Our Spiritual Battle

 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that the battles we face as Christians are not merely physical or against other people. Instead, our true struggle is against spiritual forces of evil that work against us and God’s purposes. These spiritual battles can manifest in various forms, such as temptations, discouragement, or lies that try to pull us away from our faith.

This verse encourages us to recognize that our real enemy is not the people around us, but the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to destroy and divide. By understanding the nature of our struggle, we can better prepare ourselves to face these spiritual battles with the armor of God and the power of His Spirit.

Time to reflect

To apply the lessons from Ephesians 6:12, consider the following steps:

• Recognize the true enemy: Be aware of the spiritual battles occurring around you, and understand that your fight is not against other people but against spiritual forces of evil.
• Put on the armor of God: Equip yourself with the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18, such as the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith.
• Pray for strength and guidance: Ask God to strengthen you and guide you in your spiritual battles. Pray for discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy and the wisdom to resist them.
• Stand firm in your faith: Stay grounded in your faith, knowing that Christ has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death. Remain steadfast in your commitment to follow Jesus, even when facing spiritual challenges.

Prayer Of The Day

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our true battle is against spiritual forces of evil, not against flesh and blood. Help us to recognize the true enemy and equip ourselves with the armor of God. Strengthen us and guide us in our spiritual battles, and grant us discernment and wisdom to resist the schemes of the enemy. May we stand firm in our faith, trusting in the victory of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

1. Recognize the true enemy.
2. Put on the armor of God.
3. Pray for strength and guidance.
4. Stand firm in your faith.

Today's Wisdom

As Christians, it is essential to understand the spiritual nature of our battles and to equip ourselves with the armor of God. By recognizing the true enemy and standing firm in our faith, we can face and overcome the challenges that come our way, trusting in the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ.

A Glimpse of Heaven: Unity and Diversity in God's Kingdom

 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

Revelation 7:9 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

Revelation 7:9 provides us with a beautiful glimpse of heaven, where a diverse multitude of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language stand united before the throne of God and the Lamb. This powerful image serves as a reminder that God’s love and grace extend to all people, regardless of their background or earthly distinctions.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this unity and diversity in our own lives and communities. We should strive to break down barriers that divide us and seek to build bridges of understanding and love. This begins with recognizing and appreciating the diversity of God’s creation and celebrating the unique ways in which people from different backgrounds can enrich our lives and our faith.

Time to reflect

Embracing Unity and Diversity in God’s Kingdom (Revelation 7:9)

• Seek to understand and appreciate the diversity of God’s creation, recognizing the beauty and value in every person.
• Strive to break down barriers that divide, promoting unity and love within your community and the global church.
• Actively engage with people from different backgrounds, seeking to learn from their experiences and perspectives.
• Celebrate the unique ways in which diverse cultures and traditions can enrich our understanding of God and our faith.
• Reflect on the image of the great multitude in Revelation 7:9, allowing it to inspire your efforts towards unity and diversity.

Prayer Of The Day

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful glimpse of heaven found in Revelation 7:9, where a diverse multitude of people stand united before Your throne. Help us to embrace and celebrate the diversity of Your creation, recognizing the value and beauty in every person. Guide us as we strive to break down barriers and promote unity and love within our communities and the global church. Teach us to learn from and appreciate the unique ways in which people from different backgrounds can enrich our lives and our faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

Fostering Unity and Diversity in God’s Kingdom (Revelation 7:9)

1. Take time to learn about and appreciate the diversity of God’s creation, celebrating the beauty and value of every person.
2. Engage in conversations and relationships with people from different backgrounds, seeking to learn from their experiences and perspectives.
3. Work towards breaking down barriers that divide and strive to promote unity and love within your community and the global church.
4. Participate in events or activities that celebrate diverse cultures and traditions, enriching your understanding of God and your faith.
5. Reflect on the image of the great multitude in Revelation 7:9, allowing it to inspire your efforts towards fostering unity and diversity in God’s Kingdom.

