What the blast was Corianton thinking? To go and serve a mission for the Lord and end up taking a tumble in the hay with the HARLOT Isabel! I mean, it just can't be one decent young lady. No! Alma couldn't just come out and call her a "whore". LOL. Harlot is a nicer way to put it.
Alma 39: 4 Yea, she did asteal
away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou
shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.
I just couldn't help but giggle at the way Alma was trying to counsel his son firmly yet lovingly. Corianton was still in his youth. Helaman and Shiblon was faithful and stalwart. While this young kid was lustful! Of course he must have been innocent and that "harlot" Isabel must have tempted him beyond all reason. She's experienced after all because from the above verse, she apparently "steal" away many hearts which to me, in other words, she "screwed" many and the poor kid fell straight into her lustful grasps. He did not know what hit him and just couldn't resist her tempting ways.
Alma 39:9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the alusts of your eyes, but bcross
yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise
inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and ccross yourself in these things.
This is old news. Many a male missionaries get send home because instead of focusing on a mission they allow themselves to be distracted by the female species. Many of them got send home without finishing their missions. That is one of the saddest things to see. Alma advised Corianton to "CROSS" himself of all these abominations of the flesh. Lust and Sexual Sins are an abominations before God and he needed to stop and repent.
Alma 39:7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been aguilty of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good.
What Corianton did was devastating. Not only did he commit a grievous sexual sin but by doing so, led away many of the Zoramites that Alma and the missionaries were trying to convert to the church. His choice affected a lot of people.
I love the fact that Alma was close to his sons. To serve a mission together with them as they were still in their youths. It must, of course, tore his heart apart when he found out about his Corianton's fornications and address the matter face to face with his son instead of ignoring them like that priest Eli in the Old Testament So many characters in the Book of Mormon. I love reading this magnificent book.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Sunday, September 1, 2013
PRAY PRAYING PRAYERS
We stumble we get up we try and try again. School has begun! With all the hectic scheduling, we need to put some kind of order back in our family. Last week our Bishop Falepapalangi said: "If your home is not organized, Satan will have power in your homes." That went straight to my heart because we are far from being organized. I pray that Heavenly Father will still continue to watch over my family as I work to put some order back in our chaotic home.
The power of prayer has always been my constant companion. That direct, clear line between myself and my Father in Heaven has never been more define and clearer. I am forever grateful for the power of prayer. That I don't have to be in a certain situation or condition. That I can prayer anytime, anywhere for the desires of my heart. That line is always open, never busy and never disconnected from the other end, only from ours when we choose to.
Alma 33 tells of prayers by Zenos the prophet. This is during Alma and the sons of Mosiah missionary journeys. They discovered that the Zoramites has erected magnificent synagogues to offer their prayers only once a week. They had cast out the poor among them and they dress in their finest attires to climb their synagogues and pray the same rehearsed and memorized prayer once a week.
This greatly astonished Alma and his companions. They became successful among the poor people of the Zoramites and they taught them about prayers using the prophet Zenos words. We can pray in the
...wilderness, in our fields, in our closets, within our house and in the midst of our congregations. We can pray for our enemies and to endure through our afflictions..
We can pray anywhere for anything we desire. My endings however are always the same: "Thy will be Done!" It doesnt' matter where I am, there's always a prayer of gratitude that graces my heart and shoots straight to the Heavens every second of that day that I'm reminded to be grateful. And it will be from the most minuet things as a pen to write with or a car to ride in but most of all for the time I still have to enjoy this life.
My prayers are constantly for the safety and happiness of my children. What parents pray for anything less? "Bless my children, Leveni, Fusi and Selamafi, Leli, Silia, Mahonrai, Pati, Mele and Beverly. Help them make the right choices and keep them safe from harm and evil. Wrap thy loving arms around them and blanket them with thy protection night and day. Keep them safe and sound. Bring them home to me at the end of each day"
It's never ending utterances of pleading and begging. To a mighty Heavenly Father who foresees and have to power to do anything and everything. Yet He chooses to give us our free agency to choose. There are so many other things and people I pray for. But never let it said that I failed to express my sincere gratitude at the beginning of each prayer and the ones that are always in my heart. I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE. FOR A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS EVERLASTING SON JESUS CHRIST WHO HAVE SAVED US ALL.
The power of prayers are magnificent. I am grateful to be able to pray to a living GOD. Amen
The power of prayer has always been my constant companion. That direct, clear line between myself and my Father in Heaven has never been more define and clearer. I am forever grateful for the power of prayer. That I don't have to be in a certain situation or condition. That I can prayer anytime, anywhere for the desires of my heart. That line is always open, never busy and never disconnected from the other end, only from ours when we choose to.
Alma 33 tells of prayers by Zenos the prophet. This is during Alma and the sons of Mosiah missionary journeys. They discovered that the Zoramites has erected magnificent synagogues to offer their prayers only once a week. They had cast out the poor among them and they dress in their finest attires to climb their synagogues and pray the same rehearsed and memorized prayer once a week.
This greatly astonished Alma and his companions. They became successful among the poor people of the Zoramites and they taught them about prayers using the prophet Zenos words. We can pray in the
...wilderness, in our fields, in our closets, within our house and in the midst of our congregations. We can pray for our enemies and to endure through our afflictions..
We can pray anywhere for anything we desire. My endings however are always the same: "Thy will be Done!" It doesnt' matter where I am, there's always a prayer of gratitude that graces my heart and shoots straight to the Heavens every second of that day that I'm reminded to be grateful. And it will be from the most minuet things as a pen to write with or a car to ride in but most of all for the time I still have to enjoy this life.
My prayers are constantly for the safety and happiness of my children. What parents pray for anything less? "Bless my children, Leveni, Fusi and Selamafi, Leli, Silia, Mahonrai, Pati, Mele and Beverly. Help them make the right choices and keep them safe from harm and evil. Wrap thy loving arms around them and blanket them with thy protection night and day. Keep them safe and sound. Bring them home to me at the end of each day"
It's never ending utterances of pleading and begging. To a mighty Heavenly Father who foresees and have to power to do anything and everything. Yet He chooses to give us our free agency to choose. There are so many other things and people I pray for. But never let it said that I failed to express my sincere gratitude at the beginning of each prayer and the ones that are always in my heart. I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE. FOR A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS EVERLASTING SON JESUS CHRIST WHO HAVE SAVED US ALL.
The power of prayers are magnificent. I am grateful to be able to pray to a living GOD. Amen
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Sons of Mosiah and Alma the Younger
Well Hallelujah I've finally find time to update this side of my blogs. I can't believe how time flies. Well Family Scripture Reading is currently in a COMA. So far, we are skipping Family Prayers every now and then mainly because there's so much going on. Between camping, sleep overs, dance practices, Family Reunions and plain Family gathering, who has time to sit down anymore and read scriptures? I read faithfully however, every single morning at my work. From 6am-7am that's all I do and also update my journal entries. Because there's hardly any calls coming in.
