Tuesday, July 31, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
The promise we have received – that we will never walk alone – while we are trying to fulfill our role – in building the Kingdom – is as sure as the promise of a new dawn each morning!! ----- It is not necessary – to be on a mountain top – or – in a shady woodland – to experience the love of God!!
Monday, July 30, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
There is no such thing – as a failing effort – when we strive to do our part – in the Kingdom of God!! ----- There is no such thing – as a minor part – in the drama of fulfilling – the Lord’s prophecies – about His Kingdom!!
Sunday, July 29, 2018
THE DOUBLE BLESSING OF BLESSINGS
It wasn’t a new thought, but it came to me very powerfully as I was reviewing Lehi’s blessings to his posterity in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Second Nephi that when blessings are given and administered through the influence of the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, both the person who is receiving the blessing and the person pronouncing the blessing can be privileged to receive new insights and revelation. Hence, the thought about the double blessing of blessings.
There is no way we can know the information base Lehi had before he pronounced those blessings, but for the latter day reader there are many new insights revealed which had not previously been spoken of. Before examining those revealed insights I want to develop some thoughts on the different types of blessings which I have been privileged to be either receiver of or a bestower of during my life.
I have never given a blessing as an Ordained Patriarch, but I have been blessed to have been a receiver thereof. I have been given the blessing of reading my wife’s and children’s blessings and since one of the duties of a Stake President is to periodically review the blessings given by the Stake’s Ordained Patriarch, I feel somewhat qualified to bear witness of the special revelatory process which attends these blessings. During the interview which accompanied the reviewing of those patriarchal blessings I was left with an absolute assurance that the Patriarch pronouncing those blessing frequently partook of the double blessing of blessings.
I hope I am not out of order by sharing a short part of my personal patriarchal blessing, but I think it helps to illustrate the heaven sent information which can include the foreordained blessing we received from our Heavenly Father before we left His presence to fulfill our earthly mission.
When I was being interview by the Patriarch prior to him pronouncing my blessing, he asked me what I felt I wanted to do as a career. I was scantly beyond the starry-eyed fireman, sports hero, cowboy answer phase of my life and since I was heavily involved in a University entrance track in High School which required a lot of math and science, I answered I was thinking about something in the science field. When the Patriarch got to the part of my blessing which included an indication of the direction my life’s career would take me he started by teaching me that Theology is the science which includes all sciences and then proceeded to tell me that I had been given the gift of being able to understand and teach the principles of the gospel and that many would be blessed because of this gift.
I hadn’t finished High School before this gift started to unfold in the reality of my daily life. At what I considered to be a very young age, I was called to be a Sunday School teacher to a group of students whose years of mortality were just short of my own. Since that time until today, I have been blessed to exercise my foreordained gift. I have used it as a full time missionary in my youth as well as later with my beloved. It has been the means of providing for my family as a part time and full time teacher for the Church Education System in the Seminary and Institute programs, as a writer in my ‘retired’ years and hopefully as a husband and father. The part about others being blessed, will have to be determined by those who find themselves in that grouping.
The type of blessings with which I have had more personal experience than any other are Priesthood Blessings. I have been blessed to give blessings to each of my children when their names were entered onto the records of the Church. I have laid hands upon them and others in time of extreme illness and witnessed the Lord’s miraculous intervention. I have given blessings which accompanied ordinances and ordinations of the Church and I have given blessings to those over whom I had stewardship in Church callings.
During those blessings, I have come to know the uniqueness of my children and the importance of allowing them their agency and resultant consequences. I have received the absolute assurance that the calling a person had received was from the Lord. Another revealed truth I learned was that Heavenly Mother taught many things to Her daughters during the time they sojourned in Her presence and that it is possible for them to recall that knowledge during mortality. One of the most precious gifts I have personally received while giving Priesthood Blessings is to be assured of the graciousness of Kathleen and what a blessing it is to be her eternal companion.
One of the marvelous things I have had happen to me during my experienced years is to have those sweet babies, now grown, lay their hands on my head and pronounce a Priesthood Blessing. I have often wondered if the prophet Nephi gave his father blessings in his waning hours.
Since I have frequently heard my priesthood brothers testify of the double blessing of blessings, I know I do not stand alone in knowing that the giver is also the receiver during these blessings.
One of the underused forms of blessings may be Father’s Blessings and even more so, Mother’s Blessings. I know I was far too reluctant to use this privilege which requires no church membership nor special ordination, but comes as part of the foreordained privilege to those who have ever acted upon another as father or mother. This type of blessing can be given at any time when a mother or father is acted upon by the Holy Spirit. It can be done as a sincere prayer whether the child is present or far away. It can be done in the form of counselling. It can be formalized by some familial tradition. It is a blessing of being and interacting with each other during mortality.
I wish I had been more alert while I was in Mexico serving as a missionary when a young man, but it didn’t really dawn on me until Kathleen and I were serving as missionaries in Colombia that a large number of parents, especially mothers always gave their children a blessing as they departed the home. There were some of those blessings which were somewhat routine, much like the blessing we give before meals, but they were always given with warmth and love. I feel all families would be blessed if Mother’s Blessings became a more frequent part of their husband’s and children’s lives.
I have felt it during my prayers, while counseling or just being with or thinking about someone who calls me father the continualness of the double blessing of blessings which attends these familial experiences.
If you have managed to still be reading this Thought after that lengthy introduction, I would just like to emphasize, it matters little what we call it, whether it was a Father’s or Mother’s Blessing, a Priesthood Blessing or a Patriarchal Blessing Lehi was giving his posterity, since the title of the blessing is less important than the source of the blessing. My personal testimony is that Lehi’s source was the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.
Since I made a rather lengthy list of Lehi’s revelatory blessings to his posterity in last week’s Thought, I would like to add to that list some of the revelations and principles which we read in these blessing.
The Americas will be a blessed land for those who serve God
Jacob beheld the glory of God in his youth
Only through the mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah can we dwell in the presence of God
Opposition as a necessary part of our development and progression
Devil is a fallen angel who seeks to make all men miserable like unto himself.
