Gentiles Receive Repentance - Acts 11

Peter (surname) has a vision in the which he sees animals that are considered unclean and God tells him that they have been cleansed by Him and that he should slay and eat.  Peter understands this to mean that he can share the gospel with those that are uncircumcised.  I want to have dreams and promptings and feel confident that I am truly doing the will of the Lord.  I am grateful for the spirit that guides and directs.  I want to be more worthy of that direction in my life.

Jesus Ministers After his Resurrection - Acts 1

Jesus ministers to the Apostles and teaches them about the how the Holy Ghost will come.  The twelve pray to know who should be the 12th Apostle.

Feed my Sheep - John 21

This is the third time that the disciples see Jesus.  He feeds them with fish on coals and they know it is Him.  He asks Peter 3 times, do you love me?  With this question coming at him 3 times he sees the importance of being obedient to the will of the Lord.  Serve as He asks us to serve.

Faith to Believe in His Miracles - John 10

I know that there are many many lessons and details to pull out of this chapter but there are a couple that I have thought about since last night when I first read this.
1. when Jesus "groaned" within himself, it is my belief that he was sad that the people didn't have more faith already in Him to raise Lazarus from the dead.  "if thou hadst been here" was the heartbreaking phrase from the sisters. Later Jesus reminds them that He had power over death and that he would show forth the power and will of His Father.  Before he even went he said, "I'm glad I was not there..."
2. The pharisees were jealous and so afraid of what the Savior could do.  As they saw him work miracles, they realized that if he gained enough of a following the Romans would turn the government of the people over to Him.  Their love of power and recognition caused them to do anything they could to maintain their situations, even killing an innocent man if necessary.  What evil men.

His Crucifixion - Luke 23

Acouple of quick thoughts: Pilate listened to the voice of the people and because of what I will term "peer pressure" he would not release Jesus.  But what if he had?  For his own soul's sake.  What example would that be to me.

On the cross Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they doeth."  I want forgiveness to come to me more freely like this, even in the worst of situations

What if as part of our evening prayers we read from the Book of Luke until Christmas. 

Snares for the Savior - Luke 20

This chapter seems to me to be very descriptive of the efforts of the scribes and pharisees to capture the Savior in His words.  It shows how futile their efforts were and how they would get so angry with him as to kill him.  In the first section chief priests, scribes and elders came to him to ask from whence His authority came.  But he turned the question on them and said was John's baptism of men or of Heaven.  They couldn't answer and so he didn't answer.

Then the Savior gives the parable of the husbandmen and the wicked men listening knew that the savior was condemning them.  The rest of the sections review their attempts to catch him in his words to have wherewith to arrest Him.

Towards the End - Luke 19

It always makes me happy to hear of someone who has wealth but still seeks the Savior and His will.  Zacchaeus in this case was just that, he sought to know Jesus, but he was also a wealthy man a tax collector if I'm not mistaken, being called a publican.  The people saw him as a sinner.  In seeking Jesus he was blessed to host Him in his home.

Next is the parable of the pounds, which I assume is money.  This money is distributed from one who is to be king for collection upon his return.  The servants use their money differently and some have returns and one does not.  Those with returns are blessed and those without are not.  When we value and improve upon what is given us of the Lord more is given. When that which we receive is disregarded it is taken away.

The Lord approaches Jerusalem on the back of a colt that has never been ridden on before.  The people show great respect by laying their clothes down before him.  If they hadn't shouted their praise the rocks would have cried out.  I long to be in His presence and express directly my praise and gratitude. 

Gratitude - Luke 17

The two sections that stand out here in this chapter are the one about the lepers being healed, no mention of hands laid on them, only that they were instructed to do something and then as they went to do it they were healed.  What I love about this story is the emotion and gratitude that the samaritan showed when he realized he was healed.  He turned and gave praise, he fell on his face and kissed the Saviors feet.  What faith to not only be healed but then realize that you are in the presence of the Savior.

The other section talks of the wickedness that will prevail in the last days when the Savior will come again.  Our wickedness is compared to that of the people of Noah and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.  We are commanded to not look back, and reminded that if we make efforts to save our lives we shall lose them but if we make efforts to lose our lives in the service of the Savior they shall be saved.  We need that protection in such wicked times.

Riches of the World - Luke 16

Of the sections of this chapter it seems that most of them have to do with loving money and the unrighteousness of it.  There is a section in the middle that talks about how wrong divorce is, but I wonder if there isn't some kind of suggestion here that by loving money we put at not the most important of convenants which is marriage.  Maybe the divorce being condemned is that of the person who loves money so much that he puts his marriage at risk and decides to divorce thinking that that would provide better for him, or allow him to make more money.

I really don't follow the parable of the unjust steward.

I find the story of the rich man, Lazarus and Abraham to be very interesting. Where am I in this story?  How willing am I to share my great blessings with others.

