The Apostle Peter was such a good man. Peter was a man who had grown perfect through his experiences and sufferings. He was a man with a vision and he was fully trusted by Jesus Christ. Although he had denied the Christ three times, he repented and he was very sorrowful. Peter may have made errors in his life, but he was only human. Yes he was an Apostle and walked with the Savior, but he was still a human being and therefore he wasn't perfect. Peter was a good example of so many things, so to judge him isn't fair at all.
If I were to pick an attribute of Peter's, I would choose his dependability, and trustworthiness. The Lord knew that Peter could be trusted. He knew that he would be solid, trustworthy, and dependable as a leader of the kingdom of God. I want this attribute of Peter's because I want to be able to be depended upon above all else. I want the Lord to know that whatever He asks of me I will do it because He can count on me. I want Him to be able to trust me and that I can know things and He'll know I can keep it. I think this is such a good attribute and Peter was such an amazing person because he was these things. He was many other things also, but to be so dependable on I find one of the greatest things.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Holy Ghost
John 14:15-17, 26-27; 15:26-27; 16:7-8, 13-14
The Savior taught that the Holy Ghost is a comforter, and if we pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, then it will be with us always. The Savior taught that because we know Him, He will dwell with us and shall always be with us. The Holy Ghost is also a teacher. He will help you to remember and give you peace. In order to receive the Holy Ghost, we must be righteous and have a peaceful heart to where it can abide in. As long as we are obedient and keep the commandments, the Holy Ghost will abide with us.
The Holy Ghost helped to fulfill the Apostles missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection by guiding them and being with them. As long as the Apostles had the Holy Ghost with them and were doing what’s right, then they were able to fulfill what was needed and required of them.
The Holy Ghost has helped me in times of trouble to show me the truth. A little while back I was in a relationship that wasn’t good for me. It was degrading and I wasn’t happy being in it, but I still didn’t really have the courage to get out of it. I was in this off and on relationship for almost a year when it started to end. Another guy came home from his mission and started to date me. My ex-boyfriend at the time saw this, and decided that he wanted to “officially” date me now. Now he wanted me just for himself and asked me to never date the return missionary again or talk to him. He begged me to take him back and although I didn’t know this return missionary very well, and even though in the past I would have in a heartbeat, I don’t my ex-boyfriend no. I know that it was the Holy Ghost helping me to stay strong in a time when I wasn’t strong, because I got out of a terrible relationship and now have been married to that return missionary for 5 months. I should have listened to the Holy Ghost earlier because I know it was there before, but I’m so grateful that the Holy Ghost blessed me and still was there to help me. He will never leave us if we are faithful.
The Savior taught that the Holy Ghost is a comforter, and if we pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, then it will be with us always. The Savior taught that because we know Him, He will dwell with us and shall always be with us. The Holy Ghost is also a teacher. He will help you to remember and give you peace. In order to receive the Holy Ghost, we must be righteous and have a peaceful heart to where it can abide in. As long as we are obedient and keep the commandments, the Holy Ghost will abide with us.
The Holy Ghost helped to fulfill the Apostles missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection by guiding them and being with them. As long as the Apostles had the Holy Ghost with them and were doing what’s right, then they were able to fulfill what was needed and required of them.
The Holy Ghost has helped me in times of trouble to show me the truth. A little while back I was in a relationship that wasn’t good for me. It was degrading and I wasn’t happy being in it, but I still didn’t really have the courage to get out of it. I was in this off and on relationship for almost a year when it started to end. Another guy came home from his mission and started to date me. My ex-boyfriend at the time saw this, and decided that he wanted to “officially” date me now. Now he wanted me just for himself and asked me to never date the return missionary again or talk to him. He begged me to take him back and although I didn’t know this return missionary very well, and even though in the past I would have in a heartbeat, I don’t my ex-boyfriend no. I know that it was the Holy Ghost helping me to stay strong in a time when I wasn’t strong, because I got out of a terrible relationship and now have been married to that return missionary for 5 months. I should have listened to the Holy Ghost earlier because I know it was there before, but I’m so grateful that the Holy Ghost blessed me and still was there to help me. He will never leave us if we are faithful.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Talents
Matthew 25:14-30
The three men in the parable of the talents all receive something. The first man gets to be ruler over many things because he had 5 talents and he went and traded and got 5 more talents to have a total of ten. The second man also gets to be ruler over many things because he had 2 talents and he goes and trades and gets 2 more to have a total of four talents. The third man however, since he didn't go and trade for more talents and hide his talent, he got his talent taken away. The number of talents received isn't what mattered. What mattered was whether the talents that were given were used or hidden. The gifts that were received for gaining more talents was way better then the number of talents given in the beginning.