Mankind’s days are prolonged that they might repent
The fall of Adam and Eve was an essential step in Heavenly Father’s Plan
There is a connection between overcoming the fall and having joy
The freedom for the mortal children to make personal choices is an essential part of the Plan
The posterity of Joseph the son of Lehi would not be entirely destroyed
New information about Joseph who was sold into Egypt is made known
The Choice Seer of the Lord would come from the loins of Joseph
The writing of Judah and the writing of Lehi’s descendants would be joined in one book
A seer would be raised who would be named Joseph by whom the writings would come to the world and the descendants of Lehi’s son Joseph
This future Joseph will be an instrument in restoring the House of Israel
I am absolutely certain that as Lehi was pronouncing these Holy Spirit guided blessings upon his posterity, the principle of the double blessing of blessings was strongly felt.
Let us never forget – Blessed is the person, family, city, nation and world which is blessed by the revelatory whisperings of Holy Spirit.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
There is no way we can know the information base Lehi had before he pronounced those blessings, but for the latter day reader there are many new insights revealed which had not previously been spoken of. Before examining those revealed insights I want to develop some thoughts on the different types of blessings which I have been privileged to be either receiver of or a bestower of during my life.
I have never given a blessing as an Ordained Patriarch, but I have been blessed to have been a receiver thereof. I have been given the blessing of reading my wife’s and children’s blessings and since one of the duties of a Stake President is to periodically review the blessings given by the Stake’s Ordained Patriarch, I feel somewhat qualified to bear witness of the special revelatory process which attends these blessings. During the interview which accompanied the reviewing of those patriarchal blessings I was left with an absolute assurance that the Patriarch pronouncing those blessing frequently partook of the double blessing of blessings.
I hope I am not out of order by sharing a short part of my personal patriarchal blessing, but I think it helps to illustrate the heaven sent information which can include the foreordained blessing we received from our Heavenly Father before we left His presence to fulfill our earthly mission.
When I was being interview by the Patriarch prior to him pronouncing my blessing, he asked me what I felt I wanted to do as a career. I was scantly beyond the starry-eyed fireman, sports hero, cowboy answer phase of my life and since I was heavily involved in a University entrance track in High School which required a lot of math and science, I answered I was thinking about something in the science field. When the Patriarch got to the part of my blessing which included an indication of the direction my life’s career would take me he started by teaching me that Theology is the science which includes all sciences and then proceeded to tell me that I had been given the gift of being able to understand and teach the principles of the gospel and that many would be blessed because of this gift.
I hadn’t finished High School before this gift started to unfold in the reality of my daily life. At what I considered to be a very young age, I was called to be a Sunday School teacher to a group of students whose years of mortality were just short of my own. Since that time until today, I have been blessed to exercise my foreordained gift. I have used it as a full time missionary in my youth as well as later with my beloved. It has been the means of providing for my family as a part time and full time teacher for the Church Education System in the Seminary and Institute programs, as a writer in my ‘retired’ years and hopefully as a husband and father. The part about others being blessed, will have to be determined by those who find themselves in that grouping.
The type of blessings with which I have had more personal experience than any other are Priesthood Blessings. I have been blessed to give blessings to each of my children when their names were entered onto the records of the Church. I have laid hands upon them and others in time of extreme illness and witnessed the Lord’s miraculous intervention. I have given blessings which accompanied ordinances and ordinations of the Church and I have given blessings to those over whom I had stewardship in Church callings.
During those blessings, I have come to know the uniqueness of my children and the importance of allowing them their agency and resultant consequences. I have received the absolute assurance that the calling a person had received was from the Lord. Another revealed truth I learned was that Heavenly Mother taught many things to Her daughters during the time they sojourned in Her presence and that it is possible for them to recall that knowledge during mortality. One of the most precious gifts I have personally received while giving Priesthood Blessings is to be assured of the graciousness of Kathleen and what a blessing it is to be her eternal companion.
One of the marvelous things I have had happen to me during my experienced years is to have those sweet babies, now grown, lay their hands on my head and pronounce a Priesthood Blessing. I have often wondered if the prophet Nephi gave his father blessings in his waning hours.
Since I have frequently heard my priesthood brothers testify of the double blessing of blessings, I know I do not stand alone in knowing that the giver is also the receiver during these blessings.
One of the underused forms of blessings may be Father’s Blessings and even more so, Mother’s Blessings. I know I was far too reluctant to use this privilege which requires no church membership nor special ordination, but comes as part of the foreordained privilege to those who have ever acted upon another as father or mother. This type of blessing can be given at any time when a mother or father is acted upon by the Holy Spirit. It can be done as a sincere prayer whether the child is present or far away. It can be done in the form of counselling. It can be formalized by some familial tradition. It is a blessing of being and interacting with each other during mortality.
I wish I had been more alert while I was in Mexico serving as a missionary when a young man, but it didn’t really dawn on me until Kathleen and I were serving as missionaries in Colombia that a large number of parents, especially mothers always gave their children a blessing as they departed the home. There were some of those blessings which were somewhat routine, much like the blessing we give before meals, but they were always given with warmth and love. I feel all families would be blessed if Mother’s Blessings became a more frequent part of their husband’s and children’s lives.
I have felt it during my prayers, while counseling or just being with or thinking about someone who calls me father the continualness of the double blessing of blessings which attends these familial experiences.
If you have managed to still be reading this Thought after that lengthy introduction, I would just like to emphasize, it matters little what we call it, whether it was a Father’s or Mother’s Blessing, a Priesthood Blessing or a Patriarchal Blessing Lehi was giving his posterity, since the title of the blessing is less important than the source of the blessing. My personal testimony is that Lehi’s source was the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.
Since I made a rather lengthy list of Lehi’s revelatory blessings to his posterity in last week’s Thought, I would like to add to that list some of the revelations and principles which we read in these blessing.
The Americas will be a blessed land for those who serve God
Jacob beheld the glory of God in his youth
Only through the mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah can we dwell in the presence of God
Opposition as a necessary part of our development and progression
Devil is a fallen angel who seeks to make all men miserable like unto himself.
Mankind’s days are prolonged that they might repent
The fall of Adam and Eve was an essential step in Heavenly Father’s Plan
There is a connection between overcoming the fall and having joy
The freedom for the mortal children to make personal choices is an essential part of the Plan
The posterity of Joseph the son of Lehi would not be entirely destroyed
New information about Joseph who was sold into Egypt is made known
The Choice Seer of the Lord would come from the loins of Joseph
The writing of Judah and the writing of Lehi’s descendants would be joined in one book
A seer would be raised who would be named Joseph by whom the writings would come to the world and the descendants of Lehi’s son Joseph
This future Joseph will be an instrument in restoring the House of Israel
I am absolutely certain that as Lehi was pronouncing these Holy Spirit guided blessings upon his posterity, the principle of the double blessing of blessings was strongly felt.