Follow the Savior - Luke 14

Verses 15 - 24 In this chapter we read the parable of the great supper.  I think it is like a wedding feast or something along those lines.  Regardless, those that are close to the family are invited and many say they have other things to do like organize their sock drawer, and etc.   The master of the house is pretty upset about it and says, go get whoever you can find from the streets and the highway and fill my house. And they do this. Is not the message for us that the humble will follow the Savior and participate in his feast?

In one or more of the other Gospels is a line about how one of those people invited someone in from the street and he was not wearing the appropriate apparel and was cast out. For me these parables are sometimes difficult to understand as they do not closely reflect customs or cultures that I'm familiar with in my day.  However, I have been taught that what we wear and how we present ourselves to the Lord in holy ordinances is very important.

Verses 12 - 14 I also noticed some verses in this chapter that I don't remember hearing before, as is often the case when studying the scriptures.  The Lord taught that when we invite to a feast we don't invite the rich or the close family member, or anyone that is easy for us to invite, because they will always try and return the favor.  He taught that we should reach out and bless those that cannot return the favor.  How selfless is that?

Verses 7 - 11 are also not familiar to me as they review this process of choosing a room according to status.  But that you will be embarrassed or ashamed if someone of higher status than yourself comes along and displaces you.  So he teaches them to choose the lowest station and that that should be a lesson for life that we should seek to humble ourselves and not be lifted up in pride.

Verses 25 - 33 I'm struggling with as well.  At the beginning of these verses we are taught to hate father and mother, which I think is a poor translation.  I think we are supposed to be prepared to regard our relationship and service to Father and Son before that of our parents.  Certainly elsewhere (Exodus 20) we are taught to honor our father and our mother.   But if we do not "hate" them we are not worthy to be his disciple.  (The reference for 'hate' is Matthew 10:37, which does indeed say if you love them more than me, we have a problem).   Is this the scenario where we want to do the work of the Lord and our family is frustrated with us or has other expectations for us?  How do we work through these situations.  I know that the Savior told his parent at one point, "wist ye not that I be about my Father's business?"

It is commitment to serving Father at all cost that is to be desired here, to humble ourselves, seek to know and then to do His will.

Are there few that be saved? - Luke 13

I don't believe that there are few that be saved.  Certainly we have to be baptized into the one true church of God by proper authority and then we must continue in repentance and enduring to the end until the time of judgement.  But if we receive the ordinances and principles of the gospel and strive to be like Jesus, I believe there will be mercy and forgiveness such that our sins will be forgiven and we can enter into his presence.  Obviously we need the sealing ordinance and to seek for a Celestial marriage in order to attain Exaltation.  I know this is not necessarily all the points being taught in this chapter but I think the Savior's point was that we should enter into His one true church by baptism and then continue in repentance and stave off hypocrisy so that we can enjoy His presence one day, so that he will recognize us as part of his fold.  He tells us here that so much of Jerusalem as a community is wicked and not in that right path.

I think it needs to be said that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the one true church that has the authority given in the proper way from God to bring about salvation.  Anyone who will investigate the church thoroughly with a heart to seek heaven's witness will know this to be true.

Hypocrisy - Luke 12

Hypocrisy was the leaven of the Pharisees.  Jesus must have been concerned about it affecting the Apostles and disciples that followed Him as he started and ended the chapter mentioning this 'hypocrisy'.  In the middle of the chapter he talks about where there hearts are.  The focus of the heart determines whether we are acting in hypocrisy or not.  Why do we do the things we do is it to be seen of others or is more to do the will of the Lord.  If it is the latter we will find that this desire of our hearts brings peace and joy and a preparation for the coming of the Lord.  I believe this coming of the Lord is a very real possibility for individuals and groups that attain to certain levels of righteousness.  We should prepare and be worthy now.  

Hear the Word of God - Luke 5

In the first phrases of Luke 5 we hear that the people pressed upon Jesus to hear the word of God.  It was his message that was so compelling.  Isaiah teaches us that he was not impressive to look upon, but His message was one that would cause hearts to burn within them.  Even after His resurrection this is what caused people to know that he was no angel but our resurrected Lord.  When he descended out of Heaven in 3rd Nephi of the Book of Mormon, the people thought just that, that he was an Angel - even though God had just proclaimed him as the Son of God.  It wasn't  until he began his message and invited them to feel the prints/scars in his hands, side and feet that they worshiped Him for who He was/is.

This is important to me because of all the joys I can feel in this world the one I want the most is to feel the love of God in my heart -- to know more fully His love and concern for me.  This is the only true satisfaction in this world.  It is a Love that is supported and learned in family circles.  It is also a Love learned through serving others, but purest form of it comes from truly hearing the word of God, studying it, pondering it, having it opened to our understanding through His direct teaching of it.

Women of Jesus Time - Luke 2

I'm reading in sequence the chapters of the 4 gospels so I just finished the book of Mark and am starting the book of Luke.  As I'm reading Mark it struck me that there were faithful women mentioned who remained by Jesus at the crucifixion, and faithful sisters who went to see Him first at the tomb.  What strikes me again is the mention of the women who were relevant to his Birth.  Obviously His mother.  And we read about how she "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart".

