Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Pearl of Great Price: Moses (Chapter 6)

 Chapter 6

(November-December 1830)

Adam's seed keep a book of remembrance—His righteous posterity preach repentance—God reveals Himself to Enoch—Enoch preaches the gospel—The plan of salvation was revealed to Adam—He received baptism and the priesthool.

1 And Adam hearkened unto the voice of God, and called upon his sons to repent.

2 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bare a son, and he called his name Seth. And Adam glorified the name of God; for he said: God hath appointed me another seed, instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.

3 And God revealed himself unto Seth, and he rebelled not, but offered an acceptable sacrifice, like unto his brother Abel. And to him also was born a son, and he called his name Enos.

4 And then began these men to call upon the name of the Lord, and the Lord blessed them;

5 And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration;

6 And by them their children were tauht to read and write, having a language which was pure and undefiled.

7 Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also.

8 Now this prophecy Adam spake, as he ws moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and a genealogy was kept of the children of God. And this was the bookof the generations of Adam, saying: In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

9 In the image of his own body, male and female, created he them, and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created and became living souls in the land upon the footstool of God.

10 And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his own image, and called his name Seth.

11 And the days of Adam, after he had begotten Seth, were eight hundred years, and he begat many sons and daughters;

12 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.

13 Seth lived one hundred and five years, and begat Enos, and prophesied in all his days, and taught his son Enos in the ways of God; wherefore Enos prophesied also.

14 And Seth lived, after he begat Enos, eight hundred and seven years, and begat many sons and daughters.

15 And the children of men were numerous upon all the face of the land. And in those days Satan had great dominion among men, and raged in their hearts; and from thenceforth came wars and bloodshed; and a man's hand was against his own brother, in administering death, because of secret works, seeking for power.

16 All the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and he died.

17 And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan. And Enos and the residue of people of God came out from the land, which was called Shulon, and dwelt in a land of promise, whic he called after his own son, whom he had named Cainan.

18 And Enos lived, after he begat Cainan, eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat many sons and daughters. And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years, and he died.

19 And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mehalaleel; and Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years, and he died.

20 And Mahalaleel lived sixty-five hears, and begat Jared; and Mahalaleel lived, after he begat Jared, eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the day of Mahalaleel wer eight hundred and ninety-five years, and he died.

21 And Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and begat Enoch; and Jared lived, after he begat Enoch, eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters. And Jared taught Enoch in all the ways of God.

22 And this is the genealogy of the sons of Adam, who was the son of God, whith whom God, himself, conversed.

23 And they were preachers of righteousness, and spake and prophesied, and called upon all men, everywhere, to repent; and faith was taught unto the children of men.

24 And it came to pass that all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years, and he died.

25 And Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begat Methuselah.

26 And it came to pass that Enoch journeyed in the land, among the prople; and as he journeyed, the Spirit of God descended out of heaven, and abode upon him.

27 And he heard a voice from heaven, saying: Enoch, my son, prophesy unto this people, and say unto them—Repent, for thus saith the Lord: I am angry with this people, and my fierce anger is kindled against them; for their hearts have waxed hard, and their fears are dull of hearing, and their eyes cannot see afar off;

28 And for these many generations, ever since the day that I created them, have they gone astray, and have denied me, and have sought their own counsels in the dark; and their own counsels in the dark; and in their own abominations have they devised murder, and have not kept the commandments, which I gave unto their father, Adam.

29 Wherefore, they have foresworn themselves, and, by their oaths, they have brought upon themselves death; and a hell I have prepared for them, if they repent not;

30 And this is a decree, which I have sent forth in the beginning of the world, from my own mouth, form the foundation thereof, and by the mouths of my servants, they fathers, have I decreed it, even as it shall be sent forth in the world, unto the ends thereof.

31 And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?

32 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.

33 Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you.

34 Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the river shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

35 And the Lord spake unto Enoch, and said unto him: Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see. And he did so.

36 And he beheld the spirits that God had created; and he beheld also things which were not visible to the natural eye; and from thenceforth came the saying abroad in the land: A seer hath the Lord raised up unto his people.

37 And it came to pass that Enoch went forth in the land, among the people, standing upon the hills and the high places, and cried with a loud voice, testifying against their works; and all men were offended because of him.