Let us never forget – Blessed is the person, family, city, nation and world which is blessed by the revelatory whisperings of Holy Spirit.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
Saturday, July 28, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
2018: Other than our Lord – and – Savior Jesus the Christ – there never has been – or – ever will be – anyone who goes through the experience of mortality – prepared to receive all the Father has – and – is!! ----- If we a making an effort – even if it be as small as a grain of sand – we should never be ashamed – or – burdened with guilt!!
Friday, July 27, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
There are too many variables – in the conditions in which mortals are placed – for any of us to gain a total understanding – how – and – to what degree – the mercy – and – grace of Heavenly Father – applies to each of us!!
Thursday, July 26, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
If we were to confine – the trial period of our Heavenly Parents children – leading to Eterna Life – to our mortal existence only – it would make Heavenly Father – a being who is totally void – of grace and mercy – since our earthly experiences are so totally different!!
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We should be uplifted – and – encouraged – that He who created the Heavens – and – the Earth – has declared His work to be – bringing His children unto Eternal Life!! ----- It is a mark of foolishness – to feel Heavenly Father’s grace – and – mercy – are insufficient – to bring us unto Eternal Life!!
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Feeling the love of Heavenly Father – during our sweet hours of prayer – may be the most accurate indicator – of the sincerity of our petitioning!! ----- To all who seem to have a need – to be their neighbor’s judge – let it be understood – once – and – forever – there is only One whose judgement matters!!
Monday, July 23, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
For most simple beginnings – of our assignments from the Lord – there is a corresponding – magnificence – which accompanies the fulfillment of His errand!! ----- Failing to recognize the had of the Lord in our lives – may constitute the highest form of ingratitude!!
Sunday, July 22, 2018
BLESSINGS
Even before I sat down to write my Thought based on the first few chapters of Second Nephi and since I recalled that these chapters contained the final blessings Lehi gave to his posterity before his passing from mortality, my mind immediately was filled with the words of President Nelson from the April General Conference.
Not long ago, I attended a sacrament meeting in which a new baby was to be given a name and a father’s blessing. The young father held his precious infant in his arms, gave her a name, and then offered a beautiful prayer. But he did not give that child a blessing. That sweet baby girl got a name but no blessing! That dear elder did not know the difference between a prayer and a priesthood blessing. With his priesthood authority and power, he could have blessed his infant, but he did not. I thought, “What a missed opportunity!”
Let me cite some other examples. We know of brethren who set sisters apart as Primary, Young Women, or Relief Society leaders and teachers but fail to bless them—to bless them with the power to fulfill their callings. They give only admonitions and instructions. We see a worthy father who fails to give his wife and his children priesthood blessings when that is exactly what they need. Priesthood power has been restored to this earth, and yet far too many brothers and sisters go through terrible trials in life without ever receiving a true priesthood blessing. What a tragedy! That’s a tragedy that we can eliminate.
Brethren, we hold the holy priesthood of God! We have His authority to bless His people. Just think of the remarkable assurance the Lord gave us when He said, “Whomsoever you bless I will bless.”4 It is our privilege to act in the name of Jesus Christ to bless God’s children according to His will for them. Stake presidents and bishops, please ensure that every member of the quorums within your stewardship understands how to give a priesthood blessing—including the personal worthiness and spiritual preparation required to call fully upon the power of God. (General Priesthood Conference – March 31, 2018)
This prophetic admonition was quickly followed by a rush of precepts about blessings which I had either been taught or had taught during my life.
Priesthood blessings, although they are not an ordinance necessary for salvation, should be pronounced, as words are whispered into our minds by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We can sit down and counsel according to the wisdom and understanding we have accumulated through our lives, but when we lay our hands on another we are to pronounce the wisdom and understanding of our Heavenly Father, which can only happen if we are guided by the Holy Spirit.
When doing priesthood duties such as blessing, confirming, ordaining or setting apart the words of the ordinance are necessary, but the giving of a blessing should only be given when one is guided by the spirit.
Although only blessings of an ordained Patriarch are recorded and kept in the annuls of the Church, we are also given to understand that it is not only permissible, but it is a good practice to record and retain blessings given and received in a personal book of remembrance.
Although they are not done in the name of the priesthood, mothers’ blessings to their children are of equal importance and should be recorded and remembered.
Elements of Lehi’s blessing to his children:
During his blessings to his posterity Lehi identifies several times that the source of his words is from the Spirit.
Lehi’s words contain prophecies of the consequences which will come upon his posterity because of their choices.
In his blessings he reveals to his children a recognition of their attributes and an awareness of the faithfulness of their discipleship.
Lehi’s blessings give understanding between the relative importance of the laws and precepts of men in relation to the laws and precepts of God.
He uses the opportunity to reinforce Heavenly Father’s plan and the importance of His Son Jesus the Christ in the fulfillment of that plan.
He reminds his children that Jesus the Christ is their redeemer, full of grace – truth and love, the intercessory between Heavenly Father and His children.
Lehi expounds on important doctrines necessary for gaining salvation.
He instructs his posterity on the importance of becoming emissaries of the publishing of the good word among the children of men.
He promises his children that they will not utterly be destroyed even though they suffer many afflictions.
He informs them of the importance of the names they bear and includes the understanding of faithful people who have shared their name.
He blesses or reveals to them peculiar talents and abilities which they are to use in the work of the Lord.
He teaches that the blessings of the Lord are not just something which will happen after mortality, but also during mortality.
Before I end this Thought, I want to point out that we would not have this example to point to if Lehi’s words had not been written down and preserved.
It would be contrary to the counsel we receive on giving blessings if we were to use Lehi’s blessing as a template for blessings we might be called upon to give. Therefore, I give one last reminder that the words we utter in blessings are to be given as are moved upon by the Holy Spirit.
As I wrote that last sentence I was reminded that many times the inspiration I had about principles to be taught in a lesson came before the class was united and not during the actual time I was with the students. I suspect the same may well be true of blessings, we may be enlightened with the words Heavenly Father would have us utter, before the blessing as well as during.
