The Holy Ghost

We have been taught that we are all given gifts of the Spirit.  Some people understand, comprehend and are able to teach the scriptures to others.  Some have a gift for language and are able to speak another language fluently and communicate gospel principles or they have the ability to move others in their native language because of the heartfelt way in which they speak.  These are just a couple of examples of what we call gifts of the Spirit.  

Me?  I think one of the gifts I have been given is the ability to feel the Spirit strongly.  It took me a long time to realize that not everyone feels it the way I do.  For me, it is such an integral part of my life that it is like breathing.

In the institute manual for the New Testament it says "The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine tuned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears and life to the whole being." (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, pp. 168)

As I read that paragraph I couldn't think of a better way to describe the many ways that the Spirit works in my heart.  I have had countless times where it has inspired me to find an answer I desperately needed.  It has led me to call a friend in need. It has inspired me to offer a kind word, put aside my anger and serve others.  At all times the Holy Ghost helps me to grow and be uplifted.  It helps me to put aside feelings of anger or frustration and allows me to see things from a different perspective.

I am so incredibly grateful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the peace and comfort it brings to my heart.

 

Leadership

Choice 4: John 13:1–17; Luke 22:24–30; Mark 10:43–45. The Savior Taught the Apostles about Leadership

 Leadership in the church is different than what the world usually describes as leadership because we do not seek a particular office or calling.  Callings are not given out based on rank or authority.  Many times we are given callings that we do not even feel worthy to have or callings that stretch us to grow in ways that we didn't think we could.  

Not too long ago a woman in the ward was called to teach in Relief Society (the women's organization).  She was a recent convert and she wasn't very eloquent.  She had never taught before and yet she was called to teach women who had been members of the church longer than she had been alive.  The lessons she taught were some of the sweetest, most heartfelt lessons I have ever heard in my life.  She taught from her heart and the spirit helped her to communicate the things that we needed to hear. It was a reminder to me that when we listen the Spirit the Lord will use us to further his message.

I have been blessed to know many great leaders over the years and the ones that left the biggest impression on me were those that served with humbleness.  In everything that they did, they sought direction from the Lord.  They never took credit for the things that they did.  They just quietly fulfilled their callings to the best of their ability. 

As I have served in the church I have tried to follow those great examples by

• Praying for guidance
• Remembering where my stewardship lies
• After each lesson, meeting, event - pray to know what went well and what can be improved.
• And most importantly - sustaining others in their calling.  This means that you love and support them and refrain from criticizing how they choose to fulfill their calling.

The Second Coming

This week we studied the second coming. I have to admit that I've never been one to really pay too much attention to all the signs and prophecies about the second coming.  Why?  Because I don't think it really matters WHEN that time is coming.  What matters is how we are living our life right now.  Whether the second coming is this year, next year, in 10 years or 100 years, it's possible that this could be my last night on earth.  Anything could happen.  I could get in a fatal car accident tomorrow and then it wouldn't matter if the second coming was the day after that.  Each day I need to make sure that I am doing my best to live the gospel fully and then I will always be prepared.

Having said that...one of the great things about taking the religion courses at BYUI is that it helps me to study the gospel more fully and this week it means that I actually took the time to read about the second coming.

Here are some of the signs and blessings that are promised.

	Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (JS-M 1:5-20)	The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (JS-M 1:21-55)
Events to Occur	Imposters of Christ – verse 6 Offended by each other 8 False prophets – verse 9	False Christs – v 22 Wars and rumors of wars v 23 The elect will be gathered together v 27 Famines, pestilences and earthquakes v29 Gospel to be preached to all the world v31 Darkness (sun, moon, stars) v33
Promises to the Righteous	Steadfast are saved – verse 11	Will be gathered toether v 37

 

 

The Widow's Mites

 
 Each time I read this story I am reminded that the Lord knows our minds and hearts and will judge us accordingly.  In Mark 12:28-30 we are taught to love God with all of our heart, mind and strength.  As the widow cast in all that she had she showed that she was willing to give everything to God.  She had faith that He would provide for her. Did the rich who tossed in their required amount make that same kind of statement? Did their contribution require such sacrifice?

As we go through life, we will be challenged in a variety of ways.  There may be times when paying tithing represents a huge sacrifice and leap of faith.  There may be times when fulfilling our callings and giving of our time is a greater sacrifice.  No matter what the situation is, the Lord knows our minds and our hearts and will judge our offering accordingly.

I particularly needed to reflect upon this right now.  As I work, take care of my family and go to school, I don't have as much time to serve in the church as I used to.  While I can't use this as an excuse to ignore my responsibilities, it is important to reflect upon what I am accomplishing and ask myself if I am showing that I love God with all of my heart, mind and strength. 

Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

 This week we studied the parable in Matthew 20:1-16

One of the things that helps me to understand the scriptures better is when I apply them to my own life and I will be honest, each time I read this parable and put myself in the place of the laborers, I completely sympathized with those who put in the full days labor, but when I think about it in relation to the gospel, I think it is great.