38 And they came forth to hear him, upon the high places, saying unto the tent-keepers: Tarry ye here and keep the tents, while we go yonder to behold the seer, for he prophesieth, and there is a strange thing in the land; a wild man hath come among us.

39 And it cam to pass when they heard him, no man laid hands on him: for fear came on all them that heard him; for he walked with God.

40 And there came a man unto him, whose name was Mahijah, and said unto him: Tell us plainly who thou art, and from whence thou comest?

41 And he said unto them: I came out from the land of Cainan, the land of my fathers, a land of righteousness unto this day. And my fahter taught me in all the ways of God.

42 And it came to pass, as I journeyed from the land of Cainan, by the sea cast, I beheld a vision; and lo, the heavens I saw, and the Lord spake with me, and gave me commandments; wherefore, for this cause, to keep the commandment, I speak forth these words.

43 And Enoch continued his speech, saying: The Lord which spake with me, the same is the God of heaven, and he is my God, and your God, and ye are my brethren, and why counsel ye yourselves, and deny the God of heaven?

44 The heavens he made; the earth is his footstool; and the foundation thereof is his. Behold, he laid it, an host of men hath he brought in upon the face thereof.

45 And death hath come upon our fathers; nervertheless we know then, and cannot deny, and even the first of all we know, even Adam.

46 For a book of remembrance we have written among us, according to the pattern given by the finger of God; and it is given in our own language.

47 And as Enoch spake forth the words of God, the people trembled, and could not stand in his presence.

48 And he said unto them: Because that Adam fell, we are; and by his fall came death; and we are made partakers of misery and woe.

49 Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, tempreth them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilsh, and are shut out from the presence of God.

50 But God hath made known unto our fathers that all men must repent.

51 And he called upon our father Adam by his own voice, saying: I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh.

52 And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you.

53 And our father Adam spake unto the Lord, and said: Why is it that men must repent and be baptized in water? And the Lord said unto Adam: Behold I have forgiven thee thy transgression in hte Garden of Eden.

54 Hence came the saying abroad among the people, that the Son of God hath atoned for original guilt, wherein the sins of the parents cannot be answered upon the heads of the children, for they are whole form the foundation of the world.

55 And the Lord spake unto Adam, saying: Inasmuch as thy children are conceived in sin, even so when they begin to grow up, sin conceiveth in their hearts, and they taste the bitter, that they may know to prize the good.

56 And it is given unto them to know good from evil; wherefore they are agents unto themselves, and I have given unto you another law and commandment.

57 Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence; for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name, and the name of his Only Begotten is the Son of Man, even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge, who shall come in the meridian of time.

58 Therefore I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children, saying:

59 That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born againinto the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleaned by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;

60 For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified;

61 Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment.

62 And now, behold, I say unto you This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten, who shall come int he meridian of time.

63 And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear recordd of time.

64 And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried untot he Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water.

65 And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.

66 And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, form henceforth and forever;

67 And thou art after the orderof him who was without beginning of days or end of years, form all eternity to all eternity.

68 Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God; and thus may all become my sons. Amen.

Doctrine & Covenants: Section 6

 Section 6

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. Oliver Cowdery began his labors as scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon, April 7, 1829. He had already received a divine manifestation of the truth of the Prophet's testimony respecting the plates on which was engraved the Book of Mormon record. The Prophet inquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim and received this response.

1-6, Laborers in the Lord's field gain salvation; 7-13, There is no gift greater than the gift of salvation; 14-27, A witness of the truth comes by the power of the Spirit; 28-37, Look unto Christ, and do good continually.

1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.

2 Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words.

3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sicle and reap, the same is called of God.

5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion;

7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

8 Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation.

9 Say nothing but repentance unto this generation, keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed.

10 Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above--

11 And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways.

12 Make not thy gift known unto any save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred things.

13 If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful tot he end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God, for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation.

14 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast recieved instruction of my Spirit.If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.

15 Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth;

16 Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart.

17 I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee—that the words or the work which thou hast been writing are true.

18 Therefore be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph, faithfully in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word's sake.

19 Admonish him in his faults, and also recieve admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, fiath, hope and charity.

20 Behold, thou art Oliver,and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in my heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

21 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unot mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in the darkness, and the darkness comprendeth it not.

