Lessons in the Key of Life: January 2009

Jan

27

Spiritual Arithmetic 101

Key Verse: Psalm 90:12
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Good morning class and welcome to Spiritual Arithmetic 101. What is Spiritual Arithmetic? Simply put it is taking those basic math skills of subtraction, division, addition, and multiplication that we learned in our early school days and applying those concepts to our spiritual growth process.

First, let us examine the basic principle of subtraction. Even small children understand basic mathematical equations such as two take away two leaves zero. Just as the basic skill of subtraction is taught and learned early in life, the principle of Christ’s forgiveness should also be learned early in life. Christ “takes away” the sins of those who repent and believe on Him (Repentance – Sin = Forgiveness). In 1 John 3:5 we read these words, “And ye know that he was manifested to take awy our sins, and in him is no sin.”

Second, let us examine the basic principle of division. In Isaiah 53:12 we read, “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Christ is our example. He gave Himself for us, dividing a portion with the great. As Christians, we are to follow Christ’s example. In 1 John 2:6 we read, “He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” We should divide our time, talent, testimony, and treasure – paying the tithe, or tenth of our income, so the Church can meet its responsibilities to do the work God has given it to do (see Malachi 3:10).

Third, let us examine the basic principle of addition. We would all agree that the way to gain more of something is to add to that something. For example, if a child has one apple and then a friend gives him another apple, he now has one more apple than he originally started with or two apples. We are to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ by adding, or increasing in the fruits and virtues of the Spirit. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 we are taught, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” We begin with faith and end with love – (Faith + Virtue + Knowledge + Temperance + Patience + Godliness + Brotherly Kindness + Charity [the pure love of Christ] = Growth in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ). Adding these many fruits of the Spirit to life will settle, establish, and strengthen us as Christians.

Finally, let us examine the basic principle of multiplication. Some people seem to have difficulty with the multiplication tables. In reality, multiplication is simply repeated addition. It is fascinating to observe the great increase that multiplication brings. For example, if you have some good news to share with a lot of people, start out by telling a couple of your closest friends. It is almost guaranteed that each of those friends will tell a couple of their close friends, and so on and so forth until the news is spread over a large area. Christ wants the number of His disciples to be increased. This is done through our missionary efforts of sharing the Gospel and bringing others unto Him. As we do this we will receive multiplied blessings (see Jude 2).

Posted 27th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Mathematics Spirituality

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Jan

27

Has Satan Worn You Out?

Subtitle: I Don’t Have Time . . ..

By Patricia D. Brown

My youngest sister Patricia sent me the following message some time ago. I feel that what she has to say here is too valuable to keep to myself so I am passing this timeless message on to both family and friends. She makes many valuable remarks that we all would be wise to take notice of and hopefully use to reevaluate where we place our priorities in life. I wish to extend my humble thanks to her for sharing this message with me.

Key verse: Daniel 7:25
“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”

Today, we live in a time where everybody seems to be in a hurry or for some reason or the other just don’t seem to have enough time to do whatever it is they have planned to do. Oh, don’t misunderstand me. I believe that it is a good idea for one to have hopes, dreams and plans for their lives, for Proverbs 29:18 tells us that, “Where there is no vision, the people perish:” Even God Himself has a plan and will for the lives of His children. In Jeremiah 29:11 it also reads, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Our Heavenly Father only what is best for us. In fact, He knows what is best for us better than we do. That is one of the things that I love about Jesus. He has a long-range view of our destiny. Sadly to say, a lot of church folk are short-sided and at times naïve and narrow-minded. While I do believe that God wants His children to enjoy their lives while here on earth, we, as Christians, fail to realize that where we are in God right now – or for our level of maturity – is not the place God plans for us to be forever. He doesn’t want us to stay baby Christians forever. For example, He doesn’t want us to just know about Him, He wants us to come to know Him in a personal and intimate way through prayer, the study of His Word and through fellowship with other saints. Some of us should even be at the stage in our walk with the Lord where we no longer go to church looking for a blessing. We now go to church to BE a blessing to the body!!

I truly believe that God wants us to be busy in the church and to be found doing when He comes (Luke 19:13, Matthew 24:44). But unfortunately, some of the saints have gone and are going to the extreme. The enemy or the Devil has blinded the saints into thinking that we have to take on every job and be on every board in the church in order to be pleasing to God. In a careful study of Daniel 7:235, the prophet is speaking about end time prophecy when this fourth great beast God shows him in a vision will wear down the saints with persecution. He also brings out a specific time table as to how long this great beast will be persecuting or wearing out the saints – “ until a time and times and the dividing of time.” “A time” is the span of one year; “Times” is a span of two years; and “The dividing of time” is half a year, making a total of 3 ½ years. Thank God it is only a span of 3 ½ years! If it were longer, I truly do not believe that a lot of the saints would be able to take it. Jesus said in Matthew 24:22; “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”

See, Daniel was speaking about the times that are coming after the rapture of the church during the tribulation. But if we would take notice, Satan is wearing out the saints in the church today. That’s why the Word of God tells us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil has blinded many of us into thinking that we have to be super, extra busy doing things – “I’m on this board, I’m on that auxiliary, I’m on this choir, I’m on that choir, I’m a deacon, I’m an usher, I’m a trustee. As a matter of fact, I’m even the president and they just can’t make it or go on without me.” WAKE UP CHURCH!! God is not calling us to be so busy. In fact, He has specific offices and places for each and every one of us in the body (1 Corinthians 12). The saints have too many irons in the fire. We are so busy doing THINGS! God is not so interested in the deeds of my hands as He is in the condition of my heart. AMEN?!! If my heart isn’t right or if my motive is wrong., God won’t be pleased anyway.