I'm currently reading about the sons of Mosiah: Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni. The great success that they had serving their missions among the Lamanites. Also Alma serving his mission with them as well. They spread out and each took their own courses by way the Lord has sent them. I can imagine the joy that they feel preaching the words of God to the unbelieving Lamanites and having been able to convert them to believe in God and in Jesus Christ. King Mosiah's sons refused the Kingship request their father offered them. They'd rather become missionaries instead of kings.
Ammon's success with the people of King Lamoni was stunning. He became a stalwart servant of the king. Not waiting to be told what to-do. Always anticipating what he needed to do first and just did it. King Lamoni was greatly impressed by this dedication that Ammon eventually got a chance to teach him and he was converted.
Mosiah had pleaded with Heavenly Father to watch over his sons as they travel to preach the word:
" Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the aLord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith—therefore, Mosiah btrusted him unto the Lord." Alma 19:23 The Lord kept His promise and delivered all his sons out of bondage and kept them safe as they roam the land, preaching His words.
Now, Alma, son of Alma, went with Amulek and preached to the Nephites in the city of Ammonihah without success. People had hardened their hearts and refused to give heed to the call to repentance. Eventually, the Lamanites fell upon the city of Ammonihah and completely destroyed the city and it's people.
"16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them." They were forewarned.
Aaron on the other hand, became very very successful with King Lamoni's father's people. Thousands and thousands of people were converted to the Lord. It was a magnificent reading because who would have known the Lamanites would be converted in the state of hatred they had against the Nephites? With God, anything is possible.
I'm currently reading about the sons of Mosiah: Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni. The great success that they had serving their missions among the Lamanites. Also Alma serving his mission with them as well. They spread out and each took their own courses by way the Lord has sent them. I can imagine the joy that they feel preaching the words of God to the unbelieving Lamanites and having been able to convert them to believe in God and in Jesus Christ. King Mosiah's sons refused the Kingship request their father offered them. They'd rather become missionaries instead of kings.
Ammon's success with the people of King Lamoni was stunning. He became a stalwart servant of the king. Not waiting to be told what to-do. Always anticipating what he needed to do first and just did it. King Lamoni was greatly impressed by this dedication that Ammon eventually got a chance to teach him and he was converted.
Mosiah had pleaded with Heavenly Father to watch over his sons as they travel to preach the word:
" Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the aLord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith—therefore, Mosiah btrusted him unto the Lord." Alma 19:23 The Lord kept His promise and delivered all his sons out of bondage and kept them safe as they roam the land, preaching His words.
Now, Alma, son of Alma, went with Amulek and preached to the Nephites in the city of Ammonihah without success. People had hardened their hearts and refused to give heed to the call to repentance. Eventually, the Lamanites fell upon the city of Ammonihah and completely destroyed the city and it's people.
"16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them." They were forewarned.
Aaron on the other hand, became very very successful with King Lamoni's father's people. Thousands and thousands of people were converted to the Lord. It was a magnificent reading because who would have known the Lamanites would be converted in the state of hatred they had against the Nephites? With God, anything is possible.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Summer Time Reading
You think that school is out and we'd have time to read. Think again. Since school is out there has been non stop camps. Youth Camps, Football camps, West Fest Competitions, Hospitalization of Grandma Peta and chicken coop. Yes, you read right. My husband is making a chicken coop and everything else comes second. I have been working non-stop on my new shift from 6am-2pm and came home to a lethally hot house 'cause we have no air conditioning as for now. So the only reading that has been going on really, is my Scripture reading at Work. I read every morning from 6-7am simply because there are no calls coming in.
So, I guess our family scripture reading is seriously taking a vacation now but I'm trying to get my husband to read with the kids instead of waking up and going right outside the door to work. We need to get back to the basic and not let the craziness of Summer take over our Family Spiritual Life.
I have also been called to be the Primary President in our ward and boy do I have my plate full but rest assured I love it all. Reading the Book of Mormon has helped me tremendously, especially when it comes to dealing with trials and tribulations. The High Priest Alma when he was converted by the prophet Abinadi's words, to the city of Ammonihah and how the lord told Alma the younger to go back and preach repentance to them once again. That it was only through the prayers of the righteous that the city of Ammonihah was still spared. Otherwise the Lord would have already destroyed them due to their wickedness.
There will come a time where we will once again be organized as a family for all our reading. For now, our imperfections remain but that doesn't mean we will give up trying. There is always a way back.
So, I guess our family scripture reading is seriously taking a vacation now but I'm trying to get my husband to read with the kids instead of waking up and going right outside the door to work. We need to get back to the basic and not let the craziness of Summer take over our Family Spiritual Life.
I have also been called to be the Primary President in our ward and boy do I have my plate full but rest assured I love it all. Reading the Book of Mormon has helped me tremendously, especially when it comes to dealing with trials and tribulations. The High Priest Alma when he was converted by the prophet Abinadi's words, to the city of Ammonihah and how the lord told Alma the younger to go back and preach repentance to them once again. That it was only through the prayers of the righteous that the city of Ammonihah was still spared. Otherwise the Lord would have already destroyed them due to their wickedness.
There will come a time where we will once again be organized as a family for all our reading. For now, our imperfections remain but that doesn't mean we will give up trying. There is always a way back.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Righteous Desires
It's been weeks since I last blogged about our reading. Since the last time, we have rarely sat down to read. Mainly because, by the end of the day, I'm exhausted. Sometimes I even sent the kids to bed asking them to say their own prayers. Between then and now, my husband was hospitalized for a whole week. He had internal bleeding and had had a mild heart attack that we didn't realize at all was a heart attack. He was discharged with strict orders that he shouldn't even think about working for the next two years and also the food that he should and shouldn't eat. My routines has changed drastically. Now I have to do the driving starting at 5:30am to take my son to work, drop off Mahonrai at Bingham (about 20) minutes drive and then get ready and go to work by 8. I'm almost getting that down packed but by Golly, at the end of the day I feel like I've been bulldozed to the ground. "A man's job is from sun up to sun down, but a woman's job is never done." Only this time, I'm man and woman of the house now and I definitely need a stronger body, keener mind and the patience of Nephi himself in the Book of Mormon. LOL.
We're finally towards the end of the Book of Mosiah. After Mosiah's sons and Alma the younger were converted to the Lord, they were desirous to do nothing but become missionaries. Not only did they travel around the land asking for forgiveness for their previous sins, but they desired to go to the land of the Lamanites and share the gospel with their enemies. Mosiah and Alma had to go to the Lord and inquire about the decisions that their sons were making. They were concern for their safety because the Lamanites were savages and were ferocious unbelievers. The Lord answered their prayers and assure these two fathers that He will take care of their sons while they serve their missions.
We may not all be converted to the truth or back to the truth like these young men have. They were fortunate to still be alive after God show forth His power through the angel. Once they rise up on their feet, they felt no more desire to continue in their rebellious way. The only desire they have in their hearts were righteous desires to serve God through serving others.
King Mosiah wanted to confer the kingdom to one of his sons. None of his sons though wanted to be king. They choose to become missionaries instead. Had they been men of the world, they'd have chosen to become king because it surely will bring fame and fortune. But being king was not important to the sons of Mosiah. This taught me a great lesson on humility. Had they desired to be famous, popular and rich, they'd have taken on the role of being king. But because they wanted to be known as men of God, they choose His work over being king of the kingdom.
