There are many touching stories in the Bible that give us hope that we can become all that God knows we can be. One of these is the story of the widow's mite. A faithful woman who had lost her husband and wasn't well off went to the Temple to give her offering to the Lord. Among the rich and privileged members of society, her offering of 2 mites seemed so minuscule. And yet when Christ saw her, He told His disciples, "That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." (Mark 12: 43-44). She didn't have anything to give, and yet she gave. She didn't measure up to the grandeur of the rich, and yet she went to stand before her God.
This story really isn't about the money she gave, but of the love she gave and the sacrifice she offered of herself. I look at the people that are in my life and I see that story exemplified in their lives. They seem to have so little, and yet they give so much. In my opinion, they aren't lacking anything and they are rich. And this is seen in the light that emanates from their spirits. When we give all we can to our Lord, we will fill our life with love and joy. Our Savior exhorted us to love our God with all our heart might mind and strength. When we do this, we feel His love magnified in our daily lives.
But how do we know if our offering is enough for the Lord? It's simple. He knows us personally and individually. He understands what we do and do not have, and He won't ask us to give Him something that we don't have to give. All we can do is all we can. Because of the Atonement, when we sacrifice and offer all that we have of who we are and what we have, our Savior will make up the rest. His grace will save us, and His tender mercies will strengthen us so we can continue to give our Father in Heaven all that we are able. And in us He will find joy.
We can do this with other things outside of our money. Spending time and giving it to the Lord is a huge sacrifice sometimes. But when we give our time to God in worship - prayer, temple attendance, and striving to keep our covenants - He will bless us. This doesn't mean we should neglect our other duties. Nurturing our families and developing our education and talents is just as important. We need to find a balance in our lives. In my experience, balance is best found when we give to the Lord first, our family next, and ourselves last. We can give to those around us and those that we love. Even when it seems to be only a mite, the offering is seen as mighty in heaven. Remember, the Lord promises us that out of small things will come that which is great.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
To Give All
Every day we are always giving something. From our time at work to our excuses, or smiles and service, or money at the store and even love to those around us. We are always giving. And yet, it seems that it can be much more difficult to give when someone asks. We think "oh no, I'm sorry but I just can't give that", when really we are already prepared to do so if we wouldn't get in our own way.
Christ taught a parable that says, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." (Matthew 13:45-46) The kingdom of God is the pearl of great price. It is beautiful and worth everything that we have to give. And in order to be received there, we are required to give all that we have to give. This can mean that we need to give up our bad habits that stop us from becoming more like Christ. But through repentance this is possible. It could refer to giving up our desires and replacing them with the will of God; and through faith and trust in Him we can do this. Sometimes we will be required to give of our personal belongings that are temporal for this world to help others. This builds our charity and love toward God and all of His children. Sometimes it is very hard and we don't understand why it is being asked of us - but our Heavenly Father never requires something that we can't give, and He will never set us up for failure. He did not send us here to fail, but to succeed, and He will help us every step of the way as we turn to Him for that help so that we can enter into His kingdom.
Sacrifice is the act of giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further His work. His work is the bringing of His children back to live with Him for eternity, and they are able to do this as they sacrifice and live righteously. But why is sacrifice so important? It is so hard and sometimes seems like too much to ask of us. But it wouldn't be asked of us if it weren't possible or if it weren't for our good. Sacrifice helps us become like Jesus Christ who suffered and gave all that He had to help us as God's children to have a way to return home. He was perfect, and yet He was still required to sacrifice in order to be with God forever. As we give to the Lord - and to those around us - we are perfected little by little so that we, too, my be with our God and Father.
It is through Jesus Christ that this is possible. Not only because He is our perfect example, but also because of what He sacrificed. Because of His love for God and for each of us personally, He drank the bitter cup and suffered for all of our sins so we might have a way to repent and become perfected through our actions and our desires. It was Christ that said, "Nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done" so that we would have a mediator and a hope for the eternal joys promised us. As we look to Christ, we can find that joy. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) We can follow His teachings and His example. We can become disciples of Christ each day as we dedicate ourselves to that joy for which He endured, and for which we are all able to endure with His help.