The devil is slowly but surely wearing out the saints doing things and going places until the time for the more important things – prayer, Bible study, relationships, fellowship with other saints, and the like – is all used up. We may sing the song, “Lord, I’m Available to You”, but in all actuality, we are not. If someone needs a friend just to talk to or spend time with, we are too busy. If someone needs someone to pray with, we are too busy. We often tell them that we’ll pray for them later, and get so busy again until the prayer request goes completely off our minds. Or if someone just needs a listening ear, we are too busy. And even in some instances, some of us have the audacity to think or say that “If I am not going to receive any glory or recognition for myself or if I’m not going to get anything out of it, I don’t have time to be bothered anyway!!” The devil is wearing us out with WRONG THINKING.

I was talking to an older friend of mine and she was telling me that times have changed and that things and people are not the same today anyway. She said that when someone was sick or someone passed away in the neighborhood, folks had all kinds of time to spend. Friends and family would come by to make sure that everyone and everything was all right or even take time to pick up the phone and call. But nowadays, we are so busy, that we don’t have time to pick up the phone just to say hi, I had you on my mind, is everything all right. See, back in the “good ole days”, all folk really had was each other. They didn’t have fancy cars, fine homes, good paying jobs, fine clothes, celluar phones, DVD players, computers and whatever. All they had was each other and that seemed to be enough. The devil can even use God’s blessings against us, if we let him. It seems as though before God started blessing us with material things, we acted like we had good sense! That is why God doesn’t bless some vof us the way that He desires to. We don’t know how to act when the blessing comes!! We have eaten and gotten full and have forgotten to say, “Thank you” (Deuteronomy 8:10, 11).

We wonder sometimes why we are so tired. We wonder why we are sicker now than we used to be. Satan has worn us out. Again, I truly believe that the saints have too many irons in the fire. What we need to do is be still and let God place us where He would have us and give that our all. Our prayer should be, “Lord, what would YOU have me to do?” and “Lord, where would YOU have me to go?” I believe if the saints would do this, we won’t be sick and tired, frustrated and out of sorts all the time.

HAS SATAN WORN YOU OUT?

Posted 27th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Church Priorities Service

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Jan

19

The Importance and Necessity of Prayer in Our Lives - Part 2 (Revision 2)

·Note: This is a continuing study on the importance and necessity of prayer in our daily lives. A much abbreviated form of these notes were used to present a lesson on prayer to a Junior High boys’ Sunday school class on 19 September 1993 while I was still a member of the Baptist church. The original notes were later revised and new material was added on 02 August 2000. On 16 January 2009 the notes were revised once again and are now presented here for all to read.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in my sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." - Psalm 19:14

President Gordon B. Hinckley on the Power of Prayer
"Believe in prayer and the power of prayer. Pray to the Lord with the expectation of answers. I suppose there is not a man or woman in this entire congregation today who doesn't pray. I hope that is so. The trouble with most of our prayers is that we give them as if we were picking up the telephone and ordering groceries - we place our order and hang up. We need to meditate, contemplate, think of what we are praying about and for and then speak to the Lord as one man speaketh to another. 'Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord' (Isaiah 1:18). That is the invitation. Believe in the power of prayer - it is real, it is wonderful, it is tremendous." (Gordon B. Hinckley, Smithfield/Logan Utah Regional Conference, April 21, 1996; see "Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley" p. 469)

Elder Russell M. Nelson on Keeping Faith in God
"Praying helps us to face trials in life. Prayer centers our attitudes precisely. With that focus, we do not wander to the right or left through land mines with traps of temptation. Disciples do not flirt with danger at the jagged edge of disaster. Experienced mountain climbers do not lean toward the dangerous edge but toward safety, with ropes and other safeguards to secure them in those they trust. So it is with us. When we climb mountainous challenges of life, we should lean toward our Master and be yoked with him, clinging tightly to the iron rod of the gospel, to family, and to trusted friends."

"The Lord said, 'Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not' (D&C 6:36). I have learned that such faith gives emancipating power. Facing God first lets us decide firmly what we shall not do; then we are free to pursue what we ought to do." (Russell M. Nelson, "Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods," General Conference April 1996; see Ensign, May 1996, p. 16)

In our lat lesson we briefly discussed three aspects of prayer: (1)What is prayer?, (2)Why pray?, and (3) How to pray. We begin this lesson by stating the condition for receiving forgiveness when we pray.

After the Lord had given His disciples an example of how to pray (see Matthew 6:9-13), He says unto them, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14, 15). We read similar words of our Savior in Mark 11:24-26, "Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." The lesson here is simply this - forgiveness of man is the condition for forgiveness by man.