I must confess I have not been as faithful as I probably should have been about using the privilege of giving blessings, but I am grateful for the experiences I had when I knew that I had been moved upon by the whisperings of the Holy Spirit while my hands were upon the head of a son or daughter of God.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
Not long ago, I attended a sacrament meeting in which a new baby was to be given a name and a father’s blessing. The young father held his precious infant in his arms, gave her a name, and then offered a beautiful prayer. But he did not give that child a blessing. That sweet baby girl got a name but no blessing! That dear elder did not know the difference between a prayer and a priesthood blessing. With his priesthood authority and power, he could have blessed his infant, but he did not. I thought, “What a missed opportunity!”
Let me cite some other examples. We know of brethren who set sisters apart as Primary, Young Women, or Relief Society leaders and teachers but fail to bless them—to bless them with the power to fulfill their callings. They give only admonitions and instructions. We see a worthy father who fails to give his wife and his children priesthood blessings when that is exactly what they need. Priesthood power has been restored to this earth, and yet far too many brothers and sisters go through terrible trials in life without ever receiving a true priesthood blessing. What a tragedy! That’s a tragedy that we can eliminate.
Brethren, we hold the holy priesthood of God! We have His authority to bless His people. Just think of the remarkable assurance the Lord gave us when He said, “Whomsoever you bless I will bless.”4 It is our privilege to act in the name of Jesus Christ to bless God’s children according to His will for them. Stake presidents and bishops, please ensure that every member of the quorums within your stewardship understands how to give a priesthood blessing—including the personal worthiness and spiritual preparation required to call fully upon the power of God. (General Priesthood Conference – March 31, 2018)
This prophetic admonition was quickly followed by a rush of precepts about blessings which I had either been taught or had taught during my life.
Priesthood blessings, although they are not an ordinance necessary for salvation, should be pronounced, as words are whispered into our minds by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We can sit down and counsel according to the wisdom and understanding we have accumulated through our lives, but when we lay our hands on another we are to pronounce the wisdom and understanding of our Heavenly Father, which can only happen if we are guided by the Holy Spirit.
When doing priesthood duties such as blessing, confirming, ordaining or setting apart the words of the ordinance are necessary, but the giving of a blessing should only be given when one is guided by the spirit.
Although only blessings of an ordained Patriarch are recorded and kept in the annuls of the Church, we are also given to understand that it is not only permissible, but it is a good practice to record and retain blessings given and received in a personal book of remembrance.
Although they are not done in the name of the priesthood, mothers’ blessings to their children are of equal importance and should be recorded and remembered.
Elements of Lehi’s blessing to his children:
During his blessings to his posterity Lehi identifies several times that the source of his words is from the Spirit.
Lehi’s words contain prophecies of the consequences which will come upon his posterity because of their choices.
In his blessings he reveals to his children a recognition of their attributes and an awareness of the faithfulness of their discipleship.
Lehi’s blessings give understanding between the relative importance of the laws and precepts of men in relation to the laws and precepts of God.
He uses the opportunity to reinforce Heavenly Father’s plan and the importance of His Son Jesus the Christ in the fulfillment of that plan.
He reminds his children that Jesus the Christ is their redeemer, full of grace – truth and love, the intercessory between Heavenly Father and His children.
Lehi expounds on important doctrines necessary for gaining salvation.
He instructs his posterity on the importance of becoming emissaries of the publishing of the good word among the children of men.
He promises his children that they will not utterly be destroyed even though they suffer many afflictions.
He informs them of the importance of the names they bear and includes the understanding of faithful people who have shared their name.
He blesses or reveals to them peculiar talents and abilities which they are to use in the work of the Lord.
He teaches that the blessings of the Lord are not just something which will happen after mortality, but also during mortality.
Before I end this Thought, I want to point out that we would not have this example to point to if Lehi’s words had not been written down and preserved.
It would be contrary to the counsel we receive on giving blessings if we were to use Lehi’s blessing as a template for blessings we might be called upon to give. Therefore, I give one last reminder that the words we utter in blessings are to be given as are moved upon by the Holy Spirit.
As I wrote that last sentence I was reminded that many times the inspiration I had about principles to be taught in a lesson came before the class was united and not during the actual time I was with the students. I suspect the same may well be true of blessings, we may be enlightened with the words Heavenly Father would have us utter, before the blessing as well as during.
I must confess I have not been as faithful as I probably should have been about using the privilege of giving blessings, but I am grateful for the experiences I had when I knew that I had been moved upon by the whisperings of the Holy Spirit while my hands were upon the head of a son or daughter of God.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
Saturday, July 21, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
The miracle of the Lord’s love – makes every hour of our lives – an hour of forgiveness – and – deliverance!! ----- Ignoring the words of living Apostle – and – Prophets – will never advance – nor – profit anyone!!
Friday, July 20, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
The most moving moments – we may experience – when praying with sincere faith – will undoubtedly be – when we are receiving answers – to our humble prayers!! ----- Each step we take – on the path of righteousness – will usually be attended – by an increase in our desire – to communicate with Heavenly Father – through prayer!!
Thursday, July 19, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
A blessed momentary glimpse – of our premortal existence – will reveal more of who we really are – that all the knowledge – we may acquire during our mortal sojourn!! ----- Our prayers – would definitely take on greater importance – and – be more meaningful – if we treated each moment of supplication – in each of our days – with the same level of anxiety – we feel during emergencies!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Fulfilling the simple tasks – the Lord has asked us to do - and – putting them into proper order – will bring forth added stewardships – and – facilitate the success of these greater assignments!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Being filled with the love of the Lord – through the influence of the Holy spirit – will never make us immune – from the trials – and – temptations of the world – but – the bearing – and – overcoming of them – will definitely be lighter – and – easier!!
Monday, July 16, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
One of the blessings of finding the Pearl of Great Price – which might surprise us – is when we realize – it has opened the door – of the Plan of Happiness!! ----- Enjoying the beauty of the Pearl of Great Price – will never become common – to those whose life’s have been added upon – because they sought – and – found it!!
Sunday, July 15, 2018
ENDURE
I had barely started my review of the first chapter of Second Nephi when my mind started pondering upon what caused Lehi to endure faithfully until the very end of his life.
It was probably only a few micro seconds before my mind had shifted into reexploring an admonition of the Lord over which it had lingered many times during my life.
Although the pondering session was undoubtedly very brief, I am pretty sure I was first engaged in an attempt to understand what it meant to endure when I was memorizing the 13th Article of Faith as a requirement to graduate from Primary. Since it was the longest and most difficult of the articles for me to memorize, the trauma has caused this beginning pondering to linger in my memory.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. (Article of Faith 13)
Since that time and continuing to the present, I have been guilty of shifting to and fro on a fairly regular basis as speakers and writers have attempted to bring added light to the principle of enduring.
