WEEK 7: PRINCIPLES FROM READINGS

PRINCIPLE 1- Matthew 19:24 “...a camel go through the eye of a needle...” The first time that I read this scripture, I had imagined a large camel starring at a needle... And I thought this was going to be impossible. But James E. Talmage gives us further insight. 

In order to enter into the kingdom of God, we must strip ourselves of all worldly possessions.

PRINCIPLE 2- Luke 16:13 “...No servant cane serve two masters...” We cannot serve God and Mammon(Bible dictionary, Mammon- an Aramaic word meaning riches...) I believe it’s getting increasingly harder to  have this separation. I first think of the technology that goes into everything, and how convenient everything is starting to be. I also think of our own little idols that replace God in our lives.

PRINCIPLE 3-  Luke 18:16-17 “...suffer little children...” In order to enter into the kingdom of God, we must become “submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him...” Mosiah 3:19. I love how the bible and the Book of Mormon compliment each other. There are many occasions in which the Lord says in the bible to be as little children, but never an explanation of it. The Book of Mormon does so with ease.

WEEK 6: SHARE AND REPORT

Luke 10:1-24 “The Lord appointed other Seventy also”

1.Summary of Lord’s counsel and instructions to Seventy- Two and two into every city and place.Pray unto God for laborers. Don’t take anything with you. Bless homes as you travel. As you travel into cities, eat the food that is before you. If the town does not receive you, then dust off your shoes, but be sure of doing that. He that heareth you heareth the Lord, and he that doesn’t like you doesn’t like the Lord. The Lord gives them power over Satan. “Your names are written in Heaven.” Give thanks unto God for your blessings.

2.Article of Faith 1:6 “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” It’s interesting for me to read this scripture mostly because of my mission, Texas Fort Worth. In the Bible belt, the South, in every single town I was in, there were always several different churches that found it hard to believe in a Prophet, 12 Apostles, or if we got into it a quorum of the 70’s. It was easy to return their remarks and their reasoning for not having Prophets and Apostles, with this Article of Faith. Why not believe in the same exact organization as the Church that Christ had while he was on the earth. Huh, this church makes so much sense, I love it.

3. On the Churches scripture website the topic “Seventy” reads as follows “An office to which men are ordained in the Melchizedek Priesthood. Today, the quorums of Seventy are General Authorities of the Church who are given the apostolic authority but are not ordained Apostles. They devote their full time to the ministry.”  Simple right? This explains exactly what Luke was talking about in chapter 10. Seventy men that hold the priesthood, dedicated to the ministry...BAM!

WEEK 6: PRINCIPLES FROM READINGS

LUKE 10-14

PRINCIPLE 1- Luke 11:17”...a house divided against itself cannot stand...” How true this is in many applications. When ever I think of this principle, my mind goes to sports. I played a lot of sports in high school, football being one. As a team unit we each had our jobs to do and each had the same goal to accomplish. If one player was secretly trying to win for the other team that would effect my entire team greatly. Especially if that traitor was in an important position like a quarter back,  or a free safety. It a guaranty “fall” for the team. So, figure out whose side you’re on and go with the herd.

PRINCIPLE 2- Luke 11:33 “...he hath a lighted candle...” Another good principle that can be applied to several occasions. Of course in context we’re talking about the gospel and sharing it. It being the light to this dark world and having it guide us through our paths. But we could also see it with our talents. If we’re given talents, and we hide them under a bushel...no bueno. We need to show our talents to all around us.

PRINCIPLE 3- Luke 14: 33 “...forsake all he had to become a disciple...” This principle kind of goes a long with last weeks readings. If we are going to dedicate ourselves to the Lord, then do it, and only it. I think about my mission and how wonderful it was to not worry about school, about homework, about finding work. It’s crazy, once I realized that on my mission, I became a better missionary, I wasn’t as tired at the end of the day, the work went smoother. It was just better.

WEEK 5: SHARE AND REPORT

I choose option 2

Matthew 17:14-21, SAVIOR HEALED A YOUNG MAN

I made a Blog entry

I choose this option because, It’s always been a good question to ask myself. Why can’t we perform miracles?

I like doing the Blog entrees, for everyone to see. I think I need more followers so the gospel can reach others.

MATTHEW 17:14-21, List three things the Savior said were needed for the disciples to heal the man.

1.Faith

2.Prayer

3.Fasting

Next to each reference write what it teaches is needed for miracles to happen:

3 Nephi 18:20- Do it in the name of Christ, If it be right, believe it will happen

D&C 50:29- Purified with no sin, do it in the name of Christ

D&C 42:48- If you’ll exercise faith, and if it be right.

WEEK 5: NEW TESTAMENT

PRINCIPLES FROM READING

PRINCIPLE 1- Matthew 16:17 “...my Father has revealed it unto thee...” Jesus has just asked Peter who he is, and Peter gave his answer. Jesus replies “Blessed art thou, Simon (Peter)...for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, bit my Father which is in heaven.” In order to truly have any sort of testimony, one must gain it from our Father in heaven.

PRINCIPLE 2- Matthew 18:3-4 “...humble as a little child...” The disciples ask the Savior “...who is the greatest in heaven?” Jesus calls for a child to be with them, and he says, “be converted, and become as a little child...humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” There are several requirements to entering the kingdom of heaven, but thats not what the disciples asked. They asked who is the greatest in heaven. In order to become the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, one must become humble as a little child.

PRINCIPLE 3- “Luke 9:61-62 “...I’ll follow you, but wait a second would ya?...” A volunteer as just said “I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.”  Jesus says “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” If you’re going to dedicate your life to the Lord, then do it. Leave all your past and prior engagements behind and always look forward trusting in the Lord that all is well behind you.

WEEK 4- PRINCIPLES FROM READINGS

PRINCIPLE 1- Matthew14:31 “O thou of little faith...” When the Lord invites you to join him, it is possible to do so. Jesus was walking on water towards the boat that his disciples were on. Peter wished to join him and he was on the water for a little bit but couldn’t believe it, so he sank. We must ask the Lord, and he will invite if it so be, and then we must press forward with not doubt.

PRINCIPLE 2- Mark 6:46 “...into a mountain to pray...” When you pray, pray unto God in a secluded area. Jesus leaves his disciples and goes unto a mountain to pray. Mountains mean a lot of different things. In this case I feel it being closer to God, and quiet, away from all the noise.

PRINCIPLE 3- St John 6:35 “...I am the bread of Life...” Do we rely on the Lord as much as we do food? We must develop an appetite for the Lord. Have you tasted of the Lord yet? Do we even know what he taste like? Come to know the Savior and you’ll never hunger again.