We, like Peter, may often wonder how often we should forgive someone who sins against us. Peter felt that seven times was sufficient, but notice the Lord's reply in Matthew 18:22, "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." In other words, what the Lord was teaching Peter as well as us today is that no matter how many times a brother or sister sins against us we should always find it in our hearts to forgive them.

For the remainder of this lesson I would like to present several different aspects of prayer for your consideration. I will merely list each one with the associated Scripture verses so that you may review them for yourselves at your convenience. I will cover six different areas:
1. Kinds of Prayer
2. Parts of Prayer
3. Personal Requirements of Prayer
4. General Requirements of Prayer
5. Posture Used in Prayer
6. Times for Prayer

Kinds of Prayer

1. Secret - Matthew 6:6
2. Family - Acts 10:2, 30
3. Group - Matthew 18:20
4. Public - 1 Corinthians 14:14-17

Parts of Prayer

1. Adoration - Daniel 4:34, 35
2. Confession - 1 John 1:9
3. Supplication - 1 Timothy 2:1-3
4. Intercession - James 5:15
5. Thanksgiving - Philippians 4:6

Personal Requirements of Prayer

1. Purity of Heart - Psalm 66:18-19
2. Believing - Matthew 21:22
3. In Christ's Name - John 14:13,14
4. According to God's Will - 1 John 5:14,15

General Requirements of Prayer

1. Forgiving Spirit - Matthew 6:14
2. Simplicity - Matthew 6:5,6
3. Humility and Repentance - Luke 18:10-14
4. Unity of Believers - Matthew 18:19,20
5. Tenacity - Luke 18:1-8
6. Importunity - Luke 11:5-8
7. Intensity - Matthew 7:7-11
8. Confident Expectation - Mark 11:24
9. Without Many Words - Matthew 6:7
10. Unceasingly - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Posture Used in Prayer

1. Standing - Nehemiah 9:5
2. Kneeling - Ezra 9:5
3. Sitting - 1 Chronicles 17:16-27
4. Bowing - Exodus 34:8
5. Hands Uplifted - 1 Timothy 2:8

Times of Prayer

1. Daily, In the Morning - Psalm 5:3; 88:13; 143:8; Isaiah 33:2
2. Twice Daily - Psalm 88:1
3. Thrice daily - Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10
4. All Night - Luke 6:12
5. Without Ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
6. In Secret - Matthew 5:6
7. Silently - Psalm 5:1

May we be found "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints," casting all of our cares upon Him for He cares for us. This is my humble, heartfelt prayer in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Joseph Smith's First Prayer

Posted 19th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Asking Faith Prayer Receiving

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Jan

16

The Importance and Necessity of Prayer in Our Lives - Part 1 (Revision 2)

·Note: A much abbreviated form of these notes were used to present a lesson on prayer to a Junior High boys’ Sunday school class on 19 September 1993 while I was still a member of the Baptist church. The original notes were later revised and new material was added on 02 August 2000. On 16 January 2009 the notes were revised once again and are now presented here for all to read.

Scripture References:

“And it came to pass, that as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” - Luke 11:1

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” - Mark 11:24

“But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;” - Alma 13:28

“Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.” - Doctrine and Covenants 10:5

What is prayer?
In the simplest of layman’s terms, prayer is communication with God. It is asking and receiving. It is making our request known to Him in faith.

Prayer is as old as man, as universal as religion, and as instinctive as breathing. Men of all faiths practice it in some form. Prayer springs from the heart with a need – a need greater than man’s ability to satisfy. Prayer is man’s acknowledgment of a being higher than himself. Prayer brings us into close fellowship with God, admitting our need for Him and our utter dependence upon Him. Our Lord instructs us to Ask, Seek, and Knock; because these three words cover the whole spectrum of prayer.

Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with one another. The object of prayer is not to change the will of the Father, but to secure for others and us blessings that the Father is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional to our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means of obtaining the highest of all blessings. All things are possible when we Ask, Seek, and Knock.

Before the first generation of mankind had passed away, men began to call upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:26; Moses 5:4). Either with (Genesis 12:8; 13:4), or without (Genesis 20:7; 32:9-11) sacrifice, prayers were constantly offered by the patriarchs to God.

Prayer is nowhere specifically commanded as a duty in the law, and prayers were not prescribed at the sacrifices except on two occasions: (1) a confession of sin on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:21), and (2) a thanksgiving when offering the first fruits and tithes (Deuteronomy 26:3, 13). It is, however, certain from the nature of things, and from the custom in later times, that prayers accompanied sacrifice. “Making many prayers” was a part of the corrupt religion under the later kings (Isaiah 1:15), and a marked feature of the religion of the Pharisees (Matthew 6:5; 23:14).

Most men try to pray, yet so few really know how. There are two kinds of prayers: (1) the prayer that does not reach God and (2) the prayer that does reach God. This point is illustrated by our Lord in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican found in Luke 18:9-14. Both men went to the same place, at the same time, for the same purpose to pray. The Pharisee prayed in his religious pride, expecting God to answer because he thought himself worthy. Notice the words of his prayer, “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” Now contrast his prideful prayer with that of the humble publican to whom the Scriptures tell us “would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven.” Notice the words of his prayer, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Scriptures tell us that this humble publican “went down to his house justified rather than the other [the prideful Pharisee].”