A few examples of why there could be some confusion can be illustrated by a few example of how the dictionary defines the word endure:
To continue essentially in the same state
Firm under adversity
Undergo hardship
Handle an ugly or difficult situation
The Hebrew and Greek languages, as was often their way of doing, handle the differences in the use of the word endure by having several words which could be used in specific circumstances. I insert just a few of the many words they used.
Hebrew:
Naw-ame = to be agreeable – delight – grace
Amad = to stand – abide – continue
Chammah = withstand as in chammah the heat of the sun
Greek:
Hupomeno = remain – undergo – bear – persevere
Kakopoieo = undergo hardship
When I was doing the translation of this Thought I quickly became aware that the word endure was being translated into Spanish using a variety of words which included soportar (sustain – endure), vencer (triumph), perdurar (to last – endure), sufrir (suffer long), aguantar (tolerate – endure), perseverar (persevere) and permanicer (continue). As I translated these words back into English it immediately becomes apparent that we likewise have many words which add different meanings to the word endure.
An examination of the verses where endure is used in the English scriptures sheds light on why these biblical languages had a variety of words to express what was really meant by the word translated into English as endure.
And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved. (2 Nephi 31:16,20)
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. (Doctrine and Covenants 10:69)
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Mark 13:13)
I have no desire to cause anyone to question anything about the truthfulness of the words found in scripture or which we receive from living prophets, but I do want us all to understand that part of searching the scriptures is struggling with what they mean. Therefore, I offer a few of the struggles toward truth which I have exercised during my life.
How does one endure to the end if life is eternal?
Is our test of enduring for this life only?
Does the proof of enduring include perfection?
If perfection is the end goal of enduring, then does enduring include future phases of our existence?
Is it possible to endure in one area of the gospel but not in all areas?
Is the process of enduring different during different periods of mortality?
Is the measurement of enduring universally applied to all of Heavenly Father’s children?
And with that unimportant revelation of how my struggling mind works I return to the first chapter of Second Nephi which diverted me to these ponderings.
We are not given enough information to know whether the words of Lehi as recorded by his son Nephi in this chapter happened at the very end of his life or earlier in his life. We are not even given to understand if these words were given at one sitting or if they are a compilation by Nephi of various teaching experiences he and the rest of Lehi’s progeny received during his life. Regardless, we do know that even to the end of his life Nephi proclaimed his father remained in a state of faithfulness which is often referenced both anciently and by living Prophets and Apostles as enduring.
In this chapter which Nephi presents as his father’s last proclamation we find a wealth of teachings which might help all of us endure in faithfulness:
The Lord is merciful and will warn his faithful children in their efforts to endure.
The Lord has covenanted with his children, that if they are faithful His promises will be fulfilled.
If we serve God according to the commandments we shall have liberty, freedom and safety.
They who have received great knowledge from the lord must endure in their discipleship to the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God.
We must be in a constant state of awareness and avoid those things which would enslave us and keep us from enduring.
One of the blessings which may attend enduring is beholding the glory of the Lord and being encircled in His arms eternally.
Although the warning Lehi gives to his sons about rejecting the words of the living prophets are given in reference to Nephi, it would probably be wise if we apply them to ourselves when we are blessed to receive the teachings of living Prophets.
Rejection of their words will cut us off from the promised blessings.
Rejection of their words will make our lives empty of joy and gladness.
Rejection of their words will keep us from becoming one in mind and heart.
Rejection of their words will cause us to be bound in chains of obscurity.
The final admonition of father Lehi to his rebellious sons concerning rejection of Nephi as a prophet of God, I believe to be especially appropriate for us today in our personal pursuit of enduring.
And I exceedingly fear and tremble because of you, lest he shall suffer again; for behold, ye have accused him that he sought power and authority
over you; but I know that he hath not sought for power nor authority over you, but he hath sought the glory of God, and your own eternal welfare.
And ye have murmured because he hath been plain unto you. Ye say that he hath used sharpness; ye say that he hath been angry with you; but behold, his sharpness was the sharpness of the power of the word of God, which was in him; and that which ye call anger was the truth, according to that which is in God, which he could not restrain, manifesting boldly concerning your iniquities.
And it must needs be that the power of God must be with him, even unto his commanding you that ye must obey. But behold, it was not he, but it was the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, which opened his mouth to utterance that he could not shut it. (2 Nephi 1: 25-27)
Just a few final words from my pondering about my own pathway of enduring.
It is essential that my discipleship be founded in a firm conviction and commitment to the True and Living God of all mankind.
I must constantly increase my testimony that the Lord speaks and inspires His servants, the Living Prophets, with words which will aid me in my trial of endurance and assure me of the promised blessings.
I must act with the understanding that this moment of this hour of this day is part of my eternal test of enduring.
I constantly pray the Lord will bless me with the strength to triumph and endure in faithfulness this day and forever.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
It was probably only a few micro seconds before my mind had shifted into reexploring an admonition of the Lord over which it had lingered many times during my life.
Although the pondering session was undoubtedly very brief, I am pretty sure I was first engaged in an attempt to understand what it meant to endure when I was memorizing the 13th Article of Faith as a requirement to graduate from Primary. Since it was the longest and most difficult of the articles for me to memorize, the trauma has caused this beginning pondering to linger in my memory.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. (Article of Faith 13)
Since that time and continuing to the present, I have been guilty of shifting to and fro on a fairly regular basis as speakers and writers have attempted to bring added light to the principle of enduring.
A few examples of why there could be some confusion can be illustrated by a few example of how the dictionary defines the word endure:
To continue essentially in the same state
Firm under adversity
Undergo hardship
Handle an ugly or difficult situation
The Hebrew and Greek languages, as was often their way of doing, handle the differences in the use of the word endure by having several words which could be used in specific circumstances. I insert just a few of the many words they used.
Hebrew:
Naw-ame = to be agreeable – delight – grace
Amad = to stand – abide – continue
Chammah = withstand as in chammah the heat of the sun
Greek:
Hupomeno = remain – undergo – bear – persevere
Kakopoieo = undergo hardship
When I was doing the translation of this Thought I quickly became aware that the word endure was being translated into Spanish using a variety of words which included soportar (sustain – endure), vencer (triumph), perdurar (to last – endure), sufrir (suffer long), aguantar (tolerate – endure), perseverar (persevere) and permanicer (continue). As I translated these words back into English it immediately becomes apparent that we likewise have many words which add different meanings to the word endure.