Today's Wisdom

The vision of heaven found in Revelation 7:9 reminds us that God’s Kingdom is a diverse and unified place, where people from every nation, tribe, people, and language come together to worship the Lord. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this unity and diversity in our own lives and communities. By seeking to understand and appreciate the diversity of God’s creation, breaking down barriers, and promoting unity and love, we can work towards building a more inclusive and harmonious global church that reflects the beauty of God’s Kingdom.

Philippians 4:13

 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

His Strength

This verse means so much more than what people typically think. A lot of people think it means we are invincible in Christ. That is not necessarily what this verse means. Jesus gives you strength when you are weary and broken. He gives you the strength you need when you find yourself in trouble. He gives you strength when you are not sure if you can face tomorrow. He gives you strength to trust others. He gives you strength to love others when they seem unlovable.

So it does not mean physical strength, but an inner peace that calms the turmoil within you. May you find strength in Christ every day! Pray and ask Him for strength today so you can face anything with Him.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
You are my strength. There is no strength without you. Help me when I am unable to go on. May I always rely on your strength to get me through.

Matthew 5:16

 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16

Let Your Good Deeds Shine

Christianity is not based on good deeds, but the good deeds of the Christian lead others to Christ. When we minister and serve others, they will see the light living within us, which is Christ. This is why we must serve our community and those who do not know Christ. Go on mission trips. Volunteer in your community. Donate if you are able to. Spend time in your church looking for ways to serve others. Be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Spend some time today in prayer, asking God to help you become a part of what He is doing in the world. When you join Him in what He is doing, you will find yourself growing in your faith and relationship to Him.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
I want to be a part of what you are doing. Lead me and guide me. I want to serve you. Amen.

Questions Young People Ask--Answers That Work Vol 1.

 Why Are We Always Arguing?

In the opening scenario of this chapter, Rachel contributes to an argument in three ways. Can you identify them?

 

It’s Wednesday night.  Rachel, 27, is done with chores, and she’s ready for some well-deserved downtime—finally! She turns on the TV and collapses into her favorite chair.

As if on cue, Mom appears in the doorway, and she doesn’t look happy. “Rachel! Why are you wasting your time watching TV when you’re supposed to be helping your sister with her homework? You never do as you’re told?”

“Here we go again,” Rachel mutters, loud enough to be heard.

Mom leans forward. “What did you say, young lady?”

“Nothing, Mom,” Rachel says with a sigh, rolling her eyes.

Now Mom is really angry. “Don’t use that tone with me!” she says.

“What about the tone you’re using with me?” Rachel shoots back.

Downtime is over . . . another argument has begun.

Does the above scenario seem familiar? Do you and your parents constantly argue? If so, take a moment to analyze the situation. Which topics cause the most conflict? Put a \/ in the boxes that apply—or fill in your own topic net to “Other”.

§  Attitude

§  Curfew

§  Opposite sex

§  Chores

§  Entertainment

§  Other

§  Clothing

§  Friends

Regardless of the topic, arguing leaves you—and your parents—feeling awful. Of course, you could just bite your tongue and put on a sho of agreeing with everything your parents say. But does God expect you to do that? No. it is true that the Bible tells you to “honor your father and your mother.” (Ephesians 6:2, 3) But it also encourages you to develop your “thinking ability” and to use your “power of reason” (Proverbs 1:1-4; Romans 12:1). When you do, it’s inevitable that you will have strong convictions, some of which may differ from those of your parent and youths can communicate peacefully—even when they don’t see eye to eye—(Colossians 3:13).

How can you express yourself without turning normal parents’ problems into open warfare? It’s easy to say: “That’s my parents’ problem. After all, they’re the ones who are always on my back?” But think: How much control do you have over others, including your parents? Really, the only person you can change is you. and the good news is that if you do your prt to ease the tension, your parents are more likely to remain calm and hear you out when you have something to say.

