Once Upon a Precept

Have you ever felt:    misunderstood    no hope    betrayed    really sad    lose of loved ones    alone        the atonement    comfort, empower,     You can turn to Christ in all things.        Stirring    Thomas Marsh    President of the Quorum of the Twelve    Joseph Smith sent many of the twelve on missions        discontentment    apostasy - new prophet    D&C 112 revelation for Thomas Marsh    10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.    11 I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers concerning thy brethren. Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; a...

Today I started noting how to focus on Heavenly things, for your treasure is where your heart is. This was inspired by the 'Come, follow me' curriculum. Seek after Heavenly things because they will never perish. The following are my thoughts and notes: Don't seek the pursuits of pride. - glory of men I almost considered writing about the many pursuits of pride, but the term "glory of men" from Jesus Christ sums it up simply. If one find seeking the "glory of men" in their desires, the individual should evaluate their ambitions. Don't talk or make visual presentations about your works. - Alms and miracles  Don't talk about your spiritual work. Let it talk for itself. Don't talk about the miracles in your life casually or regularly. Keep all of these things sacred. Treasure them secretly in prayer, and God will openly reward the faithful saints.

'The phrase “I never knew you” in Matthew 7:23 was changed in the Joseph Smith Translation to “Ye never knew me” (Matthew 7:23, footnote a).' (Come, follow me) [Questions are from the same section.] How does this change help you better understand what the Lord taught in verses 21–22 about doing His will?  A doctrinal change is given, for the King James Translation says that Jesus Christ only knows the people, who are faithful to the gospel; however, it is the opposite. Only people, who are faithful to the gospel, truly know Jesus Christ. How well do you feel you know the Lord?  I think that I know him well. I read Jesus the Christ by Elder Talmage and the New Testament to learn of his life. What can you do to know Him better? I can learn of him more by practicing his attributes; then, I can learn of his thought patterns.

Family Home Evening included watching videos of the Sermon on the Mount and discussing it. I learned from the Lord's Prayer that his example shows that man should express humility to God, seeking his will. Jesus Christ has also expressed that gratitude is appreciated in the story of the Ten Lepers' healing.  I was reminded of D&C 59:21 "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." I would like to bear unto you my witness that my life would be meaningless without Heavenly Father, and his plan of Happiness. My efforts have not brought me to my station in life, but I trust that God will provide for me. His grace has blessed my best effort, and I express gratitude in this wise often.

During Sacrament meeting a mother talked about her experience with the Holy Ghost. Many people feel the spirit emotionally. She is not one of them. I am the same way. I sympathize with her, feeling disfunctional. Her talk cited an apostle recently stating that it is okay to not feel the spirit regularly. Everyone has a different relationship with God the Father. I wrote that I understand the mind receives promptings from good and bad sources. Fundamentally we have one's spirit, the light of Christ, and the Holy Ghost. The bad side has the natural man and Satan. My good thoughts come from the light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. This is how I recognize the Holy Ghost in my life. There are different personality such as: abstract artistic thinkers, analytical thinkers, logic oriented people, and emotional empathetic people. The Holy Ghost works with the thought orientation of all man, and he does not work the same way with everyone.

This morning I finished reading the chapter of Alma 56, introducing the stripling warriors. I wrote that we need to treat the raising generation as stripling warriors because they have the faith to turn the tides of war. Completing the chapter, I learned how stripling warriors were treated as they grew up. I believe that their valience comes from the faith in God implanted in them by the teaching of their parents.  And now, in the city Antiparah were stationed the strongest army of the Lamanites; yea, the most numerous...And it came to pass that we did flee before them, northward. And thus we did lead away the most powerful army of the Lamanites;... And now Antipus, beholding our danger, did speed the march of his army. But behold, it was night; therefore they did not overtake us, neither did Antipus overtake them; therefore we did camp for the night... And it came to pass that again, when the light of the morning came we saw the Lamanites upon us, and we did flee before them. But ...