I know that God keeps His promises to us, as does our Savior Jesus Christ. They love us so dearly and are aware of our sufferings, trials, and triumphs. They only desire for us to receive their sacrifices so that we might give all we have and all that we are to the eternal promises we have been given so that we might be able to fulfill our full potential. Like the man in the parable, we will find the pearl of great price, and we will have a desire to give all we have for it. It takes time and effort, faith, prayer, and hard work, but through our Savior it is possible. I desire to be more willing to give, and more happy to suffer in the name of Christ so that I might become like Him. I feel His love for me, and I am so grateful to know that His arms are always open to me as I strive to become a better disciple. My prayer echos that of the prophet Omni: "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved." (Omni 1:26)
Christ taught a parable that says, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." (Matthew 13:45-46) The kingdom of God is the pearl of great price. It is beautiful and worth everything that we have to give. And in order to be received there, we are required to give all that we have to give. This can mean that we need to give up our bad habits that stop us from becoming more like Christ. But through repentance this is possible. It could refer to giving up our desires and replacing them with the will of God; and through faith and trust in Him we can do this. Sometimes we will be required to give of our personal belongings that are temporal for this world to help others. This builds our charity and love toward God and all of His children. Sometimes it is very hard and we don't understand why it is being asked of us - but our Heavenly Father never requires something that we can't give, and He will never set us up for failure. He did not send us here to fail, but to succeed, and He will help us every step of the way as we turn to Him for that help so that we can enter into His kingdom.
Sacrifice is the act of giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further His work. His work is the bringing of His children back to live with Him for eternity, and they are able to do this as they sacrifice and live righteously. But why is sacrifice so important? It is so hard and sometimes seems like too much to ask of us. But it wouldn't be asked of us if it weren't possible or if it weren't for our good. Sacrifice helps us become like Jesus Christ who suffered and gave all that He had to help us as God's children to have a way to return home. He was perfect, and yet He was still required to sacrifice in order to be with God forever. As we give to the Lord - and to those around us - we are perfected little by little so that we, too, my be with our God and Father.
It is through Jesus Christ that this is possible. Not only because He is our perfect example, but also because of what He sacrificed. Because of His love for God and for each of us personally, He drank the bitter cup and suffered for all of our sins so we might have a way to repent and become perfected through our actions and our desires. It was Christ that said, "Nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done" so that we would have a mediator and a hope for the eternal joys promised us. As we look to Christ, we can find that joy. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) We can follow His teachings and His example. We can become disciples of Christ each day as we dedicate ourselves to that joy for which He endured, and for which we are all able to endure with His help.
I know that God keeps His promises to us, as does our Savior Jesus Christ. They love us so dearly and are aware of our sufferings, trials, and triumphs. They only desire for us to receive their sacrifices so that we might give all we have and all that we are to the eternal promises we have been given so that we might be able to fulfill our full potential. Like the man in the parable, we will find the pearl of great price, and we will have a desire to give all we have for it. It takes time and effort, faith, prayer, and hard work, but through our Savior it is possible. I desire to be more willing to give, and more happy to suffer in the name of Christ so that I might become like Him. I feel His love for me, and I am so grateful to know that His arms are always open to me as I strive to become a better disciple. My prayer echos that of the prophet Omni: "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved." (Omni 1:26)
Saturday, February 12, 2011
My Shepherd
Jesus Christ is called the Good Shepherd. He calls after His sheep by name and when they come unto Him, He will open the door for them to return safely home. He does so much for us. John chapter 10 describes a lot of what He does for us. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." (vs 14-15). It amazes me how He states so simply how He would lay down His life for us - for those of us who follow Him. He knows us each individually by name, and He calls out to us so that we can be enlivened through His life.
For the past few weeks I've been having a hard time with some thorns from my past. It has been so helpful for me to know that He knows me, and He wants to be my shepherd so He can lead me to safety. It is my choice to follow Him and to come and knock on His door. I have the assurance that when I knock He will open it. But what is behind His door? Safety, peace, love, joy? I believe so. It doesn't completely take away the sorrow or suffering or trial, but it does make it possible for us to continue on and keep going. I know that because I have often felt His strength helping me to continue onward when I felt I didn't have any means or ability to do so. We can not do it alone.
Just as a sheep would wonder without any guidance, we are the same and Christ is our guide. As a shepherd, He does not push us or prod us to do His will or even to go His way. He simply leads us and shows us where to go to find joy. And then it is our experience to choose which way we will go. And He will always be there to help us - even if we choose to stray from the path. Isn't it He who spoke of leaving the 99 sheep to find the 1 who has left? He is our perfect example and will always come seeking for us. This brings me comfort, and gives me strength to seek for Him. As our Shepherd, He will always be there for us.
