always thought it sad that when missionaries teach someone in our day, if they cannot live according to the "word of wisdom," they tend to drop that investigator. I suppose that unwritten rule of a person needing to hear about the gospel seven time before they accept could apply here. Of course there needs to be a line drawn for how long or how productive it would be to keep an investigator in the teaching pool, but I wish it could work differently sometimes. People have not changed since 1833, they still need time to get used to the idea of dropping a physically addicting habit.
One last thing abou the first part of 89, vs 4 says: "In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation— "
In other words, the Lord is telling us right now, that drugs, alcohol and tabacco and not eating properly is one of the ways that Satan will bog us down with self-pity, depression, physical limitations and self-destruction. So listen up!
I love this section! I'm telling you right now that I'm not the kind of person who thinks we should subsist on bread and honey. But like every other moral decision we make, how we take care of our bodies is just another moral decision. Call me wacko, but I truly believe that.
One of the reasons I find this a peculiarity is that the first three verses, inspired by Joseph Smith, state that this revelation is to the council of the high priest by way of greeting, not commandment or constraint. What?! Commandment and constraint is what the whole "word of wisdom" is about. It turns out that "the word of wisdom" was not ratified as a commandment until 1851, when Brigham Young proposed it to all the saints as a binding commandment. Which is why now, it is part of the temple recommend interview.
Two other parts of the introduction to the bulk of "the word of wisdom" are interesting to me. In verse 3 it states it is "adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints." Weak here meaning humble and teachable and ready to change. I've heard stories of missionaries teaching people who have smoking or drinking habits, but were able to go cold turkey because of their readiness to accept the gospel and change. I think it is interesting that the saints at the time had 20 years to get used to the idea of eliminating alcohol and tobacco from their diet before it was a commandment that they would be held morally responsible for. The DC manual suggests that the Lord extended mercy and time in allowing the saints to get used to this idea before making it a commandment. I've always thought it sad that when missionaries teach someone in our day, if they cannot live according to the "word of wisdom," they tend to drop that investigator. I suppose that unwritten rule of a person needing to hear about the gospel seven time before they accept could apply here. Of course there needs to be a line drawn for how long or how productive it would be to keep an investigator in the teaching pool, but I wish it could work differently sometimes. People have not changed since 1833, they still need time to get used to the idea of dropping a physically addicting habit.
One last thing abou the first part of 89, vs 4 says: "In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation— "
In other words, the Lord is telling us right now, that drugs, alcohol and tabacco and not eating properly is one of the ways that Satan will bog us down with self-pity, depression, physical limitations and self-destruction. So listen up!
I love this section! I'm telling you right now that I'm not the kind of person who thinks we should subsist on bread and honey. But like every other moral decision we make, how we take care of our bodies is just another moral decision. Call me wacko, but I truly believe that.
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