Why pray?
Christ taught us in Luke 18:1 “that men ought always to pray, and not faint.” We are taught in 2 Nephi 32:9 that “ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.” Prayer is imperative. Christ told his disciples in Matthew 26:41 to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Marion G. Romney once said, “No divine commandment has been more frequently repeated than the command to pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ensign, November 1979, p. 16).

We should also pray because prayer is the only way to get things from our Heavenly Father. In James 4:2 we are taught that we have not because we ask not. In 3 Nephi 18:20 we are further taught “And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” In Alma 37:37 we are told to “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.” Brigham Young once said, “If we draw near to him, he will draw near to us if we seek him early, we shall find him (JD, 13:312).

We should also pray because there is joy in prayer. In John 16:24 we are told “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” In Moroni 7:48 we are told “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all energy of heart, that ye may be filled with his love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.

We should also pray because prayer unlocks the treasure chest of the wisdom of God. The Prophet Joseph Smith came to realize this when as a young boy he was seeking an answer as to which of the churches was right and which of them he should join. He read these words in James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” After reading those words he sought the Lord in prayer and was told that none of the churches were right and that he was to join none of them.

We should also pray because prayer is a channel of power. In Jeremiah 33:3 we read these words. “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

We should also pray because it is a sin not to pray. The brother of Jared was chastened by the Lord because he “remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord” (Ether 2:14). Samuel in 1 Samuel 12:23-24 says, “God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and right way: Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” Joseph F. Smith once said, “Do not forget to pray. Don’t suppose for a moment that you are safe and secure in the favor of the Lord when you feel independent of Him as you will be if you feel your dependence upon Him all the day long” (CR, April 1915, p. 140).

We should also pray because Christ while here on earth prayed often to the Father. If Christ, our divine example, needed to pray then we His disciples should pray without ceasing as we are directed in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

How to Pray: Read Matthew 6:9-13 [Compare Luke 11:2-4]
Here in these verses we find the Lord’s example of prayer as taught to His disciples. We are to pray:
·To “Our Father who art in heaven” because He is all wise, all loving, and all-powerful. We are also instructed to pray in the name of Jesus and with the help of the Holy Spirit (John 14:13; Romans 8:26:27).
·For His will to be done in everything (James 4:15).
·For the coming of His kingdom (Matthew 25:31-46).
·For our daily necessities (Luke 11:3).
·For forgiveness and practice forgiving others (Matthew 18:21-22).
·For the leading of the Lord and deliverance from evil (Luke 22:42).
·In faith (Hebrews 11:6)

I would like to share with you 23 elements of the Lord’s example of prayer.
1.Relationship – Our Father
2.Recognition – which art in heaven
3.Adoration – Hallowed be thy name
4.Anticipation – Thy kingdom come
5.Consecration – Thy will be done
6.Universality – in earth
7.Conformity – as it is in heaven
8.Supplication – Give us
9.Definiteness – this day
10.Necessity – our daily bread
11.Penitence – And forgive us
12.Obligation – our debts
13.Forgiveness – as we forgive
14.Love and Mercy – our debtors
15.Guidance – And lead us
16.Protection – not into temptation
17.Salvation – but deliver us
18.Righteousness – from evil
19.Faith – For thine is the kingdom
20.Humility – and the power
21.Reverence – and the glory
22.Timelessness – for ever
23.Affirmation – Amen – As God has said, so shall it be

It is a great joy to be able to talk with our Heavenly Father, any time, in any place, under any circumstance, and to know that He will hear and answer our humble prayers. The answers that we receive may sometimes be different from what we expected. We may, for example, pray for patience and receive tribulation, not realizing that “tribulation worketh patience” (See Romans 5:3). Our Heavenly Father answers all of our prayers – not necessarily according to our wishes, but according to His perfect will.

Posted 16th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Asking Faith Prayer Receiving

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Jan

14

An Overview of Psalm 34

Fear the Lord and Live Peaceably With All Men

Key Verse: “O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.” – Psalm 34:9

The Lord promises great blessings to His people. He has promised to:

1. free us from fear (34:4)
2. deliver us from trouble (34:6)
3. guard us (34:7)
4. show us kindness (34:8)
5. supply our needs (34:9)
6. listen when we talk with Him (34:15)
7. redeem us (34:22)

We can appropriate these blessings when we:

1. seek Him (34:4, 10)
2. cry out to Him (34:6, 17)
3. trust Him (34:8)
4. fear Him (34, 7, 9)
5. keep from lying (34:13)
6. turn from sin, do good, and seek peace (34:14)
7. have humble hearts (34:18)
8. serve him (34:22)

An Overview of the Chapter:

34:8 “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteh in him.” [compare 1 Peter 2:3]

“. . .taste and see. . .”does not mean, “Check out the Lord’s credentials.” Instead it is a warm invitation to “Try this, I know you will like it.” As we trust in the Lord daily, we experience how good and truly wonderful He is.