Why the difference in attitude and understanding? 

I think it's because when I think about working for money I am calculating what I am going to do with that money.  I am going to use it to pay my bills and feed my family.  But when I think about laboring in the gospel, I don't think about the rewards the same way.  I know that I will receive blessings along the way.  I know that my worries will be less.  I will learn and grow in a variety of ways. My life has been made richer and more meaningful because of the blessings and confidence I have gained by "laboring" in the gospel.

In contrast, I know many who have wandered and struggled to find meaning in their lives because they do not have the gospel.  It is so beautiful to see them find the gospel and join the church.  I would not want them to be denied from any of the blessings. The fact that they get the same reward does not take away from the experiences I have had or diminish my "pay" in any way.  It actually makes me happier because I am able to share it with them and I know that their lives will be easier.

As I typed that last paragraph I suddenly began to have that same sympathy for the laborers in the parable.  How hard was their life all day long when they searched for a way to make a living and provide for their families?  Were they hungry?  Were they worried?  The laborers who started first thing in the morning knew that their needs would be fulfilled, they simply needed to complete their work. They had begun receiving the blessings immediately just like those who "labor" in the gospel.

What is a Disciple of Christ

 One of the teachings that has most impacted my life, was learning to be a disciple of Christ.  To me, that means that following Christ is more than just attending church on Sunday.  It means that I do my best to follow the example of the Savior every day.

This week we studied what the scriptures say about being a disciple of Jesus Christ. (Luke 10:38-42, 11:1-13; 1213-40; 13:23-24; 14:16-33.

As I read these scriptures here are some of the things that the Savior taught about being a disciple of Jesus Christ

• Serve the Savior like Martha
• Listen to his teachings like Mary
• Pray often
• Seek the kingdom of God first and your needs will be provided for.

 As I look at my life, I tend to be a Martha.  I show my love for the Lord and for others through my service.  And there have been times when I have had similar feelings to the ones Martha expressed.  As I contemplated which area I would like to improve on, I realized that I need to take more time to be Mary.  I need to create more balance in my life by spending more time in quiet reflection and study so that I can have the physical and spiritual energy to be "Martha" with a good attitude. 

Ultimately we are expected, as a disciple of Christ, to give him everything.  What does that mean?  I believe that it means that everything we do and say should be in harmony with the gospel.  Others should be drawn to Christ through our example.  We should uplift and help each other. As we serve our customers and each other in our jobs, we can be a disciple of Christ.  As we continue our education we build up our knowledge and skills that the Lord can help us use to spread the gospel. As we raise our families, we can help them to follow Christ and serve others as well.

The Good Shepherd

This week part of our reading block included the parable of the Good Shepherd.  As we studied the parable, we also learned more about the shepherds in Palestine.  I thought it was so interesting to learn that the shepherds named their sheep and talked to them so much that the sheep actually recognized the shepherds voice and would come when their names were called.  At night they would gather several flocks together and leave one shepherd to guard them.  In the morning each shepherd would return and "call" their sheep and they would come to him.

Learning about how the shepherds called their sheep back in Palestine helped me to understand this parable so much better.

In John 10:1-11 Jesus compares himself to the "door of the sheep" (verse 7) and he says "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep and am known of mine." (verse 14).

As the "door of the sheep" we can know that Jesus is protecting us.  When we are under his care and living the gospel, we can not be swayed by the "wolves" or those who would try to lead us astray.  Since Christ is our shepherd, we can recognize his voice and follow him.  He knows us by name and keeps track of us. 

Now that we understand what it means to be in the fold and to have Christ as our shepherd, we can more fully appreciate what it means in 3 Nephi 15 and 16 when Christ states that there are "other sheep."  There are followers of Christ in other parts of the world and they are Christ's sheep as well.  They hear and know his voice and come when He calls them.  He will help lead and guide them back to the "fold." 

Each week, as part of our assignment, we have to share what the best part of our assignment is.  I found that I did much better at expressing what I learned from this lesson as I answered that question, so I thought I'd include it here.

I know this is kind of selfish, but I think the best thing about my assignment is the increase in my own understanding.  It is so comforting to me to know that the Lord is my Shepherd and it is part of the plan for me to know and recognize his voice.  It is my responsibility to come to Him when he calls me.  He is standing watch over me and when I follow Him, He will provide a safe haven for me where I can be protected from those who would try to lead my astray.

Here is a video of The Good Shepherd.  Enjoy!

Walking on the Sea

Mathew 14:22-33 is the account of Jesus walking on water to the Apostles on the ship.  When the Apostles first saw the Savior walking on the water, they were scared.  They thought they might be seeing a spirit. When Peter asked the Savior to make him walk on water he showed that he believed that he could do anything with the Lord's help.  Unfortunately Peter got scared when the winds picked up and his faith wavered.  As his faith wavered, he began to sink. As soon as Peter called out for help, Jesus was there.  He immediately reached out to help Peter.