I was studying the law of Moses, relating it to the higher law given in the sermon on the mount, but Christ spoke so simply that I didn't think writing notes were necessary. The following notes are from Sacrament meeting last Sunday, for I heard Ben a former student of mine ask her mother...: What is the sacrament?    I imagined teaching my child during the sacrament, saying the following. Look. The bread represents the flesh of Jesus Christ. It is broken. The flesh of God is broken because all men will die, but Jesus has power over death. When he died, he resurrected, returning to the presence of Heavenly Father.    Look. The water represents the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed, when he was doing the atonement. The atonement of Christ allows God to forgiven, heal, and comfort man.     Partaking of the bread and water is an ordinance that renews my promises with God.

Reading the Book of Mormon this morning, I was impressed by the description of the stripling warriors. Helaman called them "little sons." (Alma 56:30) I imagine the Aaronic Priesthood age youth. Art typically depicts them as strong and "large in stature."  The Kingdom of God's youth are mighty enough to turn the tides of war. The youth are the hope of the future, and all of them truly can have the faith to come home alive from the war as all of the sons of Helamen did. Let us believe that our youth have the faith of Christ to withstand Satan's attacks, and treat them as  such.

I am working on a scripture study activity over a couple days, but I have a simple precept to write about. I learned about the covenant of salt, which I never was taught about before. It is very symbolic, yet is very real too. It is mentioned in the following verse: "All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the Lord, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the Lord unto thee and to thy seed with thee." (Numbers 18:19) In the Old Testament we hear of prophets, numbering the minimum amount of saints required to preserve a nation from destruction. This is a tangible fruit of the covenant of salt. Abraham is known for negotiating with God about how many people were required to save Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18. "Salt has long been used to preserve, flavor, and purify... When salt loses its savor, it becomes ineffective, or “good for nothing” (Ma...

"Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind. And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and much joy." (Alma 56:16-17) Depressed people contend against an enemy day and night, facing a hopeless situation. They fear for their lives. This is a physical situation for the Nephite in these verses, but a spiritual war is depressing people daily. One interesting thing, which is revealed in these verses, is that people can be depressed and be valiant in the fight for our lives. Another great thing is that faith in Christ fulfills all that one can hope for. The sons of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi people were a great example of faith in Jesus Christ. They trusted in their lives so much to the Lor...

"Everybody wants to be happy, but not everyone looks for happiness in the same places. Some search for it in worldly power and position, others in wealth or in satisfying physical appetites. Jesus Christ came to teach the way to lasting happiness, to teach what it truly means to be blessed. What do you learn about obtaining lasting happiness from Matthew 5:1–12 and Luke 6:20–26?  How is this different from the world’s view of happiness? " (Come, follow me) Find joy in the eternal perspective. Life in the world is not true happiness. Happiness comes from living, pondering, and talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The world may find pleasure in vain things, gratifying pride, and carnal endulgence; however, the saints of God embrace temperance, modesty, and charity. These are sources of joy, self-esteem, and peace. Don't worry about what other people say about you especially if it is false or they persecute you for your faith in Christ. The references are quoted below. ...

"As you read about the Savior changing water into wine in John 2:1–11, what insights do you gain about the power of Christ to change you?" (Come, follow me) When I first read this, I thought that it did not apply to life much, ignoring it until Jessica brought it up last night. "And [the third day of the week] (JST John 2:1) there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.  Jesus saith unto her, [Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do; for mine hour is not yet come.] (JST John 2:4) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And ...

"The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Being born again, comes by the Spirit of God through ordinances” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 95).  What role did your baptism (being “born of water” [John 3:5]) and confirmation (being born “of the Spirit” [John 3:5]) play in being born again?" (Come, follow me) Baptism represents death and a new life, when an individual is emerged in the water. Their sins are forgiven as they enter into the covenant. The Gift of the Holy Ghost endowed upon man at Confirmation allows an individual to have the spirit as a constant companion. This is my understanding of the mind. Our minds are drawn to weaknesses and strengths, and people's minds get thoughts from two sources. "Man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other." "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be broug...