34:9-10 “O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want in them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” [Compare Psalm 23:1; 31:23-24]

You believe that you belong to the Lord, but do you fear Him – that is, do you reverence Him? To fear the Lord means to show deep respect and honor to Him. We demonstrate true reverence by our humble attitude and our genuine worship. Abraham (See Genesis 17:2-4), Moses (See Exodus 3:5,6) and the Israelites (See Exodus 19:16-24), all showed reverence. They each had varied reactions to the presence of the Lord, but all deeply respected Him.

We may question David’s statements because at times it seems that we lack many good things. This is not a blanket promise that every Christian will have everything that he wants. Rather, this is David’s praise for the Lord’s goodness in his life. The lesson that David is teaching us here is all those who call upon the Lord in their hour of need will be answered, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Always remember, the Lord knows what we need even before we even ask Him and He knows our deepest needs are spiritual. Many Christians, even though they may face unbelievable poverty and hardships, still maintain enough spiritual nourishment to live for the Lord. David was saying to have the Lord is all you really need. The Lord is enough!

If at any time you feel that you don’t have everything you need ask yourself these questions:
1. Is this really a need?
2. Is this really good for me?
3. Is this the best time for me to have what I desire, or should I wait?

Even if you answer yes to all of these questions, the Lord may allow you to go without to help you learn to be more dependent upon Him. He may be trying to teach you that you really need Him, more than your immediate desires.

34:11-14 “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” (See also James 1:26; Romans 14:18-19; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:10-12)

David feared the Lord and for the most part chose the way of goodness and peace. He even treated some of his worst enemies with kindness (See 1 Samuel 24:1-8, 26:5-25).

Scriptures often connect the fear of the Lord with obedience. For example: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man love me, he will keep my words: and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” – John 14:23

David said that a person who fears the Lord doesn’t lie, turns from sin, does well, and promotes peace. Reverence is much more than sitting quietly in Church. It includes obeying the Lord in the way we speak and the way we treat others. David encouraged others to fear and trust the Lord, and to exemplify faith, truth, obedience and goodness in their lives.

The Conclusion of the Matter:

Romans 12:9-18 puts the final period in place on the subject on how we ought to fear the Lord and live peaceably with all men.

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Notes:

12:9 dissimilation – hypocrisy

12:12 continuing instant – constant

12:16 mind not on high things – do not be proud
condescend to – associate with
estate – position
conceits – estimation

12:17 recompense – repay
provide things honest – do what is right!

Posted 14th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Fear Lord Reverence

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Jan

13

The Life of Christ As Compared With the Pieces of Furniture in the Tabernacle of Moses

The doctrines of Christ are emphasized throughout the Gospel of John. In describing the life of Christ, John makes comparisons with the pieces of furniture in the tabernacle of Moses. Note the similarities between the language of Moses and John:

1. Moses describes the brazen altar (Exodus 27:1-8, 38:1-7). John describes the Lamb of God (John 1:29).
2. Moses speaks of the brazen laver (Exodus 30:18, 38:8). John speaks of the water of life (John 4:14).
3. Moses writes of the table of shewbread (Exodus 25:23-30; 37:10-16). John writes of the bread of life (John 6:35).
4. Moses talks of the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40; 37:17-24). John talks of the light of the world (John 9:5).
5. Moses presents the altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-10; 37:25-28). John presents the great prayer of Christ (John 17).
6. Moses witnesses of the mercy seat (Exodus 25:10-22; 37:1-9). John witnesses of our mercy seat, Christ (1 John 2:2).

Side Notes on the Life of Christ
In Old Testament times the people would bring their most perfect lambs (the ones without spot or blemish) to the temple to give to the priests to offer as sacrifice for the atonement of their sins. Christ was the perfect Lamb of God who gave His life as a sacrifice for the atonement of the sins of the world.

“. . . Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29

Water is a very necessary substance for the sustaining of life. Where there is water, there exists the possibility of life. Where there is no water, there exists very little possibility of life. Christ is the Living Water and where there is Living Water, there is definitely life – and not just an ordinary life, but life eternal.

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up in everlasting life.” – John 4:14

Christ was born in the city of Bethlehem. The word Bethlehem is made up of two Hebrew words – Beth, the word for bread and lehem, the word for house. So literally translated, Bethlehem means “house of bread.” It is interesting to note that He who was born in the house of bread would proclaim to the world that He is indeed the bread of life.

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. “ – John 6:35

Christ said:

“. . .I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” – John 8:12

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:5

Then He says to us His disciples:

“Ye are the light of the world, A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

Food For Thought:

“No mortal being had the power or capability to redeem all other mortals from their lost and fallen condition, nor could any other voluntarily forfeit his life and thereby bring to pass a universal resurrection for all other mortals.
Only Jesus was able and willing to accomplish such a redeeming act of love.
We may never understand nor comprehend in mortality how He accomplished what He did, but we must not fail to understand why He did what He did.
Everything He did was prompted by His unselfish, infinite love for us.”
-- Ezra Taft Benson (Ensign, November 1983, p.6)

Posted 13th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Christ Jesus Tabernacle

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Jan

12

An Overview of the Four Gospels

Introduction.
I have been asked on several occasions during my teaching experiences about why there are four Gospel accounts of the life of Christ in the Bible. More importantly, some want to know why there are some details mentioned in one account and not mentioned in the others. Isn’t this just a little bit confusing? My reply is that it is not confusing at all. All four Gospel accounts relate the same wonderful story of the life of our Savior but from four different perspectives. When we study one of the Gospel accounts, we should study parallel Scriptures in the other three accounts in order to get the full picture.