22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know conderning the truth of these things.

23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concering the matter? What greater witness can you have than form God?

24 And now, behold, you have received a witness; for if I have told you things which no man knoweth have you not received a witness?

25 And, behold, I grant unto you a gift, if you desire of me, to translate, even as my servant of Joseph.

26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that there are records which contain much of my gospel, which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the people;

27 And now I command you, that if you have good desires—a desire to lay up treasures for yourself in heaven—then shall you assist in bring to light, with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been hidden because of iniquity.

28 And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

29 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me.

30 And even if they do unto you even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory.

31 But if they reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors.

32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where tow or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you.

33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

34 Therefor, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

1 Nephi: Chapter 6

 Chapter 6

Nephi writes of the things of God—Nephi's purpose is to persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham and be saved. About 600-592 B.C.

1 And now, I, Nephi, do not give the genealogy of my fathers in this part of my record; neeither at any time shall I give it after upon these plates which I a writing; for it is given in the record which has been kept by my father; wherefore, I do not write it in this work.

2 For it sufficeth me to say that we are descendants of Joseph.

3 And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God.

4 For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.

5 Wherefore, the things which are pleasing untot he world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.

6 Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men.

Matthew: Chapter 6

 Chapter 6

Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount—He teaches the disciples the Lord's Prayer—They are commanded to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not soundd a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 NO man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve Godd and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For afterall these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Genesis: Chapter 6

 Chapter 6

The sons of God marry the daughters of men—Men turn to wickedness, the earth is filled with violence, and all flesh is corrupted—The blood is promised—God establishes His covenant with Noah, who builds an ark to save his family and various living things.

1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

4 There were giantsin the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, mean of renown.

5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

8 But Noah gound grace in the eyes of the LORD.

9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 The earth alsowas corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lowe, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that it is in the earth shall die.

18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.

21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Monday, October 13, 2025

Questions Young People Ask/Answers That Work

 How Can I Deal With My Parent's Remarriage?

Your parent might be so happy on the day he or she remarries. You, though, might feel anything but joy! Why? The remarriage of a parent destroys the hope that your biological parents will ever get back together. On the other hand, remarriage can be particularly painful if it comes on the heels of the death of a beloved parent.

How did you feel when your parent remarried? Put a check mark in any of the descriptions that apply to you:

  • Happy

  • Insecure

  • Betrayed

  • Jealous of my stepparent

  • Guilty of betrayal because I began to love my stepparent

That last reaction could be caused by your sense of loyalty to your absent parent. Whatever the reason, the feelings mentioned above might make you want to act out in destructive ways.

For example, you might constantly make life difficult for your stepparent. You might even try to cause trouble between your parent and your stepparent, hoping to break them up. However, a wise proverb warns: “He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind”--that is, he will end up nothing. (Proverbs 11:29, New International Version) You don't have to fall into that trap. You can cope with your emotional turmoil in more productive ways. Consider a few examples:

Challenge 1: Coping With the Authority of a Stepparent

Coming under the authority of a new parent is not easy. When asked to do something, you may be tempted to blurt out, “You're not my real mother/father!” Such a response may give you a brief surge of satisfaction, but it betrays an immature attitude.

On the other hand, accepting the authority of your stepparent is one way to show that you have heeded the Bible's counsel to “grow up in your thinking.” (1 Corinthians 14:20, The Holy Bible in the Language of Today, by William Beck) Really, your stepparent performs the duties of a natural parent and deserves your respect.--Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:1-4.

A stepparent's discipline is usually an expression of his or her love and concern for you. (Proverbs 13:24) “My stepdad does discipline us,” says Yvonne, 18. “But that's what normal fathers are supposed to do. I feel that if I resent his counsel, then I'm saying that it doesn't matter that he has provided for us materially and spiritually over the years. And that would be ungrateful

Still, you may have legitimate grounds for complaint. If so, prove yourself to be “grown up” by doing as Colossians 3:13 urges: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another.”

Below, write two or more good qualities that your stepparent possesses:


How could remembering your stepparent's good qualities help you to respect him or her more?