One may ask. Why do members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have more scripture? Is not the Bible the complete word of God?  There is no end to the word of God. The word of God is revealed through his prophets, and this is his eternal pattern. All prophets recorded their revelations as scripture, and there are a lot more records than the contents of the Bible.  It seems that a qualification for a religion for the world's societies is that it has to remain in apostasy. I assert that the apostasy has closed on the Church of Jesus Christ with the opening the great and last dispensation. Apostasy comes when the people reject the prophets, and they have to be withdrawn until God sees fit to call a new prophet. Many of these prophets are martyred. "This generation shall have my word through you (Joseph)." (D&C 5:10)  Joseph Smith Jr. recieved many gifts and revelations, including the priesthood and the keys of the kingdom.  The focus of the Doctrine ...

I found time to read the Book of Mormon this morning. I read Ammoron's response to Moroni's request to trade captive families for prisoners. I thought that it was odd that he claimed that he is a Lamanite, when he is a descendant of Zoram. I think that people need to be careful with the philosophy or tradition that they subscribe to. Many people don't act themselves because the world has developed a philosophy or tradition to wrap everyone up in. I was also inspired to listen to Mormon Channel talk radio this morning. They were talking about a timely 100 year old talk, saying science and religion are opposites. There is a concept of blind doubt; just as blind faith. People need to wake up from their blind doubt,  blind faith, worldly philosophy, and tradition.  "Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and ...

The famine, which is prophesied by Amos, is over. The truth of Christ's Gospel is restored.  "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst." (Amos 8:11-13) One may relate looking 'to and fro to seek the word of the Lord,' not finding the answers of the soul's questions. A great gift from God that will answer a lot of life's questions is the Book of Mormon. Heavenly Father had this prophets write the records abridged in the Book of Mormon for the latter-days.  Jesus Christ and his gospel is known as the Bread of Life and the Living Water. The gospel fills us with the Holy Ghost.  "What might Jesus have meant when He...

Nicodemus came to counsel with Jesus Christ at night, but he actually came to the Light of the World. Last night Jessica & I discussed the following precept: "Savior used everyday things—birth, wind, water, and food—to teach spiritual truths." (Come, follow me) "What teachings do you find in John 3:1–21 that might have inspired Nicodemus to follow Jesus and be born again?" (Come, follow me) "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:19-21) Nicodemus was a Pharisee, witnessing first hand the hatred of the light; however, he truly sought after living truth. I have pondered pride, emnity, the natural man, the world, and other precep...

Pondering missionary work, I realized that Christ's mortal ministry was a designated time in his life.  He even had to remind his mother at 'a marriage in Cana of Galilee.' "And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. " (Luke 2:3-4) The following verses inspired the concluding thoughts last week:    JST, Matthew 3:24–26. Compare Matthew 2:23    Jesus grows up and waits on the Lord before beginning His ministry.        24 And it came to pass that Jesus grew up with his brethren, and waxed strong, and waited upon the Lord for the time of his ministry to come.    25 And he served under his father, and he spake not as other men, neither could he be taught; for he needed not that any man should teach him.    26 And after many years, the hour of his ministry drew nigh.  ...

Mary's life in raising Jesus Christ is very limited, but her example of pondering her child's life is emphasized. Two scripture references in Luke say "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19) "His mother kept all these sayings in her heart." (Luke 2:51) Mary probably told Christ's disciples her account, saying that she did not understand at first, but she came to understand over time by pondering. Pondering is a key to revelation from Holy Ghost. Joseph F. Smith is a testament of this precept, for he wrote "As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me," (D&C 138:11) I am a pondering person too, and I would like to add my testimony to this principle. My truths are realized through thinking. I know this not sympathetic; however sometimes, when I hear people struggle on receiving answers, I ponder 'If you just ...