For the past few weeks I've been having a hard time with some thorns from my past. It has been so helpful for me to know that He knows me, and He wants to be my shepherd so He can lead me to safety. It is my choice to follow Him and to come and knock on His door. I have the assurance that when I knock He will open it. But what is behind His door? Safety, peace, love, joy? I believe so. It doesn't completely take away the sorrow or suffering or trial, but it does make it possible for us to continue on and keep going. I know that because I have often felt His strength helping me to continue onward when I felt I didn't have any means or ability to do so. We can not do it alone.
Just as a sheep would wonder without any guidance, we are the same and Christ is our guide. As a shepherd, He does not push us or prod us to do His will or even to go His way. He simply leads us and shows us where to go to find joy. And then it is our experience to choose which way we will go. And He will always be there to help us - even if we choose to stray from the path. Isn't it He who spoke of leaving the 99 sheep to find the 1 who has left? He is our perfect example and will always come seeking for us. This brings me comfort, and gives me strength to seek for Him. As our Shepherd, He will always be there for us.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Storms of Life
There will always be storms that we need to face in our lives. Sometimes they are slow but consistent like the Seattle rains, while other times they are unexpected and horrifyingly harsh like the typhoons of the oceans. Often times we can predict that there could be a storm coming, while other times they catch us so much off guard that you feel there is no protection - no peace. But that's just because we haven't recognized it yet.
When the apostles of Jesus Christ were being tossed in a storm, they were afraid when they saw Christ walking towards them on the water. They didn't at first recognize that it was Him. When He spoke to calm them, Peter wished that his Savior might bid him come. That is always the invitation that Christ gives to each of us: "Come." So Peter walked out onto the water to go unto He in whom he had so much faith. But then he saw the storm. He saw the wind and the waves and the torrents that were come upon him and he was afraid. He began to sink. In fear he cried out "Lord, save me." In the act of His ever present love, Christ then "immediately stretched forth His hand" and pulled Peter to safety. (Matthew 14:30-31). And then the wind stopped, and the storm was calmed.
I think that this happens in each of our lives. When the winds get stronger we are troubled, but we have faith that we will make it through. So we take the steps of faith to go towards our ultimate goal behind the rage of the storm. And it seems that whenever we are on our way, the storm will always get worse, or harder, or at least seem scarier to us. And we can get distracted from our goal, distracted from the safety that we are sure to find because of the waves and the wind and the fierceness of the difficulties. That distraction causes us to sink - to fall into despair or frustration or into a lack of hope. And yet, when we call out to our Lord - to our Savior and Friend - He will immediately come to our aid. Sometimes we don't recognize it because He often will work through the people around us, or through small whisperings of the Spirit. But as we strive to listen, we will fell the peace that comes from Him and Him alone. And we can rise above the storm. His love will lift us and give us the hope that we loose sight of sometimes.
The Lord himself has said, "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you..." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:67). When we direct our focus to the plan and the love and the knowledge of our God and our Lord, the darkness can not overpower us. It doesn't make it go away altogether, but it will not be the only thing we see. The darkness can not block out the light of our hope through Jesus Christ.
When the apostles of Jesus Christ were being tossed in a storm, they were afraid when they saw Christ walking towards them on the water. They didn't at first recognize that it was Him. When He spoke to calm them, Peter wished that his Savior might bid him come. That is always the invitation that Christ gives to each of us: "Come." So Peter walked out onto the water to go unto He in whom he had so much faith. But then he saw the storm. He saw the wind and the waves and the torrents that were come upon him and he was afraid. He began to sink. In fear he cried out "Lord, save me." In the act of His ever present love, Christ then "immediately stretched forth His hand" and pulled Peter to safety. (Matthew 14:30-31). And then the wind stopped, and the storm was calmed.
I think that this happens in each of our lives. When the winds get stronger we are troubled, but we have faith that we will make it through. So we take the steps of faith to go towards our ultimate goal behind the rage of the storm. And it seems that whenever we are on our way, the storm will always get worse, or harder, or at least seem scarier to us. And we can get distracted from our goal, distracted from the safety that we are sure to find because of the waves and the wind and the fierceness of the difficulties. That distraction causes us to sink - to fall into despair or frustration or into a lack of hope. And yet, when we call out to our Lord - to our Savior and Friend - He will immediately come to our aid. Sometimes we don't recognize it because He often will work through the people around us, or through small whisperings of the Spirit. But as we strive to listen, we will fell the peace that comes from Him and Him alone. And we can rise above the storm. His love will lift us and give us the hope that we loose sight of sometimes.