We also read about Anna, a widow of 47 years who spent all of her time in the temple.  What a great example of dedication.  I hope that at some point I can spend time daily in the temple, you know, once I'm retired and have that kind of time.  

Signs of the Times - Mark 13

The Apostles knew how to ask questions even if the general public did not.  many of their questions were about what would happen in the last days.   Jesus gives them many of the signs of the times.

My thoughts were drawn to verse 11.  Jesus tells them to not premeditate upon what they would say but to seek the Holy Ghost as the Holy Ghost would give them what they should say.  All to frequently I premeditate on things that are of no worth.  I must learn to direct my thoughts to ponder upon the things of Heaven.  When I feel myself premeditating on things of anger or criticism I need to redirect those thoughts to seeking the Spirit that I might speak the words that are given to me.  I know the Savior meant those words for the Apostles and the work that lay ahead of them but I felt those words were to teach me in my situations.

The Great Commandments - Mark 12

I do love the story of the widow's mite.  It makes me think about my attitude in giving what I give for offerings.  I know that together Amanda and I have budgeted to pay an exact tithing and a generous fast offering and to other areas from time to time.  And even though they may truly be a sacrifice at first, we become comfortable with those offerings and then there is no feeling of sacrifice.  Should we be mixing up what we pay from time to time just so we can have hearts and minds open to feeling something about our offerings?

The two great commandments are to Love God and to Love our neighbor as ourselves. This is found in Mark 12:30 - 31.  I spent a minute to try and commit these verses to memory today.  It feels important to remember and even verbatim the greatest commandments so that there is a better chance of keeping them.

Authority - Mark 11

The chief priests, the Scribes, and the Elders ask Jesus by what authority he did the things he did.  He turns this on them and tells them to tell him by what authority they do what they do.  They cannot and he tells them, "neither will I tell you".  But we know his authority came from his Father.  And he used that authority to cleanse the temple, to curse the fig tree, to teach, to heal, to forgive.   What a blessing to know of His acts, and to be able to hold a similar authority in the Priesthood.  We can use that authority to bless and serve others.

Families - Mark 10

I labeled this one as families because I felt like there were some key phrases about husbands and wives and the value of children.  Husbands and wives need to cleave unto each other.  What God hath joined together let no man put asunder.  It is not my place to ever think that the solution for the challenges that Amanda and I face could be solved by being separated, there would never be more happiness in that solution.  The greatest solution would be for us to learn how to love and support each other better.  That is where the greatest earthly joy will come from.  It is a foundation to feeling greater love, joy and happiness with and for our children.

The 12 try to keep the children from coming unto the Savior and he says let them come, the kingdom is theirs. Why wouldn't the Savior want them to come unto him.  He loves them, they are pure and innocent.  And best of all they ask questions and desire to learn.  In His presence I am sure they thrived.  They felt more fully of His love and compassion and interest because they had no philosophies of men to impede the feelings or thoughts being shared.  We should all desire to be that way.

Teaching the Disciples - Mark 9

1.  The mount of transfiguration.  How amazing would it have been to see this change in the Savior, to be visited by Moses and Elias.  How wonderful would it have been to be Moses who would get to participate in such obvious ways through the future of the gospel.
2. This story of casting out the devils is an interesting one because the Savior teaches that it can't be done without prayer and fasting.  Was the Savior always fasting?  Or how frequently did he do it?  He told his disciples not to do it while he was there but my guess is that many times they went a few meals without eating.
3. The punishment for causing our children to suffer

Leavened Bread - Mark 8

Jesus miraculously feeds a great multitude with just 7 loaves of bread.

The Pharisees ask him for a sign and he tells them their generation will receive no sign.  I wonder about this word 'generation'.  Isaiah also used this word, "who shall declare his generation".  Could it mean something like a 'group of people'.  My understanding of the word is a group of people defined by a time period.  But my guess is that it can be more specific than that.

The Lord and his disciples get into a ship and there is only one loaf of bread.  Jesus tells them to beware of the leavening of the Pharisees.  To me this means be watchful of their 'fruits'.  What is it that the Pharisees produce or bring about for the people.  Jesus reminds them of the times he has fed the people with seemingly little and how much the gathered in afterwards.  Not only were people filled but there were baskets of food leftover.   I can't help but see also that even in this chapter he heals a man of his lack of vision and these are his 'fruits'.

The healing was interesting because he rubs his eyes and he sees men as trees.  Then He does it again and the blind man can see clearly.  Now that I write it it seems a physical parable of how the Savior is trying to bless the disciples.  He is trying to help them see clearly.

Jesus asks them to tell him who they see?  Peter answers, "Thou art the Christ".  Powerful testimony.  Do they really see.  Probably not until later after His Resurrection.