Could I have made the same choice? Probably not because I am a very prideful woman. Some times the things of the world sways me but I pray that I can work on myself that soon when the time comes, I wont disappoint. Excited for the next chapters.
We're finally towards the end of the Book of Mosiah. After Mosiah's sons and Alma the younger were converted to the Lord, they were desirous to do nothing but become missionaries. Not only did they travel around the land asking for forgiveness for their previous sins, but they desired to go to the land of the Lamanites and share the gospel with their enemies. Mosiah and Alma had to go to the Lord and inquire about the decisions that their sons were making. They were concern for their safety because the Lamanites were savages and were ferocious unbelievers. The Lord answered their prayers and assure these two fathers that He will take care of their sons while they serve their missions.
We may not all be converted to the truth or back to the truth like these young men have. They were fortunate to still be alive after God show forth His power through the angel. Once they rise up on their feet, they felt no more desire to continue in their rebellious way. The only desire they have in their hearts were righteous desires to serve God through serving others.
King Mosiah wanted to confer the kingdom to one of his sons. None of his sons though wanted to be king. They choose to become missionaries instead. Had they been men of the world, they'd have chosen to become king because it surely will bring fame and fortune. But being king was not important to the sons of Mosiah. This taught me a great lesson on humility. Had they desired to be famous, popular and rich, they'd have taken on the role of being king. But because they wanted to be known as men of God, they choose His work over being king of the kingdom.
Could I have made the same choice? Probably not because I am a very prideful woman. Some times the things of the world sways me but I pray that I can work on myself that soon when the time comes, I wont disappoint. Excited for the next chapters.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
REMEMBER
We are on Mosiah chapter 27 and boy oh boy, we're dragging dragging dragging with our reading. This past week it felt like the Plague has intruded in our house. Yes, almost every one was sick like a dog and Mahonrai starts it every single time. Except of course Mele Vasiti, Fusi, Leveni and Leli.. The rest of us were miserably sick.
At this point of our reading, Alma the younger and the sons of King Mosiah became hinderances to the church. They went about secretly persecuting the believers and the church. They led away many from the church. Alma the older spend unending hours on his knees and in his heart praying for his son. That God will bring him back to him. After much fasting and prayers from loving parents, the Lord finally send an angel to smite them down and to turn them around.
One of the words that the angel told Alma the younger to do, is to REMEMBER. The word brings back memories, thoughts of the past, a reminder and of being reminded. REMEMBER! When we remember who we are and our origins, then it will be easy for us to make the right choices. But when we forget, then we become thoughtless, self-centered and selfish simply because we indulge in our own fascinations and have forgotten things that we stand for. Our foundations and what makes us who we are.
The angel told Alma the younger to remember his father and everything that he went through in the city of Helam. How they were in bondage and the Lord delivered them from the Lamanites and also the hands of wicked Amulon, whose men, kidnapped the daughters of the Lamanites.
We need to remember who we are all the time.
REMEMBER is an important word.
At this point of our reading, Alma the younger and the sons of King Mosiah became hinderances to the church. They went about secretly persecuting the believers and the church. They led away many from the church. Alma the older spend unending hours on his knees and in his heart praying for his son. That God will bring him back to him. After much fasting and prayers from loving parents, the Lord finally send an angel to smite them down and to turn them around.
One of the words that the angel told Alma the younger to do, is to REMEMBER. The word brings back memories, thoughts of the past, a reminder and of being reminded. REMEMBER! When we remember who we are and our origins, then it will be easy for us to make the right choices. But when we forget, then we become thoughtless, self-centered and selfish simply because we indulge in our own fascinations and have forgotten things that we stand for. Our foundations and what makes us who we are.
The angel told Alma the younger to remember his father and everything that he went through in the city of Helam. How they were in bondage and the Lord delivered them from the Lamanites and also the hands of wicked Amulon, whose men, kidnapped the daughters of the Lamanites.
We need to remember who we are all the time.
REMEMBER is an important word.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Fair daughters of the Lamanites
So tired to-night. It's always so funny when I'm the one doing the reading. I'd read and all of a sudden I'd doze off while reading. I already know what to expect when I glance up. All their eyes are on me. One of them offers: "Do you want me to read mom?" That makes me more determined to finish at least the chapter I was reading. Sometimes, when this happens, they'd just sit and watch me and they'd giggle between them or laugh.
We finished chapter 20 of the book of Mosiah this morning. The unknown and false accusation of the Lamanites brought on full force wars after wars between them and King Limhi's people.
24 of the Lamanite's daughters gathered in their usual place to sing and to dance. The wicked priest of king Noah came and abducted them. The Lamanites thought that King Limhi's peol took their daughters. Without waiting to get to the truth, they came barging in and war began. Many were slaughtered and slain. King Limhi's people were driven back, beaten by the Lamanites but they had wounded the king of the Lamanites. King Limhi found out the reason behind their attack on them.
Gideon, his right hand man (King Limhis) suspected that the priest of the wicked King Noah were responsible for the kidnapping of the Lamanite's daughters.
It's a darn shame that these wicked priests did what they did. They created a war that took hundreds of lives.
We finished chapter 20 of the book of Mosiah this morning. The unknown and false accusation of the Lamanites brought on full force wars after wars between them and King Limhi's people.
24 of the Lamanite's daughters gathered in their usual place to sing and to dance. The wicked priest of king Noah came and abducted them. The Lamanites thought that King Limhi's peol took their daughters. Without waiting to get to the truth, they came barging in and war began. Many were slaughtered and slain. King Limhi's people were driven back, beaten by the Lamanites but they had wounded the king of the Lamanites. King Limhi found out the reason behind their attack on them.
Gideon, his right hand man (King Limhis) suspected that the priest of the wicked King Noah were responsible for the kidnapping of the Lamanite's daughters.
It's a darn shame that these wicked priests did what they did. They created a war that took hundreds of lives.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Fate of King Noah
Our reading last night took us to the fate of the wicked king Noah. As a man called Gideon was pursuing to slay him, he attempted escape by climbing a tower that was erected near the Temple. Having been able to view a great part of the land from the tower, he saw that the armies of the Lamanites were at the borders of their own land. King Noah begged for mercy so they can warn the people that the enemy was approaching.
Gideon spared his life and Noah commanded that his people should flee from the Lamanites. He was not so much concerned for his people. He was only concerned for his own life. As they fled, the wives and the children of the Nephites were slowing them down, so King Noah urged the men to leave their wives behind and children. Some of the men did as he asked but most of his men rather die with their own family.
As the Lamanites came upon them, the Nephites put their fair daughters to plead with the Lamanites to spare their lives. Having compassion upon the women, the Lamanites did spare the lives of the Nephites and took them back to the land of Nephi and made a bargain with the. That they would: "deliver up king Noah into the hands of the Lamanites, and deliver up their property, even one half of all they possessed, one half of their gold, and their silver, and all their precious things, and thus they should pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites from year to year."