The Lord himself has said, "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you..." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:67). When we direct our focus to the plan and the love and the knowledge of our God and our Lord, the darkness can not overpower us. It doesn't make it go away altogether, but it will not be the only thing we see. The darkness can not block out the light of our hope through Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Through Christ we will Increase
How can we build a greater relationship with Jesus Christ? What is it about our efforts that help us to come closer to Him? I think that one of the ways that we can do this is through the study of those who had good relationships with Him and whose actions did nothing less than helping them to come into His arms of love. In some cases that might be watching the example of a beloved parent or relative, a good friend, or a respected leader. Another place we can always turn for examples is the scriptures. Prophets since the beginning of time have created a relationship with the Father and the Son and patterned their life after their teachings so that they might lead us to the pathway that leads to salvation in the Kingdom of God. John the Baptist was one of those men whose life is an amazing example to study and follow.
John the Baptist understood His calling and strove to prepare the people to accept the Christ who would come and suffer that He might be our advocate with the Father. When some people came to him to ask if they should leave him to follow Jesus he said, "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:29-30) This statement is comparing Christ as the bridegroom, the kingdom of heaven as the bride, and John himself as the friend to the bridegroom. But I would submit that each of us can be that friend that finds joy in the voice of the Christ. Then his personal insight about how his relationship with the Savior can grow is voiced when he says that Christ must increase, and he himself must decrease.
At first I was confused about the relationship that this shows. In a way it can look like Christ is looking down on John as He stands in the front and John helplessly follows behind in His shadow, but I know that this is not the loving way of our Savior. He will always stand by our side in times of turmoil, and He waits patiently with His arms outstretched until we choose to come to Him. So I learned that this scripture is saying that we can not do it by ourselves. There will be times when we will need to allow our will, passions, desires or actions to decrease and step back a little bit. And then as we turn to Him in prayer and faith, His actions will increase as well as His spirit of comfort, His strength that He gives to us, His love for us, His knowledge about where He wants us to go and all things pertaining to the power of His atonement will increase in our minds and in our hearts to help us know how to follow Him and to know that it is possible. No matter the hardships we'll face, He will increase and help us get there. That doesn't mean that we don't do anything. We still try for we are saved by our efforts when we do all we can - and when we come up a bit short (which will happen), He steps in and does what we can not. He is our Savior. John the Baptist had a relationship with Christ in this way that He knew that there were things He would not be able to give to the people, but the Son of God would give all unto he who might believe and ask in His name.
I believe that John the Baptist understood all that Christ could give to Him, and that He would need to act by his own choice to follow the teachings of the Savior so that He might rejoice with Him in the Kingdom of the Father. John sent his disciples and followers away, not because what he taught was no longer true. In reality, his teachings lead towards those of the Savior and remain true to this day. But because He knew the eternal reality of the Savior and did not want anyone who might believe to not have that chance.
Each one of us deserves this chance and this choice to come closer to Christ. I know that because I know that Christ performed the infinite Atonement for each one of us personally and individually - He believes that we are worth that much. I have prayed to know of the love of God, and He has always answered those prayers to help me know and better understand that He is there and He loves me. Through my actions I choose to follow Him or to follow the world. His path is much safer, though much harder, than that of the world, and it leads us to where we can be truly happy. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of this and I know that every child of God can receive this knowledge - and I know that in my imperfections I will need to increase in my knowledge and understanding of this again and again so that I won't fall. And the promise of our Savior to us if we do this is that we will have peace, "for [His] yoke is easy and [His] burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)
John the Baptist understood His calling and strove to prepare the people to accept the Christ who would come and suffer that He might be our advocate with the Father. When some people came to him to ask if they should leave him to follow Jesus he said, "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:29-30) This statement is comparing Christ as the bridegroom, the kingdom of heaven as the bride, and John himself as the friend to the bridegroom. But I would submit that each of us can be that friend that finds joy in the voice of the Christ. Then his personal insight about how his relationship with the Savior can grow is voiced when he says that Christ must increase, and he himself must decrease.