Challenge 2: Learning to Share and to Compromise

“My dad ended up remarrying twice,” recalls 24-year-old Aaron. “I found it difficult to feel affection for each new step-family. At first, they were just strangers, but I was told that I was under compulsion to love them. I found the situation confusing.”

You, too, may face difficult challenges. For example, you might have to relinquish your position as the oldest or the only child. If you are a son, you may for a long time have felt you were the man of the house—a position now occupied by your stepfather. Or you may relate to Yvonne, “My biological dad never paid any attention to Mom,” she says, “so I was used to having her all to myself. But when Mom remarried, my stepdad showed her a lot of attention. They spent time together and talked together, a I felt he was stealing her away from me. Eventually, though, I was able to adjust.”

Like Yvonne, how can you adjust? “Let your reasonableness become known to all men,” recommends the Bible. (Philippians 4:5) The original word translated “reasonableness” meant “yielding” and conveyed the attitude of one who did not insist on all his lawful rights. How can you apply counsel? (1) Avoid dwelling on the past. (Ecclesiastes 7:10) (2) Be willing to share with your stepparent, stepbrothers, stepsisters. (1 Timothy 6:18) (3) Don't treat them as outsiders.

Which of the above points do you need to work on most?

Did You Know?

Your stepbrothers or stepsisters may also be having difficulty adjusting to the step-family situation.

Better is the end afterward of a matter than its beginning. Better in one who is patient than one who is haughty in spirit.” ~Ecclesiastes 7:11

Challenge 3: Coping With Unequal Treatment

“My stepdad loved his children more than he did me and my sister,” says Tara. “He would buy any food they liked and rent movies they wanted to watch. He'd do anything to please them.” Such treatment is hard to bear. What might help? Try to understand why a stepparent may not feel the same way toward a stepchild as he does toward his natural one. Perhaps it is not the blood tie with his natural child but their shared experience in living. After all, you likely feel closer to your natural parent than you do to your stepparent.

There is, however, an important distinction between equal and fair. People have individual personalities and differing needs. So instead of being overly concerned about whether your stepparent is treating you equally, try to see if he or she is striving to meet your needs.

What needs of yours does your stepparent fulfill?


What needs do you feel are not being met?


If you feel that some of your needs are not being met, why not respectfully discuss the matter with your stepparent?

Blending two families together is like mixing water and cement—it takes time and effort, but the end result can be a strong, enduring product.

Tip

Living with new siblings of the opposite sex can create moral pressures. So put up a mental block concerning sexual feelings, and make sure that neither your dress nor your conduct is sexually provocative.

“Mom's second marriage ended in divorce. But to this day, I am still very close to my step-siblings. Their coming into my life was one of the best things that ever happened to me.” ~Tara

Patience Pays Off!

Normally, several years are needed before trust develops to the point where members of a step-family feel at ease with one another. Only then may diverse habits and values blend into a workable routine. So be patient! Do not expect that you will experience instant love or that an instant family will result.

When his mother remarried, Thomas was uneasy, to say the least. His mother had four children, and the man she married had three. “We had fights, arguments, disruptions, terrible emotional strains,” wrote Thomas. What brought eventual success? “By applying Bible principles, things were resolved.”

Action Plan!

I will try to increase my respect for my stepparent by remembering the following good things he or she has done for the family (write down two positive things):



If my step-siblings snub me, I can apply the principle in Romans 12:21 by doing the following:



What I would like to ask my parent or stepparent about this subject is:



What Do You Think?

  • What fears might your stepparent or step-siblings have about joining your family?

  • Why is it important to take a long-range view of your new family relationships?

In the next chapter: What if all your siblings are your natural brothers and sisters, but they drive you crazy?

Colossians 3:13

 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:13

Forgive One Another

One of the ways we can show others the love of God is through forgiveness. When we forgive others as God forgave us, then they will see the love of Him in our lives. Our offenses are great against the Lord, greater than anyone else’s offenses against us. So we should make allowance for our offender’s faults. This can be extremely difficult when they do not apologize. Maybe they do not even realize that they have offended you. Yet, by offering forgiveness, you can also move on with your life. You will not hold onto their offenses anymore.

Who do you need to forgive today? Relationships are much more important than anything that can separate them. Pray and ask God to help you forgive today.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
Help me forgive those who have offended me. May I forgive others like you have forgiven me. Amen.