Gideon sent men to search for King Noah and his priests. Upon their search they came upon some of King Noah's priest. They had already put King Noah to death by fire. Just like how Abinadi had predicted. That he would suffer the same death he himself suffered. King Noah's son Limhi, that was amongst those who were taken captive, became king of the land. He was a righteous man. The Lamanites however set their guards outside the city to keep King Limhi's people captive.
Gideon spared his life and Noah commanded that his people should flee from the Lamanites. He was not so much concerned for his people. He was only concerned for his own life. As they fled, the wives and the children of the Nephites were slowing them down, so King Noah urged the men to leave their wives behind and children. Some of the men did as he asked but most of his men rather die with their own family.
As the Lamanites came upon them, the Nephites put their fair daughters to plead with the Lamanites to spare their lives. Having compassion upon the women, the Lamanites did spare the lives of the Nephites and took them back to the land of Nephi and made a bargain with the. That they would: "deliver up king Noah into the hands of the Lamanites, and deliver up their property, even one half of all they possessed, one half of their gold, and their silver, and all their precious things, and thus they should pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites from year to year."
Gideon sent men to search for King Noah and his priests. Upon their search they came upon some of King Noah's priest. They had already put King Noah to death by fire. Just like how Abinadi had predicted. That he would suffer the same death he himself suffered. King Noah's son Limhi, that was amongst those who were taken captive, became king of the land. He was a righteous man. The Lamanites however set their guards outside the city to keep King Limhi's people captive.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Covenant and the Mighty Ammon
We are currently on Mosiah 11 but I haven't blogged so I'll summarize chapters 6-11. Slowly but surely we're getting back into the habit of reading our scriptures daily after much distraction from our moving. It is such a good feeling to finally get back on track as we've all been deprived of the spirit from failing to read every day or as many times a week as we usually did in the past.
After King Benjamin spoke to his people, he urged them to enter into a covenant that they will keep the commandments of God and take upon them the name of Christ. Every adult entered the covenant except their children who were too young to make covenants.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we continue to make covenants with Heavenly Father. At the waters of Baptism, we make the same covenants that these Nephites made. We covenant to take upon us the name of Christ. At 8 years of age, every child who enters the water of baptism should understand this. As a mother I have strove to teach my children the importance of keeping their baptismal covenants. That means they have to live a Christlike life. Christ was perfect in every way. He was humble, lowly in heart and love unconditionally. His whole life was that of SERVICE. Though it's impossible to be perfect like Christ, it is possible to try to be as perfect as we can.
We also make sacred Temple Covenants. These covenants are there to help us live a Christlife life. We are covenant keeping people and this separates us from the rest of the world. Once we depart from these covenants, then we have no promise.
At this time, King Benjamin anointed his son Mosiah, at 30 years of age to be the ruler and king. 475 years after Lehi and his family left Jerusalem. Mosiah ruled in righteousness and the people once again began to prosper in the land. Three years after Mosiah was made king, his father King Benjamin died. Enjoyed peace within those three years and then he was desirous to know about those that had left to find the land of Lehi-Nephi. They send 16 of their strongest men. One of them is a man called Ammon.
They found the people they were looking for. King Limhi, son on the wicked king Noah who is the son of Zeniff that left Zarahemla. He had sent out 43 people to go and look for the land of Zarahemla but they got lost. He was delighted to know that Ammon came from Zarahemla and it has been years since Zeniff left.
After King Benjamin spoke to his people, he urged them to enter into a covenant that they will keep the commandments of God and take upon them the name of Christ. Every adult entered the covenant except their children who were too young to make covenants.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we continue to make covenants with Heavenly Father. At the waters of Baptism, we make the same covenants that these Nephites made. We covenant to take upon us the name of Christ. At 8 years of age, every child who enters the water of baptism should understand this. As a mother I have strove to teach my children the importance of keeping their baptismal covenants. That means they have to live a Christlike life. Christ was perfect in every way. He was humble, lowly in heart and love unconditionally. His whole life was that of SERVICE. Though it's impossible to be perfect like Christ, it is possible to try to be as perfect as we can.
We also make sacred Temple Covenants. These covenants are there to help us live a Christlife life. We are covenant keeping people and this separates us from the rest of the world. Once we depart from these covenants, then we have no promise.
At this time, King Benjamin anointed his son Mosiah, at 30 years of age to be the ruler and king. 475 years after Lehi and his family left Jerusalem. Mosiah ruled in righteousness and the people once again began to prosper in the land. Three years after Mosiah was made king, his father King Benjamin died. Enjoyed peace within those three years and then he was desirous to know about those that had left to find the land of Lehi-Nephi. They send 16 of their strongest men. One of them is a man called Ammon.
They found the people they were looking for. King Limhi, son on the wicked king Noah who is the son of Zeniff that left Zarahemla. He had sent out 43 people to go and look for the land of Zarahemla but they got lost. He was delighted to know that Ammon came from Zarahemla and it has been years since Zeniff left.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
King Benjamin and Service
Didn't realize how long since I last blogged about our reading. It's not from the lack of reading, it's because we've been in the process of moving to our son's place and haven't even got the chance to put up my computer. We have struggled to maintain our reading though. Too many distractions and way too many things to do. So somewhere in-between the business of our days and the craziness of our ways, we managed to find time to read. We've just finished Mosiah Chapter 6.
I think the core of King Benjamin's sermon to the Nephites is SERVICE. Serving God by serving your fellowmen. He did not only speak to his people, but King Benjamin has been laboring all his life to serve his people and to teach them the commandments of God and the atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Mosiah 2:17 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."
King Benjamin went on to elaborate on various stages of service. He talks about a beggar in the street begging either for money or for food. Who are we to judge those beggars? Some stay their hands from giving because they think they are strong enough to go and work and make a living. So true then and still true now. Who are we to judge? Aren't we all beggars before the Lord? Everyday we beg Heavenly Father for the things that we need. It is not ours to judge others and their situations. It is our place however, to share and give to those who are in need.
I have always been one to give whenever I see people with signs on the road. It doesn't matter to me what they use the money for. All I know is that I HAVE, so therefore I GIVE. When I don't have, then I don't give.
King Benjamin taught his people that there is NO other way they can be saved except that is through Christ.
8 And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is anone other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you.
There were a few other concerns that King Benjamin was prompt to elaborate on:
* Mosiah 4:13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due.
It's important that we all learn to get along and to be fair one with another.
* Mosiah 4:14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.
30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.
I think the core of King Benjamin's sermon to the Nephites is SERVICE. Serving God by serving your fellowmen. He did not only speak to his people, but King Benjamin has been laboring all his life to serve his people and to teach them the commandments of God and the atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Mosiah 2:17 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."
King Benjamin went on to elaborate on various stages of service. He talks about a beggar in the street begging either for money or for food. Who are we to judge those beggars? Some stay their hands from giving because they think they are strong enough to go and work and make a living. So true then and still true now. Who are we to judge? Aren't we all beggars before the Lord? Everyday we beg Heavenly Father for the things that we need. It is not ours to judge others and their situations. It is our place however, to share and give to those who are in need.