At first I was confused about the relationship that this shows. In a way it can look like Christ is looking down on John as He stands in the front and John helplessly follows behind in His shadow, but I know that this is not the loving way of our Savior. He will always stand by our side in times of turmoil, and He waits patiently with His arms outstretched until we choose to come to Him. So I learned that this scripture is saying that we can not do it by ourselves. There will be times when we will need to allow our will, passions, desires or actions to decrease and step back a little bit. And then as we turn to Him in prayer and faith, His actions will increase as well as His spirit of comfort, His strength that He gives to us, His love for us, His knowledge about where He wants us to go and all things pertaining to the power of His atonement will increase in our minds and in our hearts to help us know how to follow Him and to know that it is possible. No matter the hardships we'll face, He will increase and help us get there. That doesn't mean that we don't do anything. We still try for we are saved by our efforts when we do all we can - and when we come up a bit short (which will happen), He steps in and does what we can not. He is our Savior. John the Baptist had a relationship with Christ in this way that He knew that there were things He would not be able to give to the people, but the Son of God would give all unto he who might believe and ask in His name.
I believe that John the Baptist understood all that Christ could give to Him, and that He would need to act by his own choice to follow the teachings of the Savior so that He might rejoice with Him in the Kingdom of the Father. John sent his disciples and followers away, not because what he taught was no longer true. In reality, his teachings lead towards those of the Savior and remain true to this day. But because He knew the eternal reality of the Savior and did not want anyone who might believe to not have that chance.
Each one of us deserves this chance and this choice to come closer to Christ. I know that because I know that Christ performed the infinite Atonement for each one of us personally and individually - He believes that we are worth that much. I have prayed to know of the love of God, and He has always answered those prayers to help me know and better understand that He is there and He loves me. Through my actions I choose to follow Him or to follow the world. His path is much safer, though much harder, than that of the world, and it leads us to where we can be truly happy. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of this and I know that every child of God can receive this knowledge - and I know that in my imperfections I will need to increase in my knowledge and understanding of this again and again so that I won't fall. And the promise of our Savior to us if we do this is that we will have peace, "for [His] yoke is easy and [His] burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Blessed are We
As I have thought on how to express my feelings in today's blog, the thought comes to me again and again how each and every one of us is blessed of God. Whether or not we can recognize it, as His children, He wants us to be happy, actually more than just happy, and to have joy. The word "blessed" or "beatitude" is based off the Latin word "beatus" which literally means "to be fortunate" or "to be happy". But again, I would suppose that it is more than just being happy. To me, happiness is determined by outside sources. The sun is shining and we are happy. Our friend called us just to say hi, or we got paid and therefore, we have cause to be happy. But to be blessed, or to have joy, is to be happy from within - a source that comes from our souls and can not be dissuaded by anything from outside of ourselves. I think that this is one of the many ways that we can have a personal connection with God.
We read the beatitudes as they have come to be known, in Matthew 5. It's neat how each of these attributes that Christ talks about are in fact attributes that He was able to develop in His life. He is the example of what it means to be "blessed". He knows how hard it is to live a life free of guile and sin, and yet He encourages us to do so by promising the many blessings that come from trying as hard as we can throughout our lives. And He promises that He will help us. He promises those who mourn, that they shall be comforted. The pure in heart shall see God, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake will receive the kingdom of heaven. I can believe in these promises because I look to Him. Christ was mournful at many times when He saw the wickedness of the people that they would not believe, and most importantly He received comfort in the Garden of Gethsemane where He performed the infinite atonement for each one of us. His heart was pure, and He communes with God face to face. His persecution was above that of all others and He is now in the kingdom of heaven. Making these attributes a part of our daily lives takes work and sometimes it requires change, but I know that it is worth it. It is a life-long process to become Christ-like, but it is possible.
I also think that to be blessed is a gift from God. We can not become pure in heart on our own. We need the help of heaven and the touch of the Master's hand in order to refine our character so that it can show the divine potential that is rooted so surely in each of us. When we give ourselves up to our Father in Heaven to help us become what He sees in us, our lives will be changed step by step. I am not perfect, but I have seen the power of the gentle touch of His help in my life, and for those moments I will be eternally grateful.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Actions of a Disciple
This week as I was reading in the New Testament, I found myself wondering where the early disciples of Christ found the strength to follow Him, and where I find that strength in my life today. I feel that the example of those who were called by Christ to be His apostles is priceless in my life in countless ways, but I'll give only a few examples.