The third man hid his talent because he was afraid and didn't want to lose the one talent that he had.
The teachings in the different scriptures teaches us many things regarding talents. It teaches that God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. The scripture it gives in Proverbs is my favorite one and it is saying that we need to trust in the Lord for everything because He knows better and He will direct us if we only trust in Him. We also need to make sure that we're not fearing man more than the Lord. These scriptures help us and me not to have fear because as long as we're doing good, then God will give us power and strength to overcome any fear.
A better way for me to use the talents that the Lord has given me is to slowly build up to it. I could practice songs and offer to play piano in sacrament meeting or sing a song in sacrament meeting or at other events so I get used to using my talents and then they will only grow and I won't be afraid to use them anymore.
The three men in the parable of the talents all receive something. The first man gets to be ruler over many things because he had 5 talents and he went and traded and got 5 more talents to have a total of ten. The second man also gets to be ruler over many things because he had 2 talents and he goes and trades and gets 2 more to have a total of four talents. The third man however, since he didn't go and trade for more talents and hide his talent, he got his talent taken away. The number of talents received isn't what mattered. What mattered was whether the talents that were given were used or hidden. The gifts that were received for gaining more talents was way better then the number of talents given in the beginning.
The third man hid his talent because he was afraid and didn't want to lose the one talent that he had.
The teachings in the different scriptures teaches us many things regarding talents. It teaches that God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. The scripture it gives in Proverbs is my favorite one and it is saying that we need to trust in the Lord for everything because He knows better and He will direct us if we only trust in Him. We also need to make sure that we're not fearing man more than the Lord. These scriptures help us and me not to have fear because as long as we're doing good, then God will give us power and strength to overcome any fear.
A better way for me to use the talents that the Lord has given me is to slowly build up to it. I could practice songs and offer to play piano in sacrament meeting or sing a song in sacrament meeting or at other events so I get used to using my talents and then they will only grow and I won't be afraid to use them anymore.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The Savior's Second Coming
Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38; Joseph Smith-- Matthew.
In order for believers to be prepared for the Lord, they need to make sure they take heed and watch. They need to watch for; False Prophets and false Christs that try to seduce the world. Watch for wars and rumors of wars. Finally make sure to watch for being hated of all men, because in that day we shall be hated of all men that are for Christ's sake.
There are other ways to watch for the second coming of the Savior. We need to watch and make sure that we are standing in holy places. There shall be abomination and desolation in the land. Those who treasure the words of Christ shall not be deceived like others will. Make sure that we are ready like the 10 virgins. That we will always have our lamps trimmed and burning with extra oil because we don't know when the Savior will come. He will come when we least expect it so we need to make sure that we are always ready.
In order for believers to be prepared for the Lord, they need to make sure they take heed and watch. They need to watch for; False Prophets and false Christs that try to seduce the world. Watch for wars and rumors of wars. Finally make sure to watch for being hated of all men, because in that day we shall be hated of all men that are for Christ's sake.
There are other ways to watch for the second coming of the Savior. We need to watch and make sure that we are standing in holy places. There shall be abomination and desolation in the land. Those who treasure the words of Christ shall not be deceived like others will. Make sure that we are ready like the 10 virgins. That we will always have our lamps trimmed and burning with extra oil because we don't know when the Savior will come. He will come when we least expect it so we need to make sure that we are always ready.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Widow's Gift
Mark 12:41-44
The Widow lived what the Savior taught because the widow gave all that she had. She sacrificed so much, and even though it was less then what the rich people had cast in, it was more because it was more of a sacrifice for her to cast in the amount she cast in. The rich people cast in a lot, but they were rich so it didn't really affect them. The amount the widow cast in affected her because she was so poor, but she did it anyway because of her love and sacrifice.
2Nephi 25:23 ties into this scripture because the Widow gave all that she could. In this scripture it says that we will be saved by our grace after all that we can do, and the widow gave her all.
A better way that I can follow the widows sacrifice and obedience besides giving money, is to follow what the Savior has commanded and asked of me. I can obey commandments better to the point that I'm doing all that I can so that I am obeying what I should. I could obey more, and sacrifice much more to others. Giving to the poor is a good way and helping those in need even if it doesn't benefit me temporally.