I have always been one to give whenever I see people with signs on the road. It doesn't matter to me what they use the money for. All I know is that I HAVE, so therefore I GIVE. When I don't have, then I don't give.
King Benjamin taught his people that there is NO other way they can be saved except that is through Christ.
8 And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is anone other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you.
There were a few other concerns that King Benjamin was prompt to elaborate on:
* Mosiah 4:13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due.
It's important that we all learn to get along and to be fair one with another.
* Mosiah 4:14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.
* Mosiah 4:15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.
Parents are obligated to teach their children and provide for them. See that they get along. One of the many flaws in my home is quarreling children. I have the darnest time trying to break up arguments and fights. It drives me berserk when they don't get along and are so rowdy and loud. There is no peace in the home when children don't get along. We have to make sure that our children love one another and serve one another.
16 And also, ye yourselves will succor
those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your
substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that
the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
He ended Chapter 4 with a reminder:
30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.
King Benjamin's teachings were useful then and still useful to us now as parents, hundreds and hundreds of years later. It's wonder Heavenly Father preserved these records for our days so that we many learn from those who walked this earth before us. They were people, parents, individuals just like us.
I am grateful for the Book of Mormon.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Words Of Mormon
This is only 1 chapter and it's the prophet Mormon, after many years since the coming of Christ, is witnessing everything that has been foretold and foreseen by the prophets before Christ, happening. The almost annihilation of the Nephites. He's about to deliver the records that has been handed down from generation to generation to the hands of his son Moroni.
As Mormon goes through the records he found the plates that was written from the time of Jacob down to the time of King Benjamin. He took those records and combine them with his own records:
7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.
What a blessing it is to have the records of these people, right at the tips of our fingers. We read about their struggles, their afflictions and it is not so much different from ours. Perhaps they endure more physical trials and afflictions but even to these days, the Lord still works the same pattern. The Pioneers, how they journeyed to find the place. They found Utah where the Lord wanted them to establish the church and look how far it has come. How beautiful and prosperous.
But the Lord preserved these records so that his people can benefit from them and learn to come unto Christ from them. Not only the Book of Mormon, but he had preserved the Bible and many other books for our benefits that it may teach us His ways and that we may have guidelines in our lives. It is for our own benefits.
I love the scriptures but especially this great Book of Mormon. I've read it over and over so many time, not from cover to cover but here and there, but this is one of the most spiritual reading I've ever done. Our journey with my family to finish this great book this year. It's so amazing. This is "the wise purpose" that Mormon was talking about. That these records touches lives of those hundreds and hundreds of years after they've been written. We have it here in our house. Thank you thank you.
As Mormon goes through the records he found the plates that was written from the time of Jacob down to the time of King Benjamin. He took those records and combine them with his own records:
7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.
What a blessing it is to have the records of these people, right at the tips of our fingers. We read about their struggles, their afflictions and it is not so much different from ours. Perhaps they endure more physical trials and afflictions but even to these days, the Lord still works the same pattern. The Pioneers, how they journeyed to find the place. They found Utah where the Lord wanted them to establish the church and look how far it has come. How beautiful and prosperous.
But the Lord preserved these records so that his people can benefit from them and learn to come unto Christ from them. Not only the Book of Mormon, but he had preserved the Bible and many other books for our benefits that it may teach us His ways and that we may have guidelines in our lives. It is for our own benefits.
I love the scriptures but especially this great Book of Mormon. I've read it over and over so many time, not from cover to cover but here and there, but this is one of the most spiritual reading I've ever done. Our journey with my family to finish this great book this year. It's so amazing. This is "the wise purpose" that Mormon was talking about. That these records touches lives of those hundreds and hundreds of years after they've been written. We have it here in our house. Thank you thank you.
A familiar pattern
As Jacob passed the records down to his son Omni, it is now 238 years from the day Lehi departed out of Jerusalem. Omni was a warrior. His hands have shed much blood due to the defending of his people, the Nehphites from the Lamanites. He was not an outright righteous man and he admitted to it.
276 years from the departure of Lehi, Omni delivered up the plates to his son Amaron
320 years passed, and the more wicked part of the Nephites were destroyed because of wickedness. The Lord spared the righteous people.
Amaron gave part of the plates to his brother Chemish. They both contributed to keeping the records of the Nephites. At the end, they both gave the plates to Abinadom (son of Chemish)
Abinadom pass down the plates to his son Amaleki
Amaleki didn't have any children so he gave up the plates to King Benjamin, son of Mosiah
Before Mosiah became a king, he was warned by the Lord to depart and flee from the land of the Nephites. He took as many people that were willing to go with him and left. The Lord led Mosiah and his people to the land of Zarahemla.
The land of Zarahemla was led by their king whose name was Zarahemla. His people were led by the Lord's hands out of Jerusalem when king Zedekiah was taken captive into Babylon. They journeyed in the wilderness just like Lehi and his family and the Lord brought them across the sea to where Mosiah and his people found them.
The people of Zarahemla, like the Nephites were involved in many wars and contentions also. Many of their people perished from the result of war in-between themselves. When Mosiah and his people met them, they had to teach Zarahemla's people their language because their own language have been corrupted and they didn't understand each others. Mosiah's people and Zarahemla's people were united. They made Mosiah their king.
A large stone was brought before king Mosiah. There were writings on the stone. With the power of the Lord, Mosiah was able to interpret the writings and it was a story of a man called Coriuntumr. He was discovered by the people of Zarahemla and he lived with them for 9 moons. Coriuntumr's father came from the time of the tower of Babel. (Omni 1:22)
It is apparent that the Lord, in his desire to preserve the righteous people, he leads them away from the wicked people and their land. It's a familiar pattern now that's happening in the Book of Mormon reading.
276 years from the departure of Lehi, Omni delivered up the plates to his son Amaron
320 years passed, and the more wicked part of the Nephites were destroyed because of wickedness. The Lord spared the righteous people.
Amaron gave part of the plates to his brother Chemish. They both contributed to keeping the records of the Nephites. At the end, they both gave the plates to Abinadom (son of Chemish)
Abinadom pass down the plates to his son Amaleki
Amaleki didn't have any children so he gave up the plates to King Benjamin, son of Mosiah
Before Mosiah became a king, he was warned by the Lord to depart and flee from the land of the Nephites. He took as many people that were willing to go with him and left. The Lord led Mosiah and his people to the land of Zarahemla.
The land of Zarahemla was led by their king whose name was Zarahemla. His people were led by the Lord's hands out of Jerusalem when king Zedekiah was taken captive into Babylon. They journeyed in the wilderness just like Lehi and his family and the Lord brought them across the sea to where Mosiah and his people found them.
The people of Zarahemla, like the Nephites were involved in many wars and contentions also. Many of their people perished from the result of war in-between themselves. When Mosiah and his people met them, they had to teach Zarahemla's people their language because their own language have been corrupted and they didn't understand each others. Mosiah's people and Zarahemla's people were united. They made Mosiah their king.