Andrew and Philip were both disciples of John the Baptist and had heard him prophesy of one who would come after him "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose" (Luke 3:16). So when they were walking down the road with John, and they saw Jesus, John proclaimed "Behold, the Lamb of God!" (John 1:36). It seemed natural for these followers of the prophet to turn and follow Him of whom that prophet had prophesied. This is exactly what they did, and not only did it change their lives, but they were able to testify of the Savior and change the lives of many others as well. After they dwelt with Christ for a time, they went to find others that were dear to them to tell that they found the prophesied Messiah. Andrew told his brother Simon Peter, and Philip found his friend Nathaniel so that they could invite them to "come and see" for themselves (John 1:46). This principle of sharing joyous news is one that has existed in the eternities. There are many accounts in the Scriptures of how angelic hosts have sung Hosanna! and how prophets have rejoiced in the divine prophesies about the Son of God comming to earth. This reminds me of the scripture in 1 Nephi 8:12, where Lehi tasted of the fruit of the tree of eternal life, which is the love of God, and he couldn't help but to share it with his family so that they, too, could have that love and joy in their lives. I often wonder if I rejoice enough, or if I share that rejoiceing with those dear to me. I know that every time that I have, it has brought even more joy and blessings in my life. It never ceases to amaze me how much God loves us and how much He will do to help us be happy within our own agency.
Another inspiring example is that of James and John who were brothers that worked as fishermen with their father. One day they were mending their fishing nets when Christ came up to their boat and called them that they might follow Him. "And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." (Matthew 4:22). How hard would this have been? To immediately leave all that you are used to, to follow a man of God? It is said that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and I truly believe that, but that doesn't make it easier. Faith, however, can overcome that difficulty. To refer to a faith promoting story, when Christ was walking on water, Peter wanted to join him. He had faith to overcome something that to us seems impossible. And then when his faith began to give in to fear and doubt, he began to fall. I am grateful, however, that the Atonement of Jesus Christ overcomes that fall. He overcame all things making it easier to follow Him. All we need to do is choose to do so, and believe in His name. We need to act on that belief, and I have seen that possibility in my life.
I want to be able to follow the example of the disciples of Christ, and share my joy with those that I love - not because they can't find it on their own or because I know more than they do, because that isn't it at all. I want to share it because I love them, and it has made all the difference in my life, and has been the source of such joy; I want them to have that, too. I want to be able to follow my Savior in all things, and when I don't have the strength to do it, I know that I can rely on Him for strength. He will give it to me because He wants me to succeed. He wants each of us to succeed and to find the joy that He knows is possible for all of the children of God. He lived, died, and lives again so that we can all receive His strength as we receive Him in our lives, and then find eternal success. I know that this is true and I am so grateful for it. I know that each of us has the potential to be a modern day disciple if we would only choose to follow Him and live as He lives.
Andrew and Philip were both disciples of John the Baptist and had heard him prophesy of one who would come after him "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose" (Luke 3:16). So when they were walking down the road with John, and they saw Jesus, John proclaimed "Behold, the Lamb of God!" (John 1:36). It seemed natural for these followers of the prophet to turn and follow Him of whom that prophet had prophesied. This is exactly what they did, and not only did it change their lives, but they were able to testify of the Savior and change the lives of many others as well. After they dwelt with Christ for a time, they went to find others that were dear to them to tell that they found the prophesied Messiah. Andrew told his brother Simon Peter, and Philip found his friend Nathaniel so that they could invite them to "come and see" for themselves (John 1:46). This principle of sharing joyous news is one that has existed in the eternities. There are many accounts in the Scriptures of how angelic hosts have sung Hosanna! and how prophets have rejoiced in the divine prophesies about the Son of God comming to earth. This reminds me of the scripture in 1 Nephi 8:12, where Lehi tasted of the fruit of the tree of eternal life, which is the love of God, and he couldn't help but to share it with his family so that they, too, could have that love and joy in their lives. I often wonder if I rejoice enough, or if I share that rejoiceing with those dear to me. I know that every time that I have, it has brought even more joy and blessings in my life. It never ceases to amaze me how much God loves us and how much He will do to help us be happy within our own agency.