So let’s see what you can do to put a lid on the arguing. Apply the suggestions that follow, and you might amaze your parent—and yourself—with your newfound communication skills.

·         Think before your respond. Don’t blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind when you feel that you’re under attack. For instance, suppose your mom says: “Why didn’t you wash the dishes? You never do as you’re told?” An impulsive reply might be, “Why are you nagging me?” But use your thinking ability. Try to perceive the feeling behind your mom’s words. Usually, statements with the terms like “always” and “never” are not to be taken literally. They do, however, indicate an underlying emotion. What might it be?

·         Perhaps your mom is frustrated, feeling that she is burdened with more than her share of the housework.it could be that she merely want reassurance that she has your support. if that’s the case, saying “Why are nagging me?” will get you nowhere—except maybe into an argument! So instead, why not put your mom at ease? For example, you could say: “I can see you’re upset, Mom. I’ll the dishes right away.” A caution: Do not lace your words with sarcasm. Respond with empathy, and your mom will be more likely to soften and tell you the real problem.

Did You Know?

Working to resolve or prevent conflict will make life easier for you. In fact, the Bible says that a person “of loving kindness is dealing rewardingly with his own soul.” –Proverbs 11:17.

“Good people think before they answer.” –Proverbs 15:28 Today’s English Version

Now think of an empathetic response you could use that might address the feeling behind the statement.

 

Tip: when your parents speak to you, turn off your music, set aside your book or magazine, and maintain eye contact with them.

·         Speak respectfully. Michelle has learned from experience the importance of how she speaks to her mother. “No matter what the issue is,” she says, “it always comes back to Mom’s not liking my tone of voice.” If that’s often true in your case, learn to speak quietly and slowly, and avoid rolling your eyes or giving other nonverbal indications of your annoyance (Proverbs 30:17). If you feel that you’re about to lose your control, offer a brief, silent prayer (Nehemiah 2;4). Of course, your objective is not to get divine help to ‘get your parent off your back’ but to maintain self-control so that you don’t add fuel to the fire.—James 1:26.

In the space below, write down some verbal and nonverbal responses (you are prone to make that you would want to avoid.

      Verbal reactions (what you say):

 

      Nonverbal reactions (your facial expressions and body language):

 

 

·         Listen. The Bible states: “you will say the wrong thing if you talk too much.” (Proverbs 10:19-Contemporary English Version) So make sure that you give your dad or mom a chance to speak and that you give your parent your full attention. Don’t interrupt to justify your actions. Just listen. Later, when they’ve finished talking, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions or explain your viewpoint. On the other hand, if you dig in your heels and press your viewpoint now, you might only make things worse. Even if there’s more you’d like to say, right now is probably “a time to keep quiet.”—Ecclesiastes 3:7.

·         Be willing to apologize. It’s always appropriate to say “I’m sorry” for anything you did to contribute to a conflict. (Romans 14:19) You can even say you’re sorry that there is any conflict. If you find it hard to do face-to-face, try expressing your feelings in a note. Then ‘go the extra mile’ by changing any behavior that contributed to the conflict in the first place. (Matthew 5:41) For example, if neglecting a chore has ignited an argument, why not surprise your parents by doing that chore? Even if you dislike the task, wouldn’t getting it done be better than facing the consequences when your parents see it’s still not done? (Matthew 21:28-31) Think of what you stand to gain by doing your part to reduce the tension between you and your parents.

Successful families have conflicts, but they know how to settle them peacefully. Practice the skills outlined in this chapter, and you may find that you can discuss even difficult topics with your parents—without arguing!

Arguing with a parent is like running on a treadmill—you’ll expend a lot of energy but won’t get anywhere.