A large stone was brought before king Mosiah. There were writings on the stone. With the power of the Lord, Mosiah was able to interpret the writings and it was a story of a man called Coriuntumr. He was discovered by the people of Zarahemla and he lived with them for 9 moons. Coriuntumr's father came from the time of the tower of Babel. (Omni 1:22)
It is apparent that the Lord, in his desire to preserve the righteous people, he leads them away from the wicked people and their land. It's a familiar pattern now that's happening in the Book of Mormon reading.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
A Book of Mormon story
At Sacrament Meeting to-day, our Bishop Tavake related his own Book of Mormon story to the congregation. I love when Bishop talks. It's always inspiring, uplifting and motivating. He talked about his father. How he came from Tonga and ended up in San Mateo, California. With an 8th grade level education, he was able to get a job for Pan Am and became a prosperous man. In a short time, his father was able to purchase a gas station, an apartment complex and six homes for himself and his family and to house all his families that come from Tonga.
There was one flaw that his father had, and that was his love to "faikava" (drink kava) He'd work hard during the weekdays and then fly to Hawaii on weekends to faikava, then fly back on Sunday to get ready for work on Monday. Bishop Tavake respected and love his father. He witnessed how his father gradually started to loose everything he had. Because he wasn't focusing on the most important things in life. Church and family. He eventually lost everything and ended up with nothing.
We were brought to this land of abundance by the hands of the good Lord. This is the Promised Land. Like the Nephites, if we fail to keep the commandments, we will not prosper in the land. But if we keep the commandments, the Lord will bless us abundantly.
We are done with the book of Jarom, Omni and Words of Mormon. Tomorrow, we will begin with the Book of Mosiah. I'm excited to read on. Hundreds of years now have passed since Lehi left Jerusalem. So amazing to see what's happening with the descendants of Lehi. I love reading the history of these people.
There was one flaw that his father had, and that was his love to "faikava" (drink kava) He'd work hard during the weekdays and then fly to Hawaii on weekends to faikava, then fly back on Sunday to get ready for work on Monday. Bishop Tavake respected and love his father. He witnessed how his father gradually started to loose everything he had. Because he wasn't focusing on the most important things in life. Church and family. He eventually lost everything and ended up with nothing.
We were brought to this land of abundance by the hands of the good Lord. This is the Promised Land. Like the Nephites, if we fail to keep the commandments, we will not prosper in the land. But if we keep the commandments, the Lord will bless us abundantly.
We are done with the book of Jarom, Omni and Words of Mormon. Tomorrow, we will begin with the Book of Mosiah. I'm excited to read on. Hundreds of years now have passed since Lehi left Jerusalem. So amazing to see what's happening with the descendants of Lehi. I love reading the history of these people.
ENOS
I love the story of Enos. It's one of repentance and forgiveness. His father Jacob taught him everything in the ways of the Lord. Like any other man, Enos has his flaws and error in his ways. When, in the silent stillness of the wilderness on his way to hunt, Enos came to his knees to pray...
Enos 1:4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer
and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto
him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that
it reached the heavens.
5 And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
Wondering how this is done, Enos inquired again:
7. And I said: Lord, how is it done?
8 And he said unto me: Because of thy faith
in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years
pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go
to, thy faith hath made thee whole.
After receiving a remission for his sins, Enos was concerned about the spiritual welfare of his people. Not only did he pray for himself but he also pray for his fellowmen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Sherem the Anti Christ
Finally we finish the book of Jacob. Because we're in the process of remodeling and trying to move, it's harder to be consistent with our family reading. This past weekend, we failed to read at all because my Papi and Mele spent the weekend over at my sister's. My husband and the other two, Mahonrai and Bev were working on the house, while I was at home working. So this morning, we finally were able to start our reading with all members of our family present.
The Book of Jacob has only 7 chapters but it took us, what it almost feels like forever, to finish it. We had a tough time reading chapter 5, the words of the prophet Zenos about the tame and the wild Olive tree. This chapter has 77 verses. It took us 3 readings to finish it.
An interesting story in Jacob 7 was about the anti-Christ Sherem. He was a learned man and well versed in both language and knowledge, using much flattery to persuade the people that there is no Christ. He believed in God and in the scriptures, he just doesn't believe that there is a Christ. According to the power of the devil, Sherem was successful in leading many to deny Christ. Then, he sought out Jacob.
Sherem accused Jacob of perverting the ways of God by teaching that there is a Christ. On verse 2, Jacob asked him: " ...Deniest thou the Christ who shall come? And he said: If there should be a Christ, I would not deny him; but I know that there is no Christ, neither has been, nor ever will be."
10 And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea.
As typical of most non-believers and anti-Christ, Sherem demanded a "sign".
13 And it came to pass that he said unto me: Show me a sign by this power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much.
14 And I said unto him: What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true? Yet thou wilt deny it, because thou art of the devil. Nevertheless, not my will be done; but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee that he has power, both in heaven and in earth; and also, that Christ shall come. And thy will, O Lord, be done, and not mine.
15 And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, had spoken these words, the power of the Lord came upon him, insomuch that he fell to the earth...
For many days, Sherem has to be nourished to stay alive. He desired to gather all the people so that he may confess his sins that he had been deceived by the power of the devil.
19 And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God.
After confessing his sins, Sherem "gave up the ghost" (died). Upon hearing his confessions, the people once again repented and "peace and the love of god" was restored among them. They tried to go out to Lamanites to preach the words of Christ to them, but it was all in vain. The Lamanites have become people 24... who delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually.
Jacob became old and taught everything he knew to his son Enos. Before his death, he gave Enos, the records to keep and write. Then Jacob dies.
The Book of Jacob has only 7 chapters but it took us, what it almost feels like forever, to finish it. We had a tough time reading chapter 5, the words of the prophet Zenos about the tame and the wild Olive tree. This chapter has 77 verses. It took us 3 readings to finish it.
An interesting story in Jacob 7 was about the anti-Christ Sherem. He was a learned man and well versed in both language and knowledge, using much flattery to persuade the people that there is no Christ. He believed in God and in the scriptures, he just doesn't believe that there is a Christ. According to the power of the devil, Sherem was successful in leading many to deny Christ. Then, he sought out Jacob.
Sherem accused Jacob of perverting the ways of God by teaching that there is a Christ. On verse 2, Jacob asked him: " ...Deniest thou the Christ who shall come? And he said: If there should be a Christ, I would not deny him; but I know that there is no Christ, neither has been, nor ever will be."
10 And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea.
11 And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ.
As typical of most non-believers and anti-Christ, Sherem demanded a "sign".
13 And it came to pass that he said unto me: Show me a sign by this power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much.
14 And I said unto him: What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true? Yet thou wilt deny it, because thou art of the devil. Nevertheless, not my will be done; but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee that he has power, both in heaven and in earth; and also, that Christ shall come. And thy will, O Lord, be done, and not mine.
15 And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, had spoken these words, the power of the Lord came upon him, insomuch that he fell to the earth...
For many days, Sherem has to be nourished to stay alive. He desired to gather all the people so that he may confess his sins that he had been deceived by the power of the devil.