Another inspiring example is that of James and John who were brothers that worked as fishermen with their father. One day they were mending their fishing nets when Christ came up to their boat and called them that they might follow Him. "And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." (Matthew 4:22). How hard would this have been? To immediately leave all that you are used to, to follow a man of God? It is said that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and I truly believe that, but that doesn't make it easier. Faith, however, can overcome that difficulty. To refer to a faith promoting story, when Christ was walking on water, Peter wanted to join him. He had faith to overcome something that to us seems impossible. And then when his faith began to give in to fear and doubt, he began to fall. I am grateful, however, that the Atonement of Jesus Christ overcomes that fall. He overcame all things making it easier to follow Him. All we need to do is choose to do so, and believe in His name. We need to act on that belief, and I have seen that possibility in my life.
I want to be able to follow the example of the disciples of Christ, and share my joy with those that I love - not because they can't find it on their own or because I know more than they do, because that isn't it at all. I want to share it because I love them, and it has made all the difference in my life, and has been the source of such joy; I want them to have that, too. I want to be able to follow my Savior in all things, and when I don't have the strength to do it, I know that I can rely on Him for strength. He will give it to me because He wants me to succeed. He wants each of us to succeed and to find the joy that He knows is possible for all of the children of God. He lived, died, and lives again so that we can all receive His strength as we receive Him in our lives, and then find eternal success. I know that this is true and I am so grateful for it. I know that each of us has the potential to be a modern day disciple if we would only choose to follow Him and live as He lives.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Names of Jesus Christ
John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
This scripture has been quoted countless times throughout history, and yet it seems a little evasive in it's meaning. At least it has to me. Questions like "why is the word so important?" and "why is 'Word' capitalized in the scripture" are but few of those that I have asked myself in the past. But the answer is simple. It is a name for the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It makes sense if you replace "Word" with "Christ."
"In the beginning was the Christ, and the Christ was with God, and the Christ was God." This scripture, in both forms, is true. Christ, with all of us, were in the beginning, meaning before this world was created in the form of mortality that we know. He was with God. And as a creator of the world with God, He was - and is - the God of this world standing next to His Eternal Father.
Through Christ was the word, or will, of the Father put into effect on this earth. So His word, power, presence and glory, were all very much a part of who He was even before He came to this world. We, as children of God, stood by Him awaiting our chance to come to the earth so we could choose to follow Him in body as well as in Spirit. That is quite amazing.
Christ, as we know has many names, each of them meaning something very special in relationship to His earthly mission and eternal purpose. In Isaiah 9:6 we read, "...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." This prophesy given by the Lord's prophet Isaiah has come to pass, as have others given in relationship to His names. I want to talk about a few that impressed me.
Immanuel. Matthew 1:23 - "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
As said in this scripture, Immanuel (or Emmanuel) is Greek for "God with us". This name is known in prophesy in reference to the birth of the Savior, and is an amazing promise. Not only is it a promise that the prophesied Christ would come to save us all, but it is a promise that God would always be with us. So long as we believe in His name, so long as we live our lives in a way that follows His teachings and His example, He will be with us always.
Jehova. Isaiah 12:2 - "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." (no emphasis added)
The name Jehova is derived from the greek name Yeshoa or Joshua which means "God is help", "Savior", and "the Eternal". How wonderful is it that our Savior's very name denotes that purpose to save us. It gives me great comfort to know that Jesus Christ is the help God sent for each and every one of us to be able to come back to Him again. The Atonement of Jesus Christ was performed so that we can receive the succor and help that we need individually in order to overcome all things, repent, and return again to our heavenly home.
Christ. Luke 9:20 - "He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God."
Christ is Greek for "the Annointed One". In the Jewish culture this name was seen as a sacred title. And when looking at the meaning of the name, it gives more meaning to the scripture above. Jesus Christ truly is "The Annointed One of God." As our older brother He came to earth so that we might have eternal life with Him in the House of His Father - the house of Our Father in Heaven.
Messiah. John 4:25 - "The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things."
Messiah, also Messias, is the Aramaic equivelent of "Christ", also translated as "the Annointed." In this form it is used as a title denoting a King or Deliverer in reference to the prophesied Christ. How perfect is it for us to look at our eternal Savior as our King? A king is a leader, one who delivers his people from any threat or discouragement.
I know that Jesus Christ is Wonderful. He is the prophesied Messiah and Immanuel who has come and who still lives to rule in righteousness. He stands waiting for us to allow Him to lead us into the Kingdom of our God. He truly is the Jehova who is eternal, and who is our Savior. He loves us. As we strive to better understand His names and the relevence and application they have in our daily lives, we will better see Him in our lives. We will see the role He has played for us, and we will feel His everlasting love for us personally. I have been blessed to have this in my life, and I will continually seek for greater love and leadership from my Lord, Jesus Christ. And I bear testimony of these things in His name, the eternal Christ, Amen.