The 'Come, follow me'  manual had me " Ponder these questions as you read Matthew 4:18–22 and Luke 5:1–11" after reading the following introduction: President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 42). This is what happened to Peter and his fellow fishermen. Jesus helped them realize that they could do more than catch fish—they could become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19; see also Luke 5:10). To help them see this, Jesus used experiences that were familiar to them. When have you felt the Savior calling you to follow Him?     The light of Christ always encourages me to have integrity, always serve man, and do my best in all my responsibilities.     How can you show the Lord that you are willing to “[forsake] all” (Luke 5:11) to follow Him?  Serve at home    Prepare...

If you were asked to describe what Jesus Christ was sent to earth to do, what would you say? I would say that Jesus Christ was chosen from the beginning to redeem all mankind by atoning for sin and overcoming death. In Luke 4:18–19, the Savior described aspects of His own mission by quoting one of Isaiah’s prophecies about the Messiah (see Isaiah 61:1–2).  "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;" (Isaiah 61:1–2) What do you learn about His mission as you read these verses? "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me" means to me that he came restore the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Melchizedek Priesthood. "Because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good ...

Reviewing 'Come, follow me' for CTR 5, I am impressed by its example of relating scriptures to one's life. The first impression was the application of Luke 3:5: "Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;" I always thought this partially quoted prophecy of Isaiah was a description of the Millennium, the final thousand years of time on Earth, where "Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory." (the tenth article of faith) The example of relating scriptures to one's life by 'Come, follow me' shows a different interpretation. The following is the quotation:  "This is a message for all of us, including those who think they cannot change or do not need to change. If something as permanent as a mountain can be flattened, then surely the Lord can help us st...

After Jesus Christ was tempted by Satan, the first thing that he did is summon angels to minister to John the Baptist in jail. This is according to Joseph Smith Translation. "And now Jesus knew that John was cast into prison, and he sent angels, and, behold, they came and ministered unto him." (JST Matthew 4:11) In the King James Version of the bible, Matthew 4:11 says “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” One may have mixed feelings about Christ resisting Satan’s temptation to “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone;” then moments later, angels come and ministered unto him. Those mixed feelings are valid, and they can rest assured that angels did not minister to him. Jesus sent angels to minister to John the Baptist instead of our mis-translated verse of Matthew 4...

In the account of Jesus Christ, telling his disciples how his forty day fast concluded, we learn of his example to resist temptations. Satan tempted him with hunger, pride, and kingdoms.  I gathered the following ways to resist temptation: Keep an eternal perspective.  Ponder the doctrine of Christ Remember the commandments & word of God. An  eternal perspective is an ever developing point of view, considering the long term affects of one's actions. The doctrine of Christ is the plan of Salvation, Godhead, and atonement of Jesus Christ. Eternal perspectives are more fruitful, when it is based on t he doctrine of Christ and truth. It is hard to even recognize temptation, if an individual does not remember the commandments. "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 11:26) The Spirit will help you remember  the command...

Man's temptations and weaknesses are not sin; however, when men chose to follow the temptation, that is sin. People tend to unnecessarily feel guilty and define themselves by their weaknesses and temptation. Jesus Christ experienced every temptation, yet he lived a perfect life. He can be a great source of strength as described in the following scripture verses: "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11-12)

Jessica & I went to institute in the evening. The lesson was a most inspiring one about missionary work. I learned that people are more receptive when you are 100% a missionary. My casual attempts have felt overbearing or not authentic. People tend get defensive when I approach people about the church, having "two" sides or an awkward attempt. A missionary perhaps "fake" side, which rarely comes out, and my personal example. I tend to be a listening type of person with an accepting & comforting humor. I try to be interested in people being a true uplifting friend. The teacher shared an example from his mission. Brother Diaz was known as the missionary machine. The following is his backstory to how he became 100% a missionary: Brother Diaz was deathly ill, &  he covenanted that he will consecrate himself to missionary work. When he recovered, he got sick again.  He definitely thought that he would die. He covenanted again; health for missionary service.  ...