19 And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God.
After confessing his sins, Sherem "gave up the ghost" (died). Upon hearing his confessions, the people once again repented and "peace and the love of god" was restored among them. They tried to go out to Lamanites to preach the words of Christ to them, but it was all in vain. The Lamanites have become people 24... who delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually.
Jacob became old and taught everything he knew to his son Enos. Before his death, he gave Enos, the records to keep and write. Then Jacob dies.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Chastity
Jacob 2:28 For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts.
Their is nothing ambiguous or unclear on where the Lord stands when it comes to moral standards and chastity of both men and women. He has always been clear and have remained crystal clear since the beginning of time. In my previous post, I wrote about the men with their desires to have more then one wife and concubines. This one is about the chastity of women.
Yesterday I read a blog about premarital sex and virginity. How one woman struggled with her preacher labeling women who have engaged in premarital sex before marriage as "damaged goods". Tainted and unworthy of their husbands and happy marriages. It was obvious that the preacher was brutal and crude with his condemning the women. He wounded and offended this woman's precious heart.
As I read on, many a women and men commented on her post. Some even go to the extend of consenting and agreeing that premarital sex is okay. While I understand the pain this woman is feeling, I wince at the fact that some of the comments so openly condone sex before marriage. I grew up in a culture that celebrates the virtue and chastity of women. Was taught by goodly parents that sex should be saved for the sacred bond of marriage between a woman and a man. But whether a woman chooses to remain chaste or not before marriage, that is her own personal choice. Every choice we make has it's consequences. Good or bad. Happy or sad. No choices made is free from the aftermath of consequences.
The scriptures tell us that God's ways are the same to-day, yesterday and ever will be tomorrow. He doesn't sway to the left nor to the right. He is unchanging, steady and sure. Always on the straight and narrow path. Men's ways however changes all the time. With the heights of fashion, technology and immoralities. What was not acceptable back then is acceptable now. People call what is bad , good and what's good, bad. God's ways have never nor ever will be men's ways.
While I can not control nor condemn how others live their lives, I can control how I live my life and what kind of standard I want to pass down to my children and grandchildren and hopefully through all my posterity. I choose to live and teach virtue and chastity because God rejoices in the chastity of his children. This does not make me any better then any other woman out there. And even when I strive to live the best that I can daily, I still falter, slip and fall. This is where the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ comes in. His grace is enough for every one of us because we are, after all, sinners as long as we're embodied with this flesh and blood. He bought our sins so when we repent, we can be cleanse and become fresh, pure and as white as snow.
3 Nep. 27:19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
Their is nothing ambiguous or unclear on where the Lord stands when it comes to moral standards and chastity of both men and women. He has always been clear and have remained crystal clear since the beginning of time. In my previous post, I wrote about the men with their desires to have more then one wife and concubines. This one is about the chastity of women.
Yesterday I read a blog about premarital sex and virginity. How one woman struggled with her preacher labeling women who have engaged in premarital sex before marriage as "damaged goods". Tainted and unworthy of their husbands and happy marriages. It was obvious that the preacher was brutal and crude with his condemning the women. He wounded and offended this woman's precious heart.
As I read on, many a women and men commented on her post. Some even go to the extend of consenting and agreeing that premarital sex is okay. While I understand the pain this woman is feeling, I wince at the fact that some of the comments so openly condone sex before marriage. I grew up in a culture that celebrates the virtue and chastity of women. Was taught by goodly parents that sex should be saved for the sacred bond of marriage between a woman and a man. But whether a woman chooses to remain chaste or not before marriage, that is her own personal choice. Every choice we make has it's consequences. Good or bad. Happy or sad. No choices made is free from the aftermath of consequences.
The scriptures tell us that God's ways are the same to-day, yesterday and ever will be tomorrow. He doesn't sway to the left nor to the right. He is unchanging, steady and sure. Always on the straight and narrow path. Men's ways however changes all the time. With the heights of fashion, technology and immoralities. What was not acceptable back then is acceptable now. People call what is bad , good and what's good, bad. God's ways have never nor ever will be men's ways.
While I can not control nor condemn how others live their lives, I can control how I live my life and what kind of standard I want to pass down to my children and grandchildren and hopefully through all my posterity. I choose to live and teach virtue and chastity because God rejoices in the chastity of his children. This does not make me any better then any other woman out there. And even when I strive to live the best that I can daily, I still falter, slip and fall. This is where the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ comes in. His grace is enough for every one of us because we are, after all, sinners as long as we're embodied with this flesh and blood. He bought our sins so when we repent, we can be cleanse and become fresh, pure and as white as snow.
3 Nep. 27:19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
Pride, Riches and bad examples
Because Jacob has been ordained with his brother Joseph by Nephi to become teachers and preachers to his people, they were diligent in carrying out their callings. Jacob at this point is very weary because the Nephites has established themselves a king and have grown prideful and wicked, desiring that which Solomon and David of old desired. Concubines and more wives. Jacob has no choice but to be harsh in reprimanding them for their sins.
Jacob 2:7 And also it grieveth me that I must use so much aboldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and bchaste and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing unto God;
These parents were not being good influence to their young children and so the Lord commanded Jacob that he should speak to them:
Jacob 2:9 Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained, because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to aadmonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing their wounds; and those who have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds.
There were great many things that was going on among the Nephites. Those who were rich were persecuting the poor because of their lowly circumstances. Jacob declared:
17 Think of your abrethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your bsubstance, that cthey may be rich like unto you.
19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to ado good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.
A familiar pattern comes to mind when the Israelites were being led out of bondage by Moses. The Lord blesses them, they prosper and then they become prideful and start departing from the ways of the Lord. The Lord sends out his prophets and messengers to cry repentance to the people. They warn, chastise and cry repentance and when all that is done, and still the people failed to obey, then the Lord turns around in His anger and destroy them.
At this point in time, the Nephites has become more wicked then the Lamanites
35 Behold, ye have done agreater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And because of the bstrictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.
I believe that these records that has been compiled in the Book of Mormon as well as the Bible, have been preserved especially for our days to teach us and warn us of the things which we should and shouldn't do. As parents when we fail to teach our children through good examples, we bring upon us the wrath of God. It is our responsibility to lead and teach them the ways of the Lord and to live it so ourselves. Action does speak louder then words. We are responsible for not only the physical welfare of our children but also their spiritual nourishment.
Jacob 2:7 And also it grieveth me that I must use so much aboldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and bchaste and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing unto God;
These parents were not being good influence to their young children and so the Lord commanded Jacob that he should speak to them:
Jacob 2:9 Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained, because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to aadmonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing their wounds; and those who have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds.
There were great many things that was going on among the Nephites. Those who were rich were persecuting the poor because of their lowly circumstances. Jacob declared:
17 Think of your abrethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your bsubstance, that cthey may be rich like unto you.
19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to ado good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.
A familiar pattern comes to mind when the Israelites were being led out of bondage by Moses. The Lord blesses them, they prosper and then they become prideful and start departing from the ways of the Lord. The Lord sends out his prophets and messengers to cry repentance to the people. They warn, chastise and cry repentance and when all that is done, and still the people failed to obey, then the Lord turns around in His anger and destroy them.