The Widow lived what the Savior taught because the widow gave all that she had. She sacrificed so much, and even though it was less then what the rich people had cast in, it was more because it was more of a sacrifice for her to cast in the amount she cast in. The rich people cast in a lot, but they were rich so it didn't really affect them. The amount the widow cast in affected her because she was so poor, but she did it anyway because of her love and sacrifice.
2Nephi 25:23 ties into this scripture because the Widow gave all that she could. In this scripture it says that we will be saved by our grace after all that we can do, and the widow gave her all.
A better way that I can follow the widows sacrifice and obedience besides giving money, is to follow what the Savior has commanded and asked of me. I can obey commandments better to the point that I'm doing all that I can so that I am obeying what I should. I could obey more, and sacrifice much more to others. Giving to the poor is a good way and helping those in need even if it doesn't benefit me temporally.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Parables
Luke 16:1-12 - In this parable it's teaching about the importance of friendship I believe. It's saying to not waste your time just obtaining riches because when we leave we won't have any of them, so it's best to have enough money to get us by, but to make friends because we will have those eternally.
Luke 16:19-31 - This parable is teaching about the importance of sharing. Lazarus was a beggar and no one paid him any attention, but once the rich man was hurt he wanted attention and help but it was too late and there was none to give. We need to share the gospel with those around us and help those in need.
Luke 17:11-19 - We need to be grateful for what we are given. There were 10 lepers but only one felt they needed to give thanks. We need to always give thanks for the blessings that we get in life.
Luke 18:1-8 - It's saying the importance of praying to Heavenly Father always. God will always be there to help us when we pray to Him and talk to Him. He will be there always and always care to help us.
Luke 18:9-14 - It's teaching the principle of being humble. We need to bow down and know that we are unworthy and be humble. We need to seek for His love and guidance.
Luke 16:19-31 - This parable is teaching about the importance of sharing. Lazarus was a beggar and no one paid him any attention, but once the rich man was hurt he wanted attention and help but it was too late and there was none to give. We need to share the gospel with those around us and help those in need.
Luke 17:11-19 - We need to be grateful for what we are given. There were 10 lepers but only one felt they needed to give thanks. We need to always give thanks for the blessings that we get in life.
Luke 18:1-8 - It's saying the importance of praying to Heavenly Father always. God will always be there to help us when we pray to Him and talk to Him. He will be there always and always care to help us.
Luke 18:9-14 - It's teaching the principle of being humble. We need to bow down and know that we are unworthy and be humble. We need to seek for His love and guidance.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Seventy
Based on the verses in Luke, the Savior tells the disciples that when they go into the city they should let the people know that they bring peace. If they are accepted then it's all good, but if they are rejected then they should just leave at once and that city will need to be careful.
Based of the Article of Faith 6, the principles taught in the verses support the Article of Faith very well. The Lord is sending the disciples two by two to preach the gospel, just like it is today. Missionaries go two by two to preach the word of God. Missionaries are put into cities they aren't familiar with at times, and the Savior says to eat the food if they welcome them and bless those that are sick and afflicted which is what missionaries do. In the last few verses the Savior is saying how the devil will come speedily because of the work, but as long as they are doing the work then they shouldn't fear because they will be protected and be able to overcome the devil.
The scriptures show that the Lord appointed a seventy back then as he did now because it talks about the seventy and they shall be spiritual and nothing shall hurt them as long as they're doing the Lord's work. It shows that they are them because they are ordained and set apart.
Based of the Article of Faith 6, the principles taught in the verses support the Article of Faith very well. The Lord is sending the disciples two by two to preach the gospel, just like it is today. Missionaries go two by two to preach the word of God. Missionaries are put into cities they aren't familiar with at times, and the Savior says to eat the food if they welcome them and bless those that are sick and afflicted which is what missionaries do. In the last few verses the Savior is saying how the devil will come speedily because of the work, but as long as they are doing the work then they shouldn't fear because they will be protected and be able to overcome the devil.
The scriptures show that the Lord appointed a seventy back then as he did now because it talks about the seventy and they shall be spiritual and nothing shall hurt them as long as they're doing the Lord's work. It shows that they are them because they are ordained and set apart.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Healing
In order for the Savior to be able to heal the man in Matthew, He tells the disciples that they need to have faith, they need to pray and fast.
What needs to happen for miracles to happen?
3rd Nephi 18:20- We need to make sure we have faith believing that what we want will happen.
Doctrine and Covenants 50:29- We need to make sure we are pure and have repented of any sins and then what we ask will be done.
Doctrine and Covenants 42:48- We need to not only believe but to have faith.