An examination of the verses where endure is used in the English scriptures sheds light on why these biblical languages had a variety of words to express what was really meant by the word translated into English as endure.
And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved. (2 Nephi 31:16,20)
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. (Doctrine and Covenants 10:69)
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Mark 13:13)
I have no desire to cause anyone to question anything about the truthfulness of the words found in scripture or which we receive from living prophets, but I do want us all to understand that part of searching the scriptures is struggling with what they mean. Therefore, I offer a few of the struggles toward truth which I have exercised during my life.
How does one endure to the end if life is eternal?
Is our test of enduring for this life only?
Does the proof of enduring include perfection?
If perfection is the end goal of enduring, then does enduring include future phases of our existence?
Is it possible to endure in one area of the gospel but not in all areas?
Is the process of enduring different during different periods of mortality?
Is the measurement of enduring universally applied to all of Heavenly Father’s children?
And with that unimportant revelation of how my struggling mind works I return to the first chapter of Second Nephi which diverted me to these ponderings.
We are not given enough information to know whether the words of Lehi as recorded by his son Nephi in this chapter happened at the very end of his life or earlier in his life. We are not even given to understand if these words were given at one sitting or if they are a compilation by Nephi of various teaching experiences he and the rest of Lehi’s progeny received during his life. Regardless, we do know that even to the end of his life Nephi proclaimed his father remained in a state of faithfulness which is often referenced both anciently and by living Prophets and Apostles as enduring.
In this chapter which Nephi presents as his father’s last proclamation we find a wealth of teachings which might help all of us endure in faithfulness:
The Lord is merciful and will warn his faithful children in their efforts to endure.
The Lord has covenanted with his children, that if they are faithful His promises will be fulfilled.
If we serve God according to the commandments we shall have liberty, freedom and safety.
They who have received great knowledge from the lord must endure in their discipleship to the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God.
We must be in a constant state of awareness and avoid those things which would enslave us and keep us from enduring.
One of the blessings which may attend enduring is beholding the glory of the Lord and being encircled in His arms eternally.
Although the warning Lehi gives to his sons about rejecting the words of the living prophets are given in reference to Nephi, it would probably be wise if we apply them to ourselves when we are blessed to receive the teachings of living Prophets.
Rejection of their words will cut us off from the promised blessings.
Rejection of their words will make our lives empty of joy and gladness.
Rejection of their words will keep us from becoming one in mind and heart.
Rejection of their words will cause us to be bound in chains of obscurity.
The final admonition of father Lehi to his rebellious sons concerning rejection of Nephi as a prophet of God, I believe to be especially appropriate for us today in our personal pursuit of enduring.
And I exceedingly fear and tremble because of you, lest he shall suffer again; for behold, ye have accused him that he sought power and authority
over you; but I know that he hath not sought for power nor authority over you, but he hath sought the glory of God, and your own eternal welfare.
And ye have murmured because he hath been plain unto you. Ye say that he hath used sharpness; ye say that he hath been angry with you; but behold, his sharpness was the sharpness of the power of the word of God, which was in him; and that which ye call anger was the truth, according to that which is in God, which he could not restrain, manifesting boldly concerning your iniquities.
And it must needs be that the power of God must be with him, even unto his commanding you that ye must obey. But behold, it was not he, but it was the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, which opened his mouth to utterance that he could not shut it. (2 Nephi 1: 25-27)
Just a few final words from my pondering about my own pathway of enduring.
It is essential that my discipleship be founded in a firm conviction and commitment to the True and Living God of all mankind.
I must constantly increase my testimony that the Lord speaks and inspires His servants, the Living Prophets, with words which will aid me in my trial of endurance and assure me of the promised blessings.
I must act with the understanding that this moment of this hour of this day is part of my eternal test of enduring.
I constantly pray the Lord will bless me with the strength to triumph and endure in faithfulness this day and forever.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
Saturday, July 14, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Once having found the Pearl of Great Price – we must watch over – and – care for it – or – we will soon witness the diminishing of its brilliance!! ----- It is remarkable – when we share with others – the pearl of Great Price – which we paid such a high price to find – we will witness its brilliance increasing!!
Friday, July 13, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
When we allow our blessings – to become common – and – expected – there will follow a corresponding – lessening of our sensitivity – to how present God is in our lives!! ----- When we allow our blessings to become common – and – expected – we may find the frequency of their occurrences – diminishing!!
Thursday, July 12, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
One of the lessons we often learn – too late in life – is that the foundations – of our current explanations of life’s purposes – will undergo dramatic shifting – as we continue – through the various stages of life!! ----- One of the dangers – we should all be trying to avoid – is having our blessings – become common – and – expected!!
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We must never forget – no matter how fast we learn – or – how much we know – we will always lack more knowledge – than we have!! ----- Perhaps one of the reasons we have been given – such a pittance of knowledge – is when we realize we are lacking so much – we might be driven to continue to learn!!
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We should be cautious before thinking – about that plan – which concentrates on striving to overcome evil – because – what I spend my time thinking about – is usually what dominates my character!! ----- Those who choose to spend their days – thinking about – striving to put on righteousness – will be pleasantly surprised – to find they are gaining positive momentum – in their quest to return to their Eternal Home – as a worthy child!!
Monday, July 9, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Those who strive to make the places they stand in – Holy – will probably feel very comfortable – when they return to their Heavenly Home!! ----- There are two plans of action – for those who are preparing for the second coming of the Lord – they can spend their days striving to overcome evil – or – they can spend their days striving to put on righteousness!!
Sunday, July 8, 2018
EVERLASTING FATHERHOOD
I had barely filed the Thought I wrote last week when my mind started to transfer to this week’s Thought. I understood I would be leaving the writings of Nephi in his first book and moving to his record in 2 Nephi. I was also aware that the first three chapters of his second book contained the events and blessings of his father Lehi’s last days of mortality.
During the week my mind wandered in many directions, but as Wednesday, which is my Thought writing day arrived in real time, I was taken in the direction which follows.
If Lehi had really perished by going the way of all the world his last days on earth would probably have included any or all of the following activities:
Very little movement with an anticipation of basic needs being provided by others.
Desiring visitations from family and friends armed with stories of his wondrous deeds.
Hoping that his passing would come peacefully in the night.
I am pretty sure this small example of comments is sufficient to remind us that most of us do not go peacefully into the night but tend to spend our last days filled with me, me, me assumptions.