Colossians 3:14

 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:14

Put on Love

Put on love. Love is the quality that binds everything else in perfect harmony. It binds all of the qualities of God together. If you do not love, then you cannot show kindness and gentleness toward one another. You cannot have patience with your fellow man. Love is needed to put on all of these other qualities.

When you have love, everything is in harmony. Churches can have unity, families are supportive and work together, and marriages have common goals. Without love, none of these things is possible. So strive to live in harmony with others by showing them love.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
Help me put on love every day. May your love shine through my life so that I can show others your love. Amen.

Colossians 3:15

 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Let Peace Rule

Let Christ’s peace rule in your hearts. Know that His peace can fix any situation, it can give perspective, and bring rest to the believer. His peace can bring about unity in the body of Christ. God has called us to live a peaceful life in unity with other believers. When we do this, we can accomplish so much as a body of Christ. We can witness to the world when we live in peace.

Rather than fighting one another, we should always strive to live in peace and unity. Let that peace rule in our hearts so that we can better serve the Lord.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
You are the giver of peace. You are the one who can bind us together as a body of believers. May we live together in unity. Amen.

Deuteronomy 31:6

 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be Strong and Courageous

The Lord promised to be with Joshua and the rest of the Israelites when they entered the promised land. It would not be easy since there were foreign nations already living there, so God promised that he would go ahead of them if only they would be strong and courageous. He would lead them and guide them. They would not need to be afraid because He would be with them. He would never fail them. They were strong and courageous, and. God delivered on His promises.

Put your faith in God today. Be strong and courageous, and know that you do not ever have to be afraid. God is with you.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
I know that you are with me. Help me be strong and courageous every single day. Amen.

Psalm 31:24

 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Psalm 31:24

Hope in Him

We can be strong and courageous, knowing that we belong to God and we can hope in Him. He will help us through this life. The Psalmist, David, put His hope in the Lord from the time He was a little boy. He trusted that God would deliver on His promises and would always be faithful to Him. This was true throughout David’s life. Even though David sinned and failed God, God was still trustworthy. He still held David’s life in His hands. The consequences would still be there, but He could hope in the Lord.

You can hope in the Lord today. He knows what the future holds and will be with you your entire life. Trust in Him.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
I place my hope and trust in you. I know that you have been with me and will continue to be with me. Amen.

Nightly Devotion 13

 


This Week Will Be Filled With Good News!!!!!!!!


Nightly Bible Verse


And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? ~Exodus 3:11


Nightly Inspiration


God assigned Moses an extensive job to complete, and Moses questioned his ability to follow through. He did not feel he was a good fit and told the Lord he had doubts. As we read through Scripture, we see countless moments when someone who seemed unlikely is called upon to do something incredible. They felt humbled, overwhelmed, and they feared disappointment. We often have concerns about the work God calls us to complete; we doubt we heard Him correctly or misunderstood the details. We must remember that God's plan always works out for good; we will remain humble as we undertake a task that seems impossible.


Nightly Prayer


Dear Lord, Forgive us when we doubt ourselves or the plan You have established for us. We will accept any task and complete all work as You will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


Jesus Is My Rock!!!!!!!!


When You Want To Get Along With Others


Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. ~Romans 12:9


Morning Bible Verse


While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. ~John 12:36


Morning Prayer


Lord, with gratitude, I thank You for preserving my life for one more day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


Afternoon Bible Verse


Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. ~1 John 4:15


Nightly Bible Verse


My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. ~Psalm 62:5


Nightly Prayer


Lord, forgive me for wanting to be sufficient in myself. Forgive me for wanting to be in control. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Daily Bread: Unlocking a Mystery

 The Bible in One Year: Isaiah 9-10/Ephesians 3

Today's Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12

This mystery is that through the gospel, the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel. ~Ephesians 3:6

Unlocking a Mystery

When I came home from work one day and saw a pair of lady's high-heel shoes next to the driveway, I was sure I knew whose they were. So I put them in the garage to give to my daughter, Lisa, when she returned to the house to pick up her children. But when I checked with Lisa, I found they didn't belong to her. In fact, no one in our family claimed them, so I put them back where I'd found them. The next day, they were gone. Mysterious.