When I think of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, I think of four news reporters reporting on the events of the day from four different perspectives based on their individual backgrounds and cultures. The story line that each presents is basically the same. The differences arise in the fact that each reporter adds his own “flavor” to the story. I think that a brief overview of each of the four Gospels may be helpful at this point.

Matthew (Levi) – A SPECIAL REPORT TO THE JEWS! WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? HE IS THE KING OF ISRAEL AND THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH! HE IS THE SAVIOR AND THE KING OF KINGS. HE KNOWS WHO YOU ARE AND HE CARES ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IN YOUR LIFE.

Background.
1. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector who became one of Jesus’ twelve apostles (9:9; 10:2-4). His given name Matthew, meant “gift of Yahweh [the Hebrew term indicating God]. His home was in Capernaum and later Damascus, Syria. His father was Alphaeus. He later became an author and pastor of a church in Damascus.

2. Links the Old Testament (53 quotes and 76 other references) with the New Testament by emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 72; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 9:9; 14:9).

3. Often called the Genesis of the New Testament.

4. Focuses on the legal right of Jesus Christ to the throne of David.

5. Presents Christ as The King

6. Writes from a Jewish perspective

7. Probably written between A.D. 60-65

8. Purpose of the writing: To prove that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, The Eternal King. Note: Messiah is the Hebrew word for “anointed one”

9. Presents the genealogy of Christ from Abraham through the royal line [the first of two New Testament genealogies (Compare Matthew 1 with Luke 3)

10. Key word used: “fulfilled” – 38 times

11. Key verse: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law of the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (5:17)

12. Key phrase: “the kingdom of heaven” (appears 32 times in this book, but nowhere else in the Bible)

13. Key places: Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Capernaum, Galilee, Judea

14. Concludes with the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ just before He is taken to heaven. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (28:19-20).

Mark (John Mark) – A SPECIAL REPORT TO THE ROMANS! WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? HE IS THE LOWLY SERVANT!

Background.
1. He was one of the twelve disciples, but he accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 12:25) and later associated with Peter (1 Peter 5:13).

2. Was the first Gospel written

3. The other Gospels quote all but 31 verses of Mark

4. Records more miracles than does any other Gospel

5. Wrote for the Roman reader, and uses a number of words derived from Latin

6. Wrote this Gospel in Rome about 25 years after Christ dies between A.D. 55 and 65

7. Does not write about Jesus’ birth or childhood. He begins his story when Jesus is 30 years old.

8. Presents Christ as Jehovah’s servant

9. Jesus reveals Himself here by what He does than by what he says

10. Purpose for writing: To present the person, work, and teachings of Christ

11. Key word used: “straightway” – used 42 times

12. Key verse: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (10:45)

13. Key places: Capernaum, Nazareth, Caesarea, Philippi, Jericho, Bethany, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Golgotha

14. Concludes with the ascension – the completion of the mission of the suffering servant. “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” (16:19)

Luke – A SPECIAL REPORT TO THE GREEKS! WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? HE IS THE PERFECT MAN!

Background.
1. Also known as the “beloved physician” (See Colossians 4:14)

2. Was also a historian, author and even did some evangelism

3. In this report, the parables of Christ are emphasized

4. The Gospel of Luke is the most lengthy Gospel account and the longest New Testament book

5. Written probably in A.D. 60

6. The first of a two-volume work addressed to a friend named Theophilus [“lover of God”] (Compare Luke 1:3 with Acts 1:1)

7. Tradition states that Luke was from Antioch in Syria, and remained unmarried. He later lived in Philippi and other cities where Christian communities were started.

8. The second and most complete New Testament genealogy is offered here (See Luke 3). Luke takes the genealogy of Christ from Adam through the bloodline.

9. The Gospel of Luke is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15; 22:18; Isaiah 7:14-16; 9:6

10. The only Biblical writer who was a physician

11. The only Gentile Biblical writer

12. Was probably Paul’s most faithful friend and companion

13. The most educated of the four Gospel writers

14. Born into a cultured, Gentile family

15. The Gospel of Luke is the tenth longest Biblical book

16. Luke is best known today for – Writing about one-fourth of the New Testament (Luke and Acts), His works emphasize the impact of the Gospel on people considered “second class” in Jewish culture at the time – Gentiles, women, the poor – as well as the topics of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit.

17. Probably gathered the information for the account of Christ’s life during the two years that Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea by the Roman governor Felix of the Jewish homeland (See Acts 24:27)

18. Writes for a Greek audience, concerned with the ideal of “excellence”

19. Shows Christ as being the ideal human – warm, concerned, ministering

20. Places more emphasis than any other Gospel writers on Christ’s relationships with people, and on the role women played in Christ’s life and ministry

21. Reports six miracles and nineteen parables that are not mentioned in other Gospels

22. Presents Christ as the Son of man – the friend of sinners

23. Purpose for writing: To present an accurate account of the life of Christ and to present Christ as the perfect man and Savior

24. Key phrase: “It came to pass” (appears 40 times)

25. Key verses: “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the son of a man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (19:9,10)

26. Key places: Bethlehem, Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem

27. Most of 9:51 – 18:35 is not found in any other Gospel

Concludes with the promise of the Spirit – “And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

John – A SPECIAL REPORT TO THE WORLD! WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? HE IS THE SON OF GOD!