Action Plan

The suggestion in this chapter that I need to work on most is:

 

I resolve to start applying this suggestion as of (insert date):

 

What I would l like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is:

 

What Do You Think?

v  Why do some of your peers prize the ability to argue?

v  Why does Jehovah God view an argumentative person as foolish?—Proverbs 20:3.

v  What do you stand to gain by reducing the tension between you and your parents?

Nightly Devotion 9

 You Will Win!!!!!

Nightly Bible Verse

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of min heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. ~Jeremiah 15:16

Nightly Inspiration

The idea of eating God’s word might seem a little strange. Obviously, we should be ingesting the pages of the Bible. But when we take in God’s word through reading and through hearing, it is like food for our souls. Just as the nutrients we digest move to our bones, muscles, and other cells to nourish and strengthen us, the word of God moves throughout us to bring joy to our hearts and renewal to our minds.

Nightly Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your word. I pray that as I read Your word, as I hear the sermons of wise teachers, and as I meditate on what I’ve learned, Your word would have a nourishing effect on my life. Use it to fill me with Your joy and peace, and to grow me in Your wisdom, strength, and knowledge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God Knows What You Feel Inside!!!!!!

When You Are Tired

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee; he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. ~Deuteronomy 31:8

Morning Bible Verse

I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. ~Psalm 22:22

Morning Prayer

Dear Lord, give me a heart to serve you and a willingness to obey. Show me Your ways, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Afternoon Bible Verse

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ~Matthew 10:28

Nightly Bible Verse

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. ~Acts 24:15

Nightly Prayer

Father, there are so many things I have done or said today that are contrary to Your will, forgive me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Pearl of Great Price: Moses--Chapter 5

 (June-October 1830)

Adam and Eve bring forth Children—Adam offers sacrifice and serves God—Cain and Abel are born—Cain rebels, loves Satan more than God, and becomes Perdition—Murder and wickedness spread—The gospel is preached from the beginning.

1. And it came to pass that after I, the Lord God, had driven them out, that Adam began to till the earth, and to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, and to eat his bead by the sweat of his brow, as I the Lord had commanded him. And Eve, also, his wife, did labor with him.

2. And Adam knew his wife, and she bare unto him sons and daughters, and they began to multiply and replenish the earth.

3. And from that time forth, the sons and daughters of Adam began to divide two and two in the land, and to till the land, and to tend flocks, and they also begat sons and daughters.

4. And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.

5. And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.

6. And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.

7. And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.

8. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.

9. And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.

10. And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.

11. And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.

12. And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.

13. And Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God; and he commanded them, saying: Believe it not; and they believed it not, and they loved Satan more than God. And men began from that time forth to be carnal, sensual, and devilish.

14. And the Lord God called upon men by the Holy Ghost everywhere and commanded them that they should repent;

15. And as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins, should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned; and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree; wherefore they must be fulfilled.

16. And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God. And Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bare Cain, and said: I have gotten a man from the Lord; wherefore he may not reject his words. But behold, Cain hearkened not, saying: Who is the Lord that I should know him?

17. And she again conceived and bare his brother Abel. And Abel hearkened unto the voice of the Lord. And Abel was a keeper of Sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

18. And Cain loved Satan more than God. And Satan commanded him, saying: Make an offering unto the Lord.

19. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.

20. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering;

21. But unto Cain, and to his offering, he had not respect. Now Satan knew this, and it pleased him. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

22. And the Lord said unto Cain: Why art thou wroth? Why is thy countenance fallen?

23. If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire. And thou shall rule over him;

24. For from this time forth thou shalt be the father of his lies; thou shalt be called Perdition; for thou wast also before the world.

25. And it shall be said in time to come—That these abominations were had from Cain; for he rejected the greater counsel which was had from God; and this is a cursing which I will put upon thee, except thou repent.

26. And Cain was wroth, and listened not any more to the voice of the Lord, neither to Abel, his brother, who walked in holiness before the Lord.