Did you know that the apostle Paul wrote of a mystery in his letters? But the mystery he described was so much more than some kind of “whodunit.” in Ephesians 3, for example, Paul spoke of a mystery that “was not made known to people in other generations” (v. 5). This mystery is that, while in the past God revealed Himself through Israel, now, through Jesus, Gentiles—those outside of Israel—could be “heirs together with Israel” (v.6).

Think about what this means: all who trust Jesus as Savior can love and serve God together. We can all equally “approach (Him) with freedom and confidence” (v.12). And through the church's unity, the world will see God's wisdom and goodness (v. 10).

Praise God for our salvation. It unlocks for us the mystery of unity as people of any and ALL backgrounds become one in Jesus. ~Dave Branon

Thank you, Jesus, for the unity ALL believers can enjoy in You.

Help us to serve together as equal members of Your body.

Unity in Christ breaks down barriers and builds the church.

When You Are Hated Because Of Your Faith

if the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. ~John 15:18

Proverbs 29:1

 Proverbs 29:1 – He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.


Proverbs 21:17 – He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.


Proverbs 23:20 – Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:


Proverbs 23 31-35 – Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.


Romans 14:21 – It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.


1 Corinthians 6:10 – Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.


John 2:1-12 – And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there; And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom. And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse; but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples; and they continued there not many days.


Daily Devotion: The One Who Said Thanks

 


This Week Will Be Filled With Good News!!!!!!!!


Daily Bible Verse


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. ~Romans 12:36


Daily Inspiration


What does Paul mean by to mind not the high things? It cannot mean to avoid the high, deep doctrines of God, which Paul himself often teaches. He says that we should condescend to men of low estate. He seems to mean that we should not talk over people's heads, be focused always on things that only the "affluent" could relate to or appreciate, or separate ourselves from other brothers/sisters in Christ based on wealth and class.


Daily Prayer


O Savior, you chose the lowly things of this world, the poor, the downtrodden, the uneducated, the weak, far more than the affluent and wealthy. You did this for your glory to discourage boasting. Let us all, as Christians, partake of a single Christian "culture" and not divide into our separate groups and neglect to relate to those outside of that group. We are one in you; let us act like it. Amen.


Jesus Is My Rock!!!!!!!


The One Who Said Thanks


By Frances Taylor


The One Who Said Thanks: Thank you for all the gifts God has given us. ~Luke 17:17-19


Leprosy was a terrible disease in ancient times. There was no cure, and anyone who had been diagnosed with leprosy was an outcast and had to stay away from any populated place and call out "unclean, unclean" when people came near. The ten lepers approached Jesus in hopes that he would heal them, and he did. Why is it that only the Samaritan returned to give thanks? I've given this some thought over the years, and the only answer I could come up with is that he didn't take Jesus' healing for granted. After all, he was an outsider, and worse, he was hated by the Jews and had no reason to expect that Jesus, a Jew, would take pity on him. The other nine, presumably, were Jewish. Did they take for granted that Jesus would heal his own? It made me think about what I take for granted. I was born into a stable family that loved me, provided for me, and gave me a good education. We weren't well off by any standard, but we had what he needed.


I was grateful and realized that God had been very good to me, but I never really understood how much I took for granted until I went to Haiti. After ten days of using a bucket to wash my hair, no hot water, no flush toilets, having to use bottled water to brush my teeth, little electricity, sharing a concrete surround with a multitude of cockroaches while using the bucket of water for a shower, I realized just how much I took for granted! You can bet that I am much more conscious of not wasting water or electricity than I used to be. My trip to Tanzania reinforced my gratitude for the blessing of being born where I was. I feel like one of the nine who didn't return and try each day to remember to say thank you for all the gifts God has given me.


Prayer


Generous God, may I never take all Your blessings for granted. May I be a good steward of the earth and work to help those who have so much less than I have? Amen.


Better Days Are Coming!!!!!!!!!


When You Are Angry


And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed. ~Revelation 21:4

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Nightly Bible Devotion12

 You Will Win! Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nightly Bible Verse

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell, ~James 3:6

Nightly Inspiration

Words have the potential to break hearts, shatter confidence, and destroy relationships. Words are sharp and painful; they will set the world on fire if allowed. Scripture tells us our tounges can defile our entire body because our language reflects God’s character. When we become angry, hurt, or need to administer spiritual discipline, we will speak kindly to one another and continue to love each other as God loves us.