1. John’s name means “Yahweh is gracious”

2. Known as the Apostle of Love

3. Called a “Son of Thunder”

4. Probably written A.D. 85-90

5. In this report, the doctrines of Christ are emphasized

6. In describing the life of Christ, John makes comparisons with the pieces of furniture in the tabernacle of Moses

7. The only Gospel writer to hint at the rapture (See 14:2, 3)

8. Uses the number seven [the number of wholeness, completeness, perfection] on numerous occasions (seven witnesses of Christ, seven pre-crucifixion miracles, seven I Am’s)

9. The Gospel of John is the fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6; 40:3-5; 47:4; and Jeremiah 23:6

10. The fourth longest New Testament book and nineteenth longest Biblical book

11. Probably raised in Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. He later lived in Ephesus and was banished to the island of Patmos in old age.

12. Family – Father was Zebedee; mother was probably Salome; younger brother of James. Salome and Mary may have been sisters (See Matthew 27:56; John 19:25). If so, James and John would have been cousins to Jesus.

13. Occupation – Commercial fisherman; later one of Jesus’ disciples and one of the inner circle

14. Best known today for – His close relationship to Jesus, and his New Testament writings

15. Author of a Gospel, three New Testament letters, and Revelation

16. The Gospel of John has been called the “universal Gospel”

17. Presents Christ as the Eternal Son of God

18. Message – Christ is the incarnate Word

19. John takes Christ’s origin back to His preexistence with God all the way through eternity (See John 1: 1-3)

20. Key phrase: “verily, verily” (appears 24 times)

21. John tells nothing of Jesus’ birth and youth. He introduces Him as the adult Son of God.

22. Purpose of writing: To prove conclusively that Christ is the Son of God and that all who believe in him will have eternal life

23. Key verses: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book, But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (20:30,31)

24. Key places – Judean countryside, Samaria, Galilee, Bethany, Jerusalem

25. Special features – of the eight miracles recorded, six are unique (among the Gospels) to John, as is the “Upper Room Discourse” (chapter 14-17). Over 90% of John is unique to his Gospel – John does not contain a genealogy or any record of Jesus’ birth, childhood, temptation, transfiguration, appointment of the disciples, and no parables, ascension, or Great Commission.

26. Concludes with the promise of the return of Christ – “Jesus saith unto him, if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.” (21:22)

Posted 12th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Christ Gospel Jesus

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Jan

11

The Influence of Music in Our Lives

“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.” – 1 Chronicles 16:9

“Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” – Psalm 95:2

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” – Ephesians 5:19

“After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” – Aldous Huxley

Scripture Lesson:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him.” – Colossians 3:16,17

Definition of terms used:
1. Psalm – a portion of Scripture that is put to music
2. Hymns – Christian songs that praise God
3. Spiritual Songs – songs of personal testimony, relating to spiritual truth
4. Grace – may also indicate the need for Christians to sing with thanksgiving and gratefulness

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” What a very profound statement that is. Where spoken words may not be able to convey a message, the sounds of music often times can.

Music has been a part of human existence since man’s earliest days on earth.
1. Exodus 15 – musical festivals of Israel after the people miraculously crossed the Red Sea.
2. Music accompanied men into battle and celebrated victories in war.
3. Songs and dance honored kings at their coronation.
4. Music soothed troubled minds.
5. Music accompanied prophesying.
6. Music expressed personal sorrow.
7. David described personal emotions as well as praise to God in the Psalms.

All of us have various tastes in music. Music has a very powerful influence upon our lives. When we are feeling down and depressed, certain types of music have a way of lifting us up and making us feel joyous once again. Music can also have negative influences on our lives. Certain songs can actually bring us down and make us feel depressed, lonely, unwanted, unloved. Therefore, we must learn to be discerning about the types of music that we listen to.

In December 1970, the First Presidency stated: “Through music, man’s ability to express himself extends beyond the limits of the spoken language in both subtlety and power. Music can be used to exalt and inspire or to carry messages of degradation and destruction. It is therefore important that as Latter-day Saints we at all times apply the principles of the gospel and seek the guidance of the Spirit in selecting the music with which we surround ourselves.” (Priesthood Bulletin, December 1970, p.10.)

Music can invite the Spirit into our homes, or it can drive it away.

In an article in the November 1990 Ensign, Ardeth G. Kapp made this statement concerning music: “Music has a very powerful and wonderful influence in establishing feelings and moods that can lift and elevate your thoughts and your actions. But because it is so powerful, it is clearly used by the adversary to stimulate your thoughts, feelings, and moods, to pollute and poison your mind and cause you to do things you would not otherwise consider doing.” In an address to Brigham Young University on September 26, 1967, Elder Boyd K. Packer stated “music is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind and the spirit of man.”