27. And Adam and his wife mourned before the Lord, because of Cain and his brethren.

28. And it came to pass that Cain took one of his brothers’ daughters to wife, and they loved Satan more than God.

29. And Satan said unto Cain: Swear unto me by throat, and if thou tell it thou shalt die; and swear thy brethren by their heads, and by the living God, that they tell it not; for if they tell it, they shall surely die; and this that they father may not know it; and this day I will deliver thy brother Abel into thine hands.

30. And Satan sware unto Cain that he would do according to his commands. And all these things were done in secret.

31. And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.

32. And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him.

33. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am fee; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into hands.

34. And the Lord said unto Cain: Where is Abel thy brother? And he said: I know not. Am I my brother’s keeper?

35. And the Lord said: What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood cries unto me from the ground.

36. And now thou shalt be cursed from the earth which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand.

37. When thou tillest the ground it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength. A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

38. And Cain said unto the Lord: Satan tempted me because of my brother’s flocks. And I wa wroth also; for his offering thou didst accept and not mine; my punishment is greater than I can bear.

39. Behold thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the Lord, and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that he that findeth will slay me, because of mine iniquities, for these things are not hid from the Lord.

40. And I the Lord said unto him: Whosoever slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken o him sevenfold. And I the Lord set a mark upon ain, lest any finding him should kill him.

41. And Cain was shut out from the presence of the Lord, and with his wife and many of his brethren dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

42. And Cain knew his wife, and he conceived and bare Enoch, and he also begat many sons and daughters. And he builded a city, and he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch.

43. And unto Enoch was born Irad, and other sons and daughters. And Irad begat Mahujael, and other sons and daughters. And Mahujael begat Methusael, and other sons and daughter. And Methusael begat Lamech.

44. And Lamech took unto himself two wives; the name of one being Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah.

45. And Adah have Jabal; he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and they were keepers of cattle; and his brother’s name was Jubal, who was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

46. And Zillah, he also bare Tubal Cain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron. And the sister of Tubal Cain was called Naamah.

47. And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah: Hear my voice, ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech; for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.

48. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech shall be seventy and seven fold;

49. For Lamech having entered into a covenant with Satan, after the manner of Cain, wherein he became Master Mahan, master of that great secret which was administered unto Cain by Satan; and Irad, the son of Enoch, having known their secret, began to reveal it unto the sons of Adam;

50. Wherefore Lamech, being angry, slew him, not like unto Cain, his brother Abel, for the sake of getting gain, but he slew him for the oath’s sake.

51. For, from the days of Cain, there was a secret combination, and their works were in the dark, and they knew every man his brother.

52. Wherefore the Lord cursed Lamech, and his house, and all them that had covenanted with Satan; for they kept not the commandments of God, and it displeased God, and he ministered not unto them, and their works were abominations, and began to spread among all the sons of men. And it was among the sons of men.

53. And among the daughters of men these were not spoken, because that Lamech had spoken the secret unto his wives, and they rebelled against him, and declared these things abroad, and had not compassion;

54. Wherefore Lamech was despised, and cast out, and came not among the sons of men, lest he should die.

55. And thus the works of darkness began to prevail among all the sons of men.

56. And God cursed the earth with a sore curse, and was angry with the wicked, with all the sons of men whome he had made;

57. For they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten Son, even him whom he declared should come in the meridian of time, who was prepared from before the foundation of the world.

58. And thus the Gospel began to be preached, form the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost.

59. And thus all things were confirmed unto Adam, by an holy ordinance, and the Gospel preached, and a decree sent forth, that it should be in the world, until the end thereof; and thus it was. Amen.

Doctrine & Covenants: Section 5

 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, March 1829, at the request of Martin Harris.

1-10, This generation will receive the Lord’s word through Joseph Smith; 11-18, Three witnesses will testify of the Book of Mormon; 19-20, The word of the Lord will be verified as in previous times; 21-35, Martin Harris may repent and be one of the witnesses.