While contemplating this Thought I was stricken with the need to address myself to the practicing of the principles of fatherhood, rather than fatherhood itself since the involvement we have in this arena during mortality has such a variance of father-ness.
Pondering upon Nephi’s memorial writings about his father Lehi leaves us with little doubt that Lehi understood and was committed to the following principles about Fatherhood:
Practicing the principles of fatherhood during his life was a paramount purpose of his mortal probationary period.
Of all the callings and professions he would be involved in during mortality, the only one which was also an apprenticeship for his eternal work and glory was fatherhood.
He understood the reason learning and practicing the principles of fatherhood are such an important part of the mortal probationary period is because if we are to become perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect, our movement toward perfection must include eventual perfection as fathers.
He understood the more he was able to move toward inculcating true principles of fatherhood as part of his being during mortality the higher would be his starting point during his next phase of progression.
During the week as I have pondered upon the characteristics, attributes and perfections of our Eternal Farther of which I currently have a brief understanding, I have come up with this partial list:
Our Eternal Father in Heaven has declared His purpose to be to bring to pass the eternal life and immortality of his children.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven never limits the opportunity He gives His children to turn from their selfish choices and move toward returning home with honor.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven is aware and anxious to bestow greater light and understanding as we make our small progressive steps.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven sends us comfort, peace and assurance through His Holy Spirit to justify our small sanctification steps.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven blesses us with prophets who have lived righteously so that the veil has become sufficiently thin to allow continual revelatory instruction.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven is anxiously awaiting our petitions for personal instruction on the steps needed for our continual progression.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven is always present awaiting our invitation to be encircled in His love.
Although the list is short and incomplete it has at least given me the opportunity before bidding adieu to father Lehi to think and ponder the wonderful opportunity our Father in Heaven has given us all to have a glimpse of His Majesty and what significance that understanding has for the eternal us.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
During the week my mind wandered in many directions, but as Wednesday, which is my Thought writing day arrived in real time, I was taken in the direction which follows.
If Lehi had really perished by going the way of all the world his last days on earth would probably have included any or all of the following activities:
Very little movement with an anticipation of basic needs being provided by others.
Desiring visitations from family and friends armed with stories of his wondrous deeds.
Hoping that his passing would come peacefully in the night.
I am pretty sure this small example of comments is sufficient to remind us that most of us do not go peacefully into the night but tend to spend our last days filled with me, me, me assumptions.
While contemplating this Thought I was stricken with the need to address myself to the practicing of the principles of fatherhood, rather than fatherhood itself since the involvement we have in this arena during mortality has such a variance of father-ness.
Pondering upon Nephi’s memorial writings about his father Lehi leaves us with little doubt that Lehi understood and was committed to the following principles about Fatherhood:
Practicing the principles of fatherhood during his life was a paramount purpose of his mortal probationary period.
Of all the callings and professions he would be involved in during mortality, the only one which was also an apprenticeship for his eternal work and glory was fatherhood.
He understood the reason learning and practicing the principles of fatherhood are such an important part of the mortal probationary period is because if we are to become perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect, our movement toward perfection must include eventual perfection as fathers.
He understood the more he was able to move toward inculcating true principles of fatherhood as part of his being during mortality the higher would be his starting point during his next phase of progression.
During the week as I have pondered upon the characteristics, attributes and perfections of our Eternal Farther of which I currently have a brief understanding, I have come up with this partial list:
Our Eternal Father in Heaven has declared His purpose to be to bring to pass the eternal life and immortality of his children.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven never limits the opportunity He gives His children to turn from their selfish choices and move toward returning home with honor.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven is aware and anxious to bestow greater light and understanding as we make our small progressive steps.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven sends us comfort, peace and assurance through His Holy Spirit to justify our small sanctification steps.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven blesses us with prophets who have lived righteously so that the veil has become sufficiently thin to allow continual revelatory instruction.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven is anxiously awaiting our petitions for personal instruction on the steps needed for our continual progression.
Our Eternal Father in Heaven is always present awaiting our invitation to be encircled in His love.
Although the list is short and incomplete it has at least given me the opportunity before bidding adieu to father Lehi to think and ponder the wonderful opportunity our Father in Heaven has given us all to have a glimpse of His Majesty and what significance that understanding has for the eternal us.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
Saturday, July 7, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Those who have been blessed – to stand in Holy Temples of the Lord – should have a very good idea – what it feels like to stand in Holy places!! ----- The Holy places we stand in – must be made strong enough to resist – the disrupting forces – which attempt to diminish – the peace of those Holy places!!
Friday, July 6, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
If we strive to make the places we are in Holy – it makes for a pretty sure bet – that we will be standing – in Holy places – when the Savior comes!! ----- We can increase our understanding – of how to make the places we stand in – Holy – by including prayer – and – scripture study – in our daily activities in those places!!
Thursday, July 5, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Many of the pains of the world – would cease to plague humanity – if we could learn to love one another – and – learn to manifest our love for each other appropriately – in every kind of relationship!! ----- The would become a much more beautiful place – if we could learn to see our differences – as a positive thing!!
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
There is nothing wrong – with having love for many – as long as we understand – the proprieties of different kinds of relationships!! ----- Since one of the Savior’s admonitions – is that we love everyone – one of the most important social interaction understandings we should gain – is the proper involvement – we should have in every relationship!!
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
If you are reluctant to reveal – who your really are – it is probably time – to make some changes!! ----- The personality traits – you are willing to reveal to others – are probably an indicator – of who you would really like to be!!
Monday, July 2, 2018
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
The shortest road to disappointment – is taken when we believe – what we are doing – and – the things we are involved with – are of the ultimate of importance!! ----- When we take into consideration – the lives of many of the people we see – while traveling on the roads of mortality – one of the greatest compliments we can receive – might be – is that we are a peculiar people – who are on the road less traveled!!
Sunday, July 1, 2018
GREAT ARE THE WORDS OF ISAIAH
As I mentioned in last week's thought when writing a thought stimulated by one of the Book of Mormon writers having referred to a chapter in Isaiah, I will be using the following four points as Guide:
1. Attempt to convey what Nephi was trying to have his people apply to themselves in the passages of Isaiah being quoted.
2. Include the chapter headings offered by Bruce R. McConkie in the English LDS edition of the Bible, with additional personal and brief comments that hopefully will not distract from his summation.