Basically if we want miracles to happen in our lives we need to make sure that we are pure and clean and that we believe. Believing is very powerful and showing that you have faith and exercising your faith will bless you and produce miracles.
What needs to happen for miracles to happen?
3rd Nephi 18:20- We need to make sure we have faith believing that what we want will happen.
Doctrine and Covenants 50:29- We need to make sure we are pure and have repented of any sins and then what we ask will be done.
Doctrine and Covenants 42:48- We need to not only believe but to have faith.
Basically if we want miracles to happen in our lives we need to make sure that we are pure and clean and that we believe. Believing is very powerful and showing that you have faith and exercising your faith will bless you and produce miracles.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Walking on the Sea
When the Apostles first saw the Savior walking to them on water, they were frightened. They didn't realize it was Jesus at first, and they thought it was some spirit come to get them. When Peter responded that if it were Christ that he should be able to walk on water also, that showed a tremendous amount of faith. He knew that if it was Christ then he could walk also. Peter began to sink because he started to doubt. He saw the winds still tossing and everything still stormy and he doubted that he could keep walking and so he began to sink down. When Peter began to sink he cried out to Jesus asking Him to save him. It was said that "immediately" Christ offered His hand to help him.
In Doctrine and Covenants 88:67 it talks about how if you believe in Christ and in the gospel and have the dedication to it, then you shall have belief and be filled with light and be able to comprehend all things. These verses relate to Peter because at first he believed in Christ and he had faith in Him, so his body was filled with the light and he understood all things and he was able to walk on water.
As I walk on the storms of life this scripture can be applied to myself because I know from this that as long as I have faith and I am striving to be good then I will be able to pass through the storms and learn and grow from them and gain a greater testimony in the gospel.
In Doctrine and Covenants 88:67 it talks about how if you believe in Christ and in the gospel and have the dedication to it, then you shall have belief and be filled with light and be able to comprehend all things. These verses relate to Peter because at first he believed in Christ and he had faith in Him, so his body was filled with the light and he understood all things and he was able to walk on water.
As I walk on the storms of life this scripture can be applied to myself because I know from this that as long as I have faith and I am striving to be good then I will be able to pass through the storms and learn and grow from them and gain a greater testimony in the gospel.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The greatest man
The Savior said that John the Baptist was the greatest man born of women. Three reasons as to why Joseph Smith considered John the Baptist to be among the greatest prophets is; John the Baptist was entrusted to prepare the way before Jesus came. Second, it was his opportunity to baptize the Son of Man. Lastly, he had the keys of heaven given to him. To be able to accomplish all of this is such an honor and a blessing and this is what makes him the greatest prophet born of women.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
BEATITUDES
The word blessed means; to be very fortunate, or to have many blessings from God.
In Matthew 5:12, "blessed" attributes would be; if we are optimistic and happy, we will receive blessings in heaven. As it says, the prophets were persecuted and they are very happy gentle people.
Three beatitudes;
1. Blessed are the Meek
-Living the beatitude to be meek can make an enormous impact on ones life and in my life. As President Lee points out, to be meek is "one who is not easily provoked or irritated." Just today I got super irritated with my husband because I went to the Relief Society Broadcast and while I was gone he fell asleep and I had to sit outside for 15 minutes constantly calling his phone until he woke up. I became so irritated with him, when in reality it wasn't his fault at all it just happened. If I had been meek in this situation I would have been happier and he would have also. Being meek not only makes you happy, but it makes others happy and blesses others also.
2. Blessed are they which are Persecuted
-Whenever I've been persecuted by friends, I always find it interesting as to why they think they should persecute me for my beliefs. I remember one time at a school dance I was dancing normal and I had a friend at the time who kept pointing at me and laughing because I was dancing "Mormon" apparently. Since I wasn't dancing inappropriately like a lot of people at that dance were, this girl felt that she needed to point out that my dancing was "Mormon" dancing even though I was dancing exactly the same as others in our group were, yet their dancing wasn't "Mormon" dancing. I think it's times like those to hold your head high and just brush off what others say because in the end it doesn't matter what they say, it matters how you react and what you believe.
3. Blessed are the Merciful
- Showing mercy to others is Christ-like, and it blesses others. I remember I had a friend once who went through many problems in her life. She was always up and down and at times hated my guts, for reasons I couldn't explain and I'm not sure she could either. One time she decided she would never talk to me again and said very hurtful things because I broke up with her brother. It was just a few weeks after that, that she needed help and she asked for my forgiveness and asked me to help. I was the only person she'd ever told certain things to and I was a good listener and could calm her down when she got really worked up. She called asking me to come over, and I did. At this point, I could have just let her deal with what she had problems with because I was hurt, but I decided to help anyway. It made my life so much happier when she was my friend again and it helped us to become friends again. She was such a good friend and if I hadn't extended mercy and if I had just been selfish and ignored her, I wouldn't be happy with my decisions, and neither would The Lord.