1. Behold, I say unto you, that as my servant Martin Harris has desired a witness at my hand, that you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., have got the plates of which you have testified and borne record that you have received of me;

2. And now, behold, this shall you say unto him—he who spake unto you, said unto you: I, the Lord, am God, and have given these things unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and have commanded you that you should stand as a witness of these things;

3. And I have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me, that you should not show them except to those persons to whom I commanded you; and you have no power over them except I grant it unto you.

4. And you have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished.

5. Verily, I say unto you, that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words;

6. For hereafter you shall be ordained and go forth and deliver my words unto the children of men.

7. Behold, if they will not believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these things which I have committed unto you.

8. Oh, this unbelieving and stiffnecked generation—mine anger is kindled against them.

9. Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations.

10. But this generation shall have my word through you;

11. And in addition to testimony, the testimony of there of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you.

12. Yea, they shall know of a surety that these things are true, for from heaven will I declare it unto them.

13. I will give them power that they may behold and view these things as they are;

14. And to none else will I grant this power, to receive this same testimony among this generation, in this the beginning of the rising up and the coming forth of my church out of the wilderness—clear as the moon, and fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.

15. And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth of my word.

16. And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit—

17. And you must wait yet a little while, for ye are not yet ordained—

18. And their testimony shall also go forth unto the condemnation of this generation if they harden their hearts against them;

19. For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, ad shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming.

20. Behold, I tell you these things, even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem; and my word shall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified.

21. And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more;

22. And that you be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith I have commanded you; and if you do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, even if you should be slain.

23. And now, again, I speak unto you, my servant Joseph, concerning the man that desires the witness—

24. Behold, I say unto him, he exalts himself and does not humble himself sufficiently before me; but if he will bow down before me, and humble himself in mighty prayer and faith, in the sincerity of his heat, then will I grant unto him a view of the things which he desires to see.

25. And then he shall say unto the people of this generation: Behold, I have seen the things which the Lord hat shown unto Joseph Smith, Jun., and I know of a surety that they are true, for I have seen them, for they have been shown unto me by the power of God and not of man.

26. And I the Lord command him, my servant Martin Harris that he shall say no more unto them concerning these things, except he shall say: I have seen them, and they have been shown unto me by the power of God; and these are the words which he shall say.

27. But if he deny this he will break the covenant which he has before covenanted with me, and behold, he is condemned.

28. And now, except he humble himself and acknowledge unto me the things that he has done which are wrong, and covenant with me that he will keep my commandments, and exercise faith in me, behold, I say unto him, he shall have no such views, for I will grant unto him no views of the things of which I have spoken.

29. And if this be the case, I command you, my servant Joseph that you shall say unto him, that he shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning this matter.

30. And if this be the case, behold, I say unto thee Joseph, when thou hast translated a few more pages thou shalt stop for a season, even until I command thee again; then thou mayest translate again.

31. And except thou do this, behold, thou shalt have no more gift, and I will take away the things which I have entrusted with thee.

32. And now, because I foresee the lying in wait to destroy thee yea, I foresee that if my servant Martin Harris humbleth not himself and receive a witness from my hand, that he will fall into transgression;

33. And there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off the face of the earth and for this cause, that thy days may be prolonged, I have given unto thee these commandments.

34. Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee.

35. And if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments thou shalt be lifted up at the last day. Amen.

1 Nephi: Chapter 5

 Sariah complains against Lehi—Both rejoice over the return of their sons—They offer sacrifices—The plates of brass contain writings of Moses and the prophets—The plates identify Lehi as a descendent of Joseph—Lehi prophesies concerning his seed and the preservation of the plates. About 600-592 B.C.

1. And it came to pass that after we had come down into the wilderness unto our father, behold, he was filled with joy, and also my mother, Sariah, was exceedingly glad, for she truly had mourned because of us.

2. For she had supposed that we had perished in the wilderness; and she also had complained against my father, telling him that he was a visionary man; saying: Behold thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness.