3. Attempt to communicate the personal likening I receive from this reading of this chapter quoted from Isaiah.
4. Hopefully, provide a stimulus for whomever might be reading this Thought to receive their personal likening from the passages of Isaiah being written about.
First Nephi chapters 20 and 21 – Isaiah chapters 48 and 49 (it would probably prove of great value to at least quickly review these chapters before continuing to read the rest of this Thought)
An attempt to convey what Nephi was trying to have his people liken unto themselves in the passages of Isaiah being quoted.
And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had read these things which were engraven upon the plates of brass, my brethren came unto me and said unto me: What meaneth these things which ye have read? Behold, are they to be understood according to things which are spiritual, which shall come to pass according to the spirit and not the flesh? And I, Nephi, said unto them: Behold they were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which shall come upon the children of men according to the flesh. (1 Nephi 22:1, 2)
The likening’s of Nephi: 1 Nephi 22
House of Israel sooner or later to be scattered upon all the face of the earth.
Many of the tribes are already led away, hated and scattered among the nations.
Gentiles (all the peoples who are not of the House of Israel) will nourish and be a standard for those of the House of Israel who have been
scattered.
A mighty nation will be raised up among the Gentiles upon the face of the promised land.
A mighty work of great worth to be done among the Gentiles.
The promises of Abraham's covenants with the Father to be renewed among the Gentiles.
Covenants of Abraham to be made bare unto all nations bringing all out of captivity and darkness.
All will come to know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
The church of the Devil to war among themselves falling into the pit they have dug, tumble into the dust and become stubble.
The churches built to get gain, to have power over the flesh, to become popular need to fear and tremble because they shall be made low.
Righteous covenant keepers will be preserved.
A great Prophet (Jesus the Christ – the Holy One of Israel) to be raised up.
Children of the Lord to be gathered into one fold by a One Shepherd.
Because of the righteousness of His people, Satan will be bound for many years and the righteous will dwell in peace.
Nephi’s promise; If his people will be obedient to the commandments and endure to the end, they shall be saved at the last day.
Bruce R. McConkie's likening’s: Chapter headings Isaiah 48, 49
The Lord reveals His purposes to Israel.
The House of Israel have been chosen in the furnace of affliction and are to go forth from evil.
Messiah shall be a light unto the Gentiles.
Messiah shall free the prisoners from the captivity of not keeping their covenants.
Israel to be gathered with power in the last day.
Kings to be the nursing fathers to the House of Israel.
My Personal likening’s:
I am grateful to be blessed to live in the time of the gathering, rather than the time of the scattering.
I am grateful for my fore fathers who had the inspiration and were blessed to join with those covenant people of the restored gospel.
I am grateful for the privileges and opportunities I have had to be involved in the gathering.
I am aware of the need to be more conscientious in honoring and keeping the covenants I make.
I am grateful to live in a day, like many the Book of Mormon people, when I can be instructed by living prophets who help me to understand the meaning of the of the ancient prophet’s words.
I pray that I have the strength and courage to follow the admonitions of Nephi to be obedient to the commandments and endure to the end.
Your personal likening’
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITITADO POR – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
1. Attempt to convey what Nephi was trying to have his people apply to themselves in the passages of Isaiah being quoted.
2. Include the chapter headings offered by Bruce R. McConkie in the English LDS edition of the Bible, with additional personal and brief comments that hopefully will not distract from his summation.
3. Attempt to communicate the personal likening I receive from this reading of this chapter quoted from Isaiah.
4. Hopefully, provide a stimulus for whomever might be reading this Thought to receive their personal likening from the passages of Isaiah being written about.
First Nephi chapters 20 and 21 – Isaiah chapters 48 and 49 (it would probably prove of great value to at least quickly review these chapters before continuing to read the rest of this Thought)
An attempt to convey what Nephi was trying to have his people liken unto themselves in the passages of Isaiah being quoted.
And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had read these things which were engraven upon the plates of brass, my brethren came unto me and said unto me: What meaneth these things which ye have read? Behold, are they to be understood according to things which are spiritual, which shall come to pass according to the spirit and not the flesh? And I, Nephi, said unto them: Behold they were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which shall come upon the children of men according to the flesh. (1 Nephi 22:1, 2)
The likening’s of Nephi: 1 Nephi 22
House of Israel sooner or later to be scattered upon all the face of the earth.
Many of the tribes are already led away, hated and scattered among the nations.
Gentiles (all the peoples who are not of the House of Israel) will nourish and be a standard for those of the House of Israel who have been
scattered.
A mighty nation will be raised up among the Gentiles upon the face of the promised land.
A mighty work of great worth to be done among the Gentiles.
The promises of Abraham's covenants with the Father to be renewed among the Gentiles.
Covenants of Abraham to be made bare unto all nations bringing all out of captivity and darkness.
All will come to know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
The church of the Devil to war among themselves falling into the pit they have dug, tumble into the dust and become stubble.
The churches built to get gain, to have power over the flesh, to become popular need to fear and tremble because they shall be made low.
Righteous covenant keepers will be preserved.
A great Prophet (Jesus the Christ – the Holy One of Israel) to be raised up.
Children of the Lord to be gathered into one fold by a One Shepherd.
Because of the righteousness of His people, Satan will be bound for many years and the righteous will dwell in peace.
Nephi’s promise; If his people will be obedient to the commandments and endure to the end, they shall be saved at the last day.
Bruce R. McConkie's likening’s: Chapter headings Isaiah 48, 49
The Lord reveals His purposes to Israel.
The House of Israel have been chosen in the furnace of affliction and are to go forth from evil.
Messiah shall be a light unto the Gentiles.
Messiah shall free the prisoners from the captivity of not keeping their covenants.
Israel to be gathered with power in the last day.
Kings to be the nursing fathers to the House of Israel.
My Personal likening’s:
I am grateful to be blessed to live in the time of the gathering, rather than the time of the scattering.
I am grateful for my fore fathers who had the inspiration and were blessed to join with those covenant people of the restored gospel.
I am grateful for the privileges and opportunities I have had to be involved in the gathering.
I am aware of the need to be more conscientious in honoring and keeping the covenants I make.
I am grateful to live in a day, like many the Book of Mormon people, when I can be instructed by living prophets who help me to understand the meaning of the of the ancient prophet’s words.
I pray that I have the strength and courage to follow the admonitions of Nephi to be obedient to the commandments and endure to the end.
Your personal likening’
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITITADO POR – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
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