In order to stay happy in our lives, and for me in my life, it's important to do things even though at the time you don't feel like doing them. It will bless your life, like it has blessed mine for a very long time.
In Matthew 5:12, "blessed" attributes would be; if we are optimistic and happy, we will receive blessings in heaven. As it says, the prophets were persecuted and they are very happy gentle people.
Three beatitudes;
1. Blessed are the Meek
-Living the beatitude to be meek can make an enormous impact on ones life and in my life. As President Lee points out, to be meek is "one who is not easily provoked or irritated." Just today I got super irritated with my husband because I went to the Relief Society Broadcast and while I was gone he fell asleep and I had to sit outside for 15 minutes constantly calling his phone until he woke up. I became so irritated with him, when in reality it wasn't his fault at all it just happened. If I had been meek in this situation I would have been happier and he would have also. Being meek not only makes you happy, but it makes others happy and blesses others also.
2. Blessed are they which are Persecuted
-Whenever I've been persecuted by friends, I always find it interesting as to why they think they should persecute me for my beliefs. I remember one time at a school dance I was dancing normal and I had a friend at the time who kept pointing at me and laughing because I was dancing "Mormon" apparently. Since I wasn't dancing inappropriately like a lot of people at that dance were, this girl felt that she needed to point out that my dancing was "Mormon" dancing even though I was dancing exactly the same as others in our group were, yet their dancing wasn't "Mormon" dancing. I think it's times like those to hold your head high and just brush off what others say because in the end it doesn't matter what they say, it matters how you react and what you believe.
3. Blessed are the Merciful
- Showing mercy to others is Christ-like, and it blesses others. I remember I had a friend once who went through many problems in her life. She was always up and down and at times hated my guts, for reasons I couldn't explain and I'm not sure she could either. One time she decided she would never talk to me again and said very hurtful things because I broke up with her brother. It was just a few weeks after that, that she needed help and she asked for my forgiveness and asked me to help. I was the only person she'd ever told certain things to and I was a good listener and could calm her down when she got really worked up. She called asking me to come over, and I did. At this point, I could have just let her deal with what she had problems with because I was hurt, but I decided to help anyway. It made my life so much happier when she was my friend again and it helped us to become friends again. She was such a good friend and if I hadn't extended mercy and if I had just been selfish and ignored her, I wouldn't be happy with my decisions, and neither would The Lord.
In order to stay happy in our lives, and for me in my life, it's important to do things even though at the time you don't feel like doing them. It will bless your life, like it has blessed mine for a very long time.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Becoming Born Again
"Seeing" the kingdom of God and "entering" into the kingdom of God are two separate things. When you "see" the kingdom of God, you can see it and the potential of being there, but when you "enter" into the kingdom of God, you are in it. When you become baptized, you "enter" into the kingdom of God. In order for Nicodemus to enter the kingdom of God, Jesus Christ teaches him that he must be "born again". Baptism is a symbol of rebirth because you are fully emersing yourself under water, in order to come up again clean and new. Baptism could be a symbol of death because we are going under to start anew. To be "born of the spirit" means that you have been converted in your heart and the way you live your life. The Father loves every single person ever born or ever created. In order to show His love, He blesses us and teaches us. He lets us have our agency so we can choose the way to go. He has blessed us with bodies and with the chance to someday be like him and to return with him. The purpose of the Savior was to make it so we could all return to the Father someday. He had to suffer for our sins so that we could become pure like the Father. If there wasn't a sacrifice we wouldn't be able to return to our Father because we wouldn't be perfect enough.
JOHN THE BAPTIST
Zacharias was told that many would rejoice at his birth. John the Baptist was a very special person and accomplished many things on his mission. In the Bible Dictionary under "John the Baptist" it says he was of "priestly descent through both parents.. He was the outstanding bearer of the Aaronic Priesthood in all history, and was entrusted with its most noble mission"(p.714 B.D.). Many people would rejoice over his birth because he was a choice spirit. John the Baptist is the one who baptized Jesus. John was caring and he had no jealousy, but always to serve others. John was a wonderful teacher and taught many doctrines of this gospel. John the Baptist showed light unto people everywhere, and taught with such a strong spirit and conviction that many believed him and many came unto the gospel by him.
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