At this point in time, the Nephites has become more wicked then the Lamanites
35 Behold, ye have done agreater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And because of the bstrictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.
I believe that these records that has been compiled in the Book of Mormon as well as the Bible, have been preserved especially for our days to teach us and warn us of the things which we should and shouldn't do. As parents when we fail to teach our children through good examples, we bring upon us the wrath of God. It is our responsibility to lead and teach them the ways of the Lord and to live it so ourselves. Action does speak louder then words. We are responsible for not only the physical welfare of our children but also their spiritual nourishment.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Distracted but back on track
The past week was spent in the hospital with my beloved auntie Peta. To top it off, everyone of the children were sick. So, for a whole week we struggled as a family to maintain our reading and family prayers not to fall behind. Here and there we couldn't read but when we were able to, we read extra chapters and time to make up for the missed days. Right now we are on Jacob Chapter 5. So much has happened in this time period among the Nephites and the Lamanites. At this time whoever was not on the Nephites side belonged to the Lamanites side.
The last few chapters of 2Nephi touched base on so many different things. On 2Nep. 29 it talks about the necessity of the having the Book of Mormon. That the Lord keeps track of all His children everywhere.
7 Know ye not that there are more anations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the bisles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the cearth beneath; and I bring forth my dword unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
The Book of Mormon bears records of the people in the Americas. The Bible bear the records of those in the old world, Jerusalem etc. Two books stand as witnesses of Christ.
Beloved Nephi finally dies of old age. His people wanted to make him a king but he refused. After he passes on, the Nephites called all his successors Second Nephi, Third Nephi and so on and so forth.
One of my favorite verse during this reading is on 2Nep. 31:20
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of bhope, and a clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eeternal life.
When we take upon us the name of Christ and be baptized just as he did, we still need to continue on with much patience in our trials and tribulations. Another one of my favorite scriptures during this reading is the following: 2Nephi 32
9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must apray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall bpray unto the Father in the cname of Christ, that he will dconsecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the ewelfare of thy soul.
It was sad for me to read about Nephi dying. He's done so much for his family and his people. He lived his life in the service of his God and his fellowmen.
The last few chapters of 2Nephi touched base on so many different things. On 2Nep. 29 it talks about the necessity of the having the Book of Mormon. That the Lord keeps track of all His children everywhere.
7 Know ye not that there are more anations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the bisles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the cearth beneath; and I bring forth my dword unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
The Book of Mormon bears records of the people in the Americas. The Bible bear the records of those in the old world, Jerusalem etc. Two books stand as witnesses of Christ.
Beloved Nephi finally dies of old age. His people wanted to make him a king but he refused. After he passes on, the Nephites called all his successors Second Nephi, Third Nephi and so on and so forth.
One of my favorite verse during this reading is on 2Nep. 31:20
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of bhope, and a clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eeternal life.
When we take upon us the name of Christ and be baptized just as he did, we still need to continue on with much patience in our trials and tribulations. Another one of my favorite scriptures during this reading is the following: 2Nephi 32
9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must apray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall bpray unto the Father in the cname of Christ, that he will dconsecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the ewelfare of thy soul.
It was sad for me to read about Nephi dying. He's done so much for his family and his people. He lived his life in the service of his God and his fellowmen.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Line upon Line and all is well in Zion!
It's apparent as we continue reading our scriptures that God's ways are never changing. That He is the same yesterday, to-day and forever will be. His ways are sure and unfaltering unlike that of men. This is why I don't put my trust in any man except in the Hands of the Almighty God and His son Jesus Christ. They and only They will I put my trust.
31. "Cursed is he that putteth his atrust in man.."
There has always been a great plan from the beginning. The Lord has given us rules and guidelines to follow. Everything has been carefully planned out and through generations of time, we've given prophets, teachers and goodly parents to teach us the ways of the Lord. On top of that, we've been given books that have been written and preserved by the hands of great men, to teach us the will of God.
30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon aprecept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn bwisdom; for unto him that creceiveth I will give dmore; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
As babies, we eat baby foods, take baby steps and from there on we start growing. We all know that this is how it always work out. Baby steps and then big adult steps, naturally. So it is with the ways of God. In my own life, I feel that in the Lord's own ways, He has greatly blessed me. Not in heavy dosages but a sprinkle here and a sprinkle there to keep me humble and grateful. He knows me better then I know myself and better then anyone else. Given full dosages, I'd surely become prideful, forgetful and haughty just like the Nephites. Thinking that I am better then anyone else. That is just the person I am.
The Lord will not overwhelm us but He will gently urge and guide us. When we gain knowledge, it will be upon seeking and studying and then He will slowly unfold the wrinkles in our minds to start embracing His glory which is INTELLIGENCE! The more we seek, the more we are given and the more we are given, the more we are enlightened of His ways until we become Perfected in Him.
On verse 21 "... All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the cdevil dcheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell."
Too many are leisuring, relaxing and are contend with doing nothing worthwhile in Zion. They think because they are members of the church, that, that will be all that they need to do to be saved in the kingdom of God. They're lazy and selfish. Suppressing their hands from giving of their time and talents to serve the Lord. There's just so much to do. In each ward there's much needed help within each organization in building up of children and members of the ward. If you don't have two or more calling in the ward, you're not doing enough.
My daughter Mele was the one doing the reading this night. She reads with an English accent and she is an excellent reader.
31. "Cursed is he that putteth his atrust in man.."
There has always been a great plan from the beginning. The Lord has given us rules and guidelines to follow. Everything has been carefully planned out and through generations of time, we've given prophets, teachers and goodly parents to teach us the ways of the Lord. On top of that, we've been given books that have been written and preserved by the hands of great men, to teach us the will of God.
30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon aprecept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn bwisdom; for unto him that creceiveth I will give dmore; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
As babies, we eat baby foods, take baby steps and from there on we start growing. We all know that this is how it always work out. Baby steps and then big adult steps, naturally. So it is with the ways of God. In my own life, I feel that in the Lord's own ways, He has greatly blessed me. Not in heavy dosages but a sprinkle here and a sprinkle there to keep me humble and grateful. He knows me better then I know myself and better then anyone else. Given full dosages, I'd surely become prideful, forgetful and haughty just like the Nephites. Thinking that I am better then anyone else. That is just the person I am.
The Lord will not overwhelm us but He will gently urge and guide us. When we gain knowledge, it will be upon seeking and studying and then He will slowly unfold the wrinkles in our minds to start embracing His glory which is INTELLIGENCE! The more we seek, the more we are given and the more we are given, the more we are enlightened of His ways until we become Perfected in Him.
On verse 21 "... All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the cdevil dcheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell."
Too many are leisuring, relaxing and are contend with doing nothing worthwhile in Zion. They think because they are members of the church, that, that will be all that they need to do to be saved in the kingdom of God. They're lazy and selfish. Suppressing their hands from giving of their time and talents to serve the Lord. There's just so much to do. In each ward there's much needed help within each organization in building up of children and members of the ward. If you don't have two or more calling in the ward, you're not doing enough.
My daughter Mele was the one doing the reading this night. She reads with an English accent and she is an excellent reader.
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