3. And after this manner of language had my mother complained against my father.

4. And it had come to pass that my father spake unto her, saying: I know that I am visionary man; for if I had not seen the things of God in a vision I should not have known the goodness of God, but had tarried at Jerusalem, and had perished with my brethren.

5. But behold, I have ordained a land of promise, in the which things I do rejoice; yea, and I know that the Lord will deliver my sons out of the hands of Laban, and bring them down again unto us in the wilderness.

6. And after this manner of language did my father, Lehi, comfort my mother, Sariah, concerning us, while we journeyed in the wilderness up to the land of Jerusalem, to obtain the record of the Jews.

7. And when we had returned to the tent of my father, behold their joy was full, and my mother was comforted.

8. And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And after this manner of language did she speak.

9. And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly, and did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord; and they gave thanks unto the God of Israel.

10. And after they had given thanks unto the God of Israel, my father, Lehi, took the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass and he did search them from the beginning.

11. And he beheld that they did contain the five books of Moses, which gave an account of the creation of the world, and also of Adam and Eve, who were our first parents.

12. And also a record of the Jews from the beginning, even down to the commencement of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah;

13. And also the prophecies of the holy prophets, from the beginning, even down to the commencement of the reign of Zedekiah; and also many prophecies which have been spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah.

14. And it came to pass that my father, Lehi, also found upon the plates of brass a genealogy of his fathers; wherefore he knew that he was a descendant of Joseph; yea, even that Joseph who was the son of Jacob, who was sold into Egypt, and who was preserved by the hand of the Lord, that he might preserve his father, Jacob, and all his household form perishing with famine.

15. And they were also led out of captivity and out of the land of Egypt, by that same God who had preserved them.

16. And thus my father, Lehi, did discover the genealogy of his fathers. And Laban also was a descendant of Joseph, wherefore he and his fathers had kept the records.

17. And now when my father saw all these things, he was filled with the Spirit, and began to prophesy concerning his seed—

18. That these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed.

19. Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should never perish; neither should they be dimmed any more by time. And he prophesied many things concerning his seed.

20. And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us.

21. And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable: yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.

22. Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise.

Matthew: Chapter 5

 Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount—Its teachings replace and transcend some aspects of the law of Moses—All are commanded to be perfect like their Father in Heaven.

1. And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2. And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall obtain mercy.

7. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12. Rejoice, and he exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

13. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15. 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.

16. Let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these lest commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, but same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

21. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.

22. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

23. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24. Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

27. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery.

28. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

29. And if they right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that the whole body should be cast into hell.

30. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that the whole body should be cast into hell.

31. It has been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement.

32. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away your wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

33. Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thin oaths.

34. But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

35. Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, Nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

38. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?

47. And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so?

48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Genesis: Chapter 5

 The generations of Adam are Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch (who walked with God), Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah (who begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth).

1. This the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

2. Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

3. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:

4. And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth wee eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:

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

6. And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos:

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

8. And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.

9. And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan:

10. And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters:

11. And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and died.

12. And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel:

13. And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:

14. And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.

15. And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:

16. And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and began sons and daughters:

17. And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.

18. And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:

19. And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

20. And all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty and two years: and he died.

21. And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:

22. And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

23. And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:

24. And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

25. And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech:

26. And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters:

27. And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty and nine years: and he died.

28. And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:

29. And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.

30. And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters.

31. And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.

32. And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Devotion: It's Not About the Fish

 

The Bible In One Year: Isaiah 1-2/Galatians 5

Today’s Reading: Jonah 3:10-4:4

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways he relented. ~Isaiah 3:10

It’s Not About the Fish

Sighted numerous times off the coast of Australia’s South Queensland Migaloo is the first albino humpback whale ever documented. The splendid creature, estimated at more than forty feet long, is so rare that Australia passed a law specifically to protect him.