Nightly Prayer

Dear God, we are a reflection of Your love in our words and actions. Teach us to use kind, merciful words when speaking to each other.in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

All We Need Is JESUS!!!!!!!!!!

When You Are Losing Hope

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ~John 16:33

Morning Bible Verse

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. ~Psalm 116:7

Morning Prayer

Lord, I need to get to know Your Word and Your promises better. Help me to put You first in every area.in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Afternoon Bible Verse

Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? ~Proverbs 27:4

Nightly Bible Verse

And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. ~Exodus 32:22

Nightly Prayer

Heavenly Father, my day is drawing to an end, and I’m ready to turn in. in Jesus’ Name. amen.

The Risen Christ and His Message to His Disciples

 Jesus said, Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.””

John 20:17 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

John 20:17 captures a pivotal moment in the story of the Resurrection, where Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and instructs her to share the news of His impending ascension with His disciples. This verse highlights the deep connection between Jesus and His followers, as well as the important role they play in spreading His message.
 
The instruction given to Mary Magdalene emphasizes the urgency of sharing the good news with the disciples. Jesus wanted them to know that His time on earth was coming to an end, but that His relationship with them would not end. The verse also underscores the fact that Jesus’ relationship with His disciples is rooted in love, as He refers to them as “my brothers” and states that He will be ascending to “my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” This statement reveals the unity between Jesus, His followers, and God the Father.

Time to reflect

Considering John 20:17, we can learn the following lessons on how to apply the teachings of this verse in our personal lives:
 
  • Embrace the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension with others.
  • Recognize the deep, personal relationship we can have with Jesus as our Savior and God as our Father.
  • Understand that our relationship with Jesus transcends physical presence and is based on faith and love.
  • Seek to cultivate our connection with Jesus through prayer, studying His Word, and fellowship with other believers.

Prayer Of The Day

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who conquered death and rose again. We are grateful for His sacrifice and the eternal life that we have through faith in Him. Help us to fully comprehend the depth of the relationship we share with Jesus, as our Savior and our Brother, and with You as our Father.
 
Empower us to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension with others, so that they too may come to know and love You. Strengthen our faith and guide us in our daily walk with You, so that we may reflect Your love and grace to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

In light of John 20:17, take these action steps to grow in our relationship with Jesus and share the good news of His resurrection and ascension:
 
  1. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with others and for the boldness to seize those opportunities.
  2. Deepen your relationship with Jesus through regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.
  3. Reflect on the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, and let it inspire you to live a life of faith, hope, and love.

Today's Wisdom

John 20:17 is a powerful reminder of the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, as well as the importance of sharing this message with others. As we go forth with the knowledge of Christ’s victory over death and His promise of eternal life, let us be encouraged and strengthened in our faith. May we continually deepen our relationship with Jesus, knowing that He is not only our Savior but also our Brother, and that we share an unbreakable bond with Him and our Heavenly Father. In doing so, let us be inspired to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension with others, shining His light and love to a world in need of hope and salvation.


Psalm 139:4

 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139:3-4

He Knows Us

God knows everything about us. Why? He is our Creator. An artist knows every single thing about their painting. An author knows everything about the books they write. So the Creator God knows everything about His beautiful creation- you and me. He searches us, He knows us, and He even knows every single word before it is on His lips.

He is a good God and trustworthy because He knows us. He knows what is good for you. He knows what is not. He only wants you to follow because He is so trustworthy.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
You know my heart. Help me to trust you everyday. Amen.

John 14: 25-26

 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:25-26

The Holy Spirit, Teacher

Another job of the Holy Spirit is to teach us about the scriptures as believers. We begin as newborn baby Christians who do not know much about the Lord. As we grow in our faith, we grow in the understanding and knowledge of who He is. We should never be satisfied, but should always want to grow more and more in our faith. When we stop we become stagnant. Just like moving water stays pure, we should keep moving so we do not fall prey to the devil and his schemes.

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the things of God so you will grow deeper in your faith and relationship with Him. You will not be disappointed.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
Help me grow in my faith. May I listen to your teachings and take everything to heart. Amen.