This scripture has been quoted countless times throughout history, and yet it seems a little evasive in it's meaning. At least it has to me. Questions like "why is the word so important?" and "why is 'Word' capitalized in the scripture" are but few of those that I have asked myself in the past. But the answer is simple. It is a name for the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It makes sense if you replace "Word" with "Christ."
"In the beginning was the Christ, and the Christ was with God, and the Christ was God." This scripture, in both forms, is true. Christ, with all of us, were in the beginning, meaning before this world was created in the form of mortality that we know. He was with God. And as a creator of the world with God, He was - and is - the God of this world standing next to His Eternal Father.
Through Christ was the word, or will, of the Father put into effect on this earth. So His word, power, presence and glory, were all very much a part of who He was even before He came to this world. We, as children of God, stood by Him awaiting our chance to come to the earth so we could choose to follow Him in body as well as in Spirit. That is quite amazing.
Christ, as we know has many names, each of them meaning something very special in relationship to His earthly mission and eternal purpose. In Isaiah 9:6 we read, "...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." This prophesy given by the Lord's prophet Isaiah has come to pass, as have others given in relationship to His names. I want to talk about a few that impressed me.
Immanuel. Matthew 1:23 - "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
As said in this scripture, Immanuel (or Emmanuel) is Greek for "God with us". This name is known in prophesy in reference to the birth of the Savior, and is an amazing promise. Not only is it a promise that the prophesied Christ would come to save us all, but it is a promise that God would always be with us. So long as we believe in His name, so long as we live our lives in a way that follows His teachings and His example, He will be with us always.
Jehova. Isaiah 12:2 - "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." (no emphasis added)
The name Jehova is derived from the greek name Yeshoa or Joshua which means "God is help", "Savior", and "the Eternal". How wonderful is it that our Savior's very name denotes that purpose to save us. It gives me great comfort to know that Jesus Christ is the help God sent for each and every one of us to be able to come back to Him again. The Atonement of Jesus Christ was performed so that we can receive the succor and help that we need individually in order to overcome all things, repent, and return again to our heavenly home.
Christ. Luke 9:20 - "He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God."
Christ is Greek for "the Annointed One". In the Jewish culture this name was seen as a sacred title. And when looking at the meaning of the name, it gives more meaning to the scripture above. Jesus Christ truly is "The Annointed One of God." As our older brother He came to earth so that we might have eternal life with Him in the House of His Father - the house of Our Father in Heaven.
Messiah. John 4:25 - "The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things."
Messiah, also Messias, is the Aramaic equivelent of "Christ", also translated as "the Annointed." In this form it is used as a title denoting a King or Deliverer in reference to the prophesied Christ. How perfect is it for us to look at our eternal Savior as our King? A king is a leader, one who delivers his people from any threat or discouragement.
I know that Jesus Christ is Wonderful. He is the prophesied Messiah and Immanuel who has come and who still lives to rule in righteousness. He stands waiting for us to allow Him to lead us into the Kingdom of our God. He truly is the Jehova who is eternal, and who is our Savior. He loves us. As we strive to better understand His names and the relevence and application they have in our daily lives, we will better see Him in our lives. We will see the role He has played for us, and we will feel His everlasting love for us personally. I have been blessed to have this in my life, and I will continually seek for greater love and leadership from my Lord, Jesus Christ. And I bear testimony of these things in His name, the eternal Christ, Amen.
Introduction
Hello!
My name is Karina and I'm starting this blog to post my insights about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't profess to be perfect or even to know everything. But I do profess to be someone who continually seeks for truth and knowledge.
I believe in God and I know that His Son, Jesus Christ lives.
I'm not posting this blog to be argumentative or annoying, but simply to have a place where I can record things I learn. And if you so desire, you are more than welcome to comment with your insights and knowledge about the truthfulness of the Gospel.
My name is Karina and I'm starting this blog to post my insights about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't profess to be perfect or even to know everything. But I do profess to be someone who continually seeks for truth and knowledge.
I believe in God and I know that His Son, Jesus Christ lives.
I'm not posting this blog to be argumentative or annoying, but simply to have a place where I can record things I learn. And if you so desire, you are more than welcome to comment with your insights and knowledge about the truthfulness of the Gospel.
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