The Bible tells us about a “huge fish” so rare that God had provided it especially to swallow a runaway prophet (Jonah 1:17). Most know the story. God told Jonah to take a message of judgment to Ninevah. But Jonah wanted nothing to do with the Ninevites, who had a reputation for cruelty to ust about everyone—including the Hebrews. So he fled. Things went badly. From inside the fish, Jonah repented. Eventually he preached to the Ninevites, and they repented to (3:5-10).

Great story, right? Except it doesn’t end there. While Nineveh repented, Jonah pouted. “Isn’t this what I said, LORD?” he prayed. “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love” (4:2). Having been rescued from certain death, Jonah’s sinful anger grew until even his prayer became suicidal (v.3).

The story of Jonah isn’t about the fish. It’s about our human nature and the nature of God who pursues us. “The Lord is patient with you,” wrote the apostle Peter, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God offers His love to brutal Ninevites, pouting prophets, and you and me. ~Tim Gustafson

Father, we tend to look at what others “deserve” and forget we need your love just as much. Help us live in Your love and to tell others about it.

Our love has limits; God’s love is limitless!

When God Seems Far Away

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. ~Isaiah 55:8

Galatians 1:8

 

Galatian 1:8 – But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that, which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Revelation 1:5 – And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Mark 16:16 – He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

John 1:29 – The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Romans 10:9 – That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth that Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Hebrews 9:1-26 – Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the Ark of the Covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the Cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were ordained the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people; The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and dives washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people. Saying, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Acts 22:16 – And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Hebrews 2:9 – But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

John 8:24 – I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Acts 2:28 – Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Acts 15:1 – And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

Romans 5:9 – Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through hi.

Ephesians 5:25-27 – Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish.

1 Peter 3:20-21 – Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:10-12 – Be it know unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand there before you whole. This the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the lead of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

Galatians 1:9 – As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Daily Devotion: The Foolishness of God

 Daily Bible Verse

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His Dear Son: ~Colossians 1:13

Daily Inspiration

We know that God saved us from the power of darkness through His Son’s death and resurrection. We have been delivered from Satan’s clutches. But we have not simply been delivered, we have been invited into His Son’s kingdom. We have been invited into a place we do not deserve. It’s like offering a beggar from the street a seat at the head of the table. We are not only free from sin on earth, but we get to celebrate alongside our King in Heaven for eternity.

Daily Prayer

Dear God, this world is full of darkness. I know Satan is real, but I know You have defeated him. He has no power over me because I am a child of God. When I am facing the darkness, send Your spirit to guide me and protect me. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who delivered me from the power of sin and darkness. I rejoice in my deliverance and my welcome into Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

You’ve Finished A Perfect Week! Amen!!!!!!

The Foolishness of God

By Frances Taylor

The Foolishness of God: How Would We Know Of God’s Goodness? ~1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Many people cannot get past the idea of a God who would send His Son into the world to die. It seems like foolishness. They say that if there is a God, why does He allow such bad things to happen? There’s probably nothing after death, so why bother doing anything that you don’t want to do? Besides, if we needed saving, couldn’t God have done it in another way? As Paul writes, however, the foolishness of God is wiser than men. God gave us the gift of free will that has often led to the majority of the violence and pain that we suffer, as well as the need of a Savior in the first place. While it is true that salvation could have happened another way, how would we know of it? How would we know of God’s goodness? There is so much that we have to thank God for in sending Jesus to us, to know how God wants us to live, how to be happy in this world as well as in the next. We know that we are saved so that we can live without fear, that death has no power over us. As this Easter season comes closer to an end, let’s rejoice that God is foolish.

Prayer

Gracious and omnipotent God, it is in Your strength that we take comfort. You are our strength and our shield against the power of Satan, who still tries to turn us towards him and away from You. We give You thanks and praise. Amen.

God Is Going To Provide Your Every Need And More!!!!!!

When You Have Sinned

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ~Psalm 51:10