In Doctrine and Covenants 88:67 we read

And if your eye be ^asingle to my ^bglory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light ^ccomprehendeth all things.

 When we read this scripture and think about the experience of Peter on the water, we learn that we need to put the gospel first.  When we focus on the Savior and the gospel, we will be filled with the Spirit.  We will feel strength and peace and we will be able to see and understand the Lord's hand in our lives.  

I feel like I need to learn this lesson over and over again.  Whenever I recommit myself to reading my scriptures, praying daily and fully living the gospel, life seems to go more smoothly.  I find that I have more energy and am able to easily accomplish the things I need to do.  Inevitably I get tired or lazy and I slip up a little bit and pretty soon I realize it's been days or even weeks since I've studied the scriptures.  As I look at those times, I see that I am more anxious or feel overwhelmed.  As soon as I put my priorities back on track, I feel the Lord reaching out to me to help me.

Teaching in Parables

What is a parable?

A parable is the Lord's way of teaching divine truths by telling a story.  Based on faith and intelligence, the hearer of the story has the opportunity to understand the spiritual meaning.  While the application of a parable may vary depending on the time and the person, the interpretation is eternal and the only correct interpretation is the meaning the parable was meant to convey at the time it was spoken.

2.    Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:47-50); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

o       What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Parable of the mustard seed and the leaven 

 

o       Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

 Parable of the gospel net

 

o       How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American frontier?

Parable of the mustard seed and the leaven

​o       Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?

 Parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price

o       Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?

Parable of the tares

3.    Write answers to the following questions:

o       Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

 While the last couple of generations of my family have struggled with their testimony and their membership in the church, we come from pioneer heritage.  I was so amazed when we did our genealogy and I found out about the incredible sacrifices my own family made.  My great, great... (can't remember how many generations back) Grandfather served in Company B of the Mormon Battalion.  Not only did he sacrifice by serving during that time and help with the Battalion's mission, but after they were released from duty, he helped to settle different areas in Arizona.  Each time he was asked to go to a new area, he did so, obediently.  When I think the choices I have to make are hard, I often reflect upon the sacrifices my ancestors made in order to share the gospel and follow the Lord.

 

o       What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50).

The net is cast to gather all unto the Christ.  Some will accept Christ and remain sincere and faithful and some will fall away.  It is not up to us to decide who we should share the Gospel with.  We should share it with everyone and allow them to accept or reject it.  It is also not up to us to judge their sincerity. When the time comes, the wicked will be separated from the faithful.

The Beatitudes

This week we studied the Sermon on the Mount and my assignment here is to select three of the beatitudes to write about.

Here's a video presentation of the beatitudes to get us started.




Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness

I often find that I get lazy in my spiritual life, but whenever I recommit myself and study more, I feel the floodgates open and the blessings rain upon me.  This week, as I have put my studies first, I have found that I was excited and happy to be reading my scriptures.  I hungered to learn more. As I read, I gained new insight and felt like I had greater comprehension.  Not only did I feel the blessings in my studies, but I also found that I was able to easily accomplish the rest of the tasks in my life.

Blessed Are they Which Are Persecuted

One of the defining moments in my spiritual life was when I was "persecuted" for my beliefs.  Before that moment, I studied and I believed, but at that moment I knew deep within my heart what I truly believed.  My testimony burned stronger than at any other time in my life.  From that time on, I have never had any doubts and I have been able to consistently learn and grow in the gospel.

Blessed Are the Merciful

I have often noticed that as I study and reflect upon how blessed we are and how much Heavenly Father loves us, I am more merciful and understanding of those around me.  I feel like I recognize the divine qualities about them and recognize that they are Heavenly Father's children too.  He cares for and loves them just as much as He loves me. 

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

This week we studied the Baptism of Jesus Christ.

I think this is the first time that I really contemplated what it must have felt like to be John.  He spent his life preaching of Christ and preparing people to accept the Savior when He came.  Then Christ asks John to baptize Him?  Why would Christ need John to baptize Him?  Why would Christ need to be baptized at all?

In 2 Nephi 31:6-11 we learn that Christ was baptized so that

·      He could humble himself before the Father

·      He could witness to the Father that he was obedient in keeping the commandments.

·      To provide an example to the children of men.

As we study the baptism of Jesus Christ, not only do we get to see the importance of baptism and the proper way to baptize, but we also get the opportunity to learn about the nature of God and the role of Christ, the Holy Ghost and God.

In Mathew 3:16-17 we learn that Christ was on earth, in physical form and was baptized.  As he arose from the waters, John witnessed that the Holy Ghost descended and he heard God proclaim that Christ was His son. Each member of the Godhead showed themselves to be a separate personage.

Intro

As I continue my studies at BYUI, I am finding that I need a place to share some of my assignments.  Part of the BYUI learning model is to "Teach One Another."  In keeping with that portion of the learning model, we are often required to share the things we have learned with others.  Rather than mix these posts in with my regular blog posts, I thought I'd set up a separate blog.

So here we go!