Ask yourself these questions concerning music:
1. How much time do I spend listening to music?
2. Why do I listen to music?
3. What type of music do I enjoy listening to?
4. Does the type of music that I listen to invite the Spirit into my home?
5. Have I felt a change in spirit while listening to this music?
6. Are the lyrics words that I would comfortably speak to my family and friends?
7. Does the performing group promote standards that are similar to my own?
8. Does the music cause you to think, act, or feel contrary to the teachings of Christ?

The Scriptures clearly warn us of guarding our hearts and minds from evil influences:
1. Deuteronomy 4:9 – “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thou soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;”
2. Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
3. 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

President Spencer W. Kimball said, “It is obvious to remain clean and worthy, one must stay positively and conclusively away from the devil’s territory” (Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969, page 232). As Christians, we represent Christ at all times – wherever we go, whatever we say. The music that we listen to, like every other area of our lives, should honor God. We should focus on what our Heavenly Father has done for us and express praise to Him out of gratefulness.

In conclusion, here are a few standards to follow when choosing what type of music to listen to:
1. Does this music honor God and His ways? (1 Corinthians 10:31)
2. Does this music help me think on what is right and true? (Philippians 4:8)
3. Does this music reinforce my faith? (Romans 14:22,23)
4. Does this music approve what God condemns? (Proverbs 19:27)
5. Do the words of the songs displease God? (Ephesians 4:29)
6. Can I listen to this music in the name of the Lord Jesus? (Colossians 3:17)
7. Do my parents approve of this type of music? (Colossians 3:20)
8. Will listening to this type of music offend the Holy Spirit Who lives within me?
(1 Corinthians 6:19,20)

President Gordon B. Hinckley has given us this wise counsel concerning music:
“Let there be music in the home. If you have teenagers who have their own recordings, you will be prone to describe the sound as something other than music. Let them occasionally hear something better. Expose them to it. It will speak for itself. More of appreciation will come than you may think. It may not be spoken, but it will be felt, and its influence will become increasingly manifest as the years pass.” (Be Thou An Example [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1981] , p.56)

May we be challenged to listen to music that will be pleasing to our Heavenly Father. This is my humble prayer. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Posted 11th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Influences Life Music

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Jan

9

Jesus Christ Is Our Passover Lamb

Jewish Independence Day - The Passover
Scripture Lesson: Exodus 12:13-14
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever."

More than anything else, the Jewish Independence day expresses this one fact: God did it! Their independence day resembles a worship service, not a party. No Israelite armies stood against the mighty Egyptians. Freedom came in the blackest night while Jewish families huddled around the Passover table, their bags packed, waiting for deliverance. For the Jews, independence from the Egyptians meant total dependence on God. God came back to this event to describe Himself through the Bible as: "I am the God who brought you out of Egypt." When the wilderness wanderers ran out of water, God provided (Exodus 17). When food supplies failed, God provided (Exodus 16). When the raiders attacked, God provided. Independence day merely set the tone for a national history that was an active movement to God.

Notice how the details of the Passover paralleled the events surrounding the death of Christ:

The sacrifice must be a lamb (Exodus 12:3)
Christ was the Lamb of God (1 Corinthians 5:7)

The lamb must be without spot or blemish (Exodus 12:5)
Christ was without spot or blemish (1 Peter 1:18-19)

The lamb must be in the prime of life when offered (Exodus 12:5)
Christ was in the prime of His manhood when He died (John 8:57)

Lamb's blood was shed that Israel might have life (Exodus 12:23)
Christ's blood was shed that the world might have life (John 3:16)

"If the things of this world are all an empty show, 'a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.' what is important? The atonement of Jesus Christ - that is the one supreme reality of our life upon this earth!" - Hugh Nibley (OAT, p.6)

"Everything that He did was prompted by His unselfish, infinite love for us" - Ezra Taft Benson

Therefore,

"The principle question before us is not do we comprehend the atonement, but do we accept it" - George Q. Morris (CR, April 1956, p.112)

Posted 9th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Christ Jesus Lamb Passover

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Jan

8

The Blessings of Work

Scripture Lesson: Ecclesiates 2:24
"There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God."

We should look at the work that we do as a part of God's plan for a purposeful life. By so doing, it will build in us a strong character as well as a better world in which we live.

If we look at work as solely an opportunity to gain much wealth or to make a name for ourselves, we will eventually have to agree with the writer of Ecclesiastes 2:17 that all labor is "vanity and vexation of spirit."

The 19th century British author Charles Kingsley wrote, "Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not. Being required to work, and doing so to the best of your ability, will breed in you self-control, diligence, contentment, and a hundred other virtues which the idle never know."

Earl of Chesterfield once said, "Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." The job that we do may seem insignificant or meaningless by comparison; however, if we work "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23), He will use our labors to provide for all of our needs as well as the needs of others. Therefore, any kind of wholesome work can be a blessing!

Remember, the Master was a worker with daily work to do; and if you would be like Him, you must be zealous too. Someone has wisely said, "To leave lasting footprints on the sands of time wear work shoes."

"Daily toil, however humble it may be, is our daily duty, and by doing it well, we make it a part of our daily worship." - Brigham Young

Posted 8th January 2009 by Anonymous

Labels: Life Reward Work

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Lessons in the Key of Life

Lessons that I have learned as I journey through life.

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