All sorts of ideas flow into my mind and heart when I read this Isaiah chapter (2 Nephi 15). Isaiah brings up a time when the laws of God are rejected the people. The same thing happens through out history. The Jews were destroyed when they rejected their Messiah and were fully ripe. The Nephites, the Jaredites, the Canaanites all had similar total destruction of their civilizations. These nations all have one thing in common: the people have no interest in the Lord and his statutes. And it is happening again. Our great gentile nation seems to ripening in iniquity. We see the symptoms all around us. What is this ripening nation like and what will inevitably happen? Let see what Isaiah has to say.
The Lord talks about a very fruitful hill (v.1). This sounds to me like a chosen land, perhaps, America as we apply the scriptures to our day and age. The land is a choice vine and has a tower (v.2). This is a knowledge of Christ and having a prophet among them. The gentiles (including the saints) have been given the gospel. But this nation brings forth (generally) wild grapes. Their fruits or works are not good. The Lord then asks what more could he do? (v.4) He then says that he will take away this nation's defences (hedge) and trodden it down! (v.5) He will lay it waste. (v.6). Isaiah then clarifies that the vineyard is the house of Israel (v.6) but when he looks for judgment (justice) all he finds is oppression. The righteous are crying.
Isaiah then pronounces a woe to those who force everyone to live in houses so close to each other (v.8). There needs to be space to be alone. He then says the houses will be empty (v.9). This is another portend of total destruction. The land will not produce an increase (v.10).
Isaiah talks of people who drink from morning to night. This could be a metaphor of a people who take no thought of the Lord from morning to night. It could depict a people who never has time to slow down and seek the Lord. (v.11)
These same people are constantly going from one pleasure to the next, enjoying music, and partying (v.12). With this attitude about life, they don't regard the work of the Lord nor consider the operation of His hands. They don't see the big picture, that theirs more to life than working and pleasure day after day. These people have gone into captivity (v.13) because they have no knowledge (of God and His work). It's like everyone is famished and dried up with thirst. Spiritual things don't even cross their mind! They are unaware that their is another way, another choice than the one they are living!
Because of state of affairs among men, knowing nothing of the things of God, hell has enlarged herself and opened her mouth without measure. The culture is completely corrupt. Those that glory in this culture are descending into hell. (v.14)
Because of this state of affairs, those in power will be brought down. They will be humbled (v.15). The Lord will rule this land (v.16). The land will be given to others (v.17).
Isaiah pronounces another woe on those who influence others to do iniquity (v.19). They tempt the Lord wanting to see with their eyes, this supposed destruction that will come because of their supposed wickedness. They call evil good and good evil (v.20). They purport their dark ways as light and their sinful (bitter)lives as real living and the sweet wholesome life as foolish and boring.
Another woe is pronounced on those that are wise on their own eyes and prudent in their own sight. Don't we all want be wise and prudent? But, coupled with pride brings a curse from the Lord. (v.21) A lot more could be said on this subject. What we perceive as normal in our culture could really be pride from a spiritual stand point.
Isaiah pronounces a woe unto men who use alcohol. (v.22)
When I read this verse, I think of lawyers that justify the wicked for reward. Through sophistry they are able to take from the righteous that which was given them through righteous living.(v.23)
This verse (v.24) reminds of new age gurus, masters, speakers, teachers that purport their doctrine mingled with scripture as the way to happiness. They are rewarded with money for their Korihorian doctrine. They then surmise that they have found the truth because people keep on giving them money. But they teach a false doctrine where righteous work isn't required to get anything in this life. Isaiah says that they will be destroyed "because they have cast away the law of the Lord of Hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel." (v.24)
After this verse Isaiah describes terrible destruction. Once everybody in the society is in the chains of hell, the society is ripe for destruction. They no longer worship the God of the land, Jesus Christ. The people have succumbed to false doctrines. The laws set by God are universally not obeyed. The great plan of happiness is void among this people.
When this general wickedness is the norm, a abomination of desolation is pronounced on the nation. Isaiah says that an ensign to the nations will rise up from afar (v.26) and move swiftly and have sharp arrows (v.28) and roar like a young lion (v.29), and lay hold on their prey... and none shall deliver. After this there will be darkness and sorrow in the land (v. 30)
These last verses seem to tie to the young lion in 3 Nephi 20, 21 and Mormon 5 which comes to the gentile nations and tears them apart like sheep. I believe all these verses are describing a time when the West (especially America) is ripened in iniquity and is destroyed (scourged, whipped) by what the Lord calls the remnant of Jacob.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Writings on the Liahona
In 1 Nephi 16, Lehi's family begins their journey. The Lord provide a ball that gives them the direction that they should take. The Lord also writes things on the Liahona to give them understanding. This writings changed from time to time according to their faith and diligence.
In chapter 17, Nephi remarks that they didn't use much fire (v.12) and then says
;"for [the Lord] said: I will make thy food become sweet, that ye acook it not;",... I find it interesting that Nephi is quoting from somewhere and using these quotes to teach his brethren (v. 15). I wonder if these might have been sayings on the Liahona.
Nephi quotes the Lord in the next verse: "And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led."
Nephi quotes the Lord again in verse 14: "Yea, and the Lord said also that: After ye have arrived in the promised land, ye shall know that I, the Lord, am God; and that I, the Lord, did deliver you from destruction; yea, that I did bring you out of the land of Jerusalem."
Perhaps, Nephi is getting these quotes from the brass plates or from his or his father's revelations. Of course, I don't know, but could it be possible the he is quoting directly from what was written on the Liahona? The writings are very specific to their travels in the wilderness. He seems to be reminding he brethren of the something they would recognize that it came from a legitimate source. The Liahona could have been the source.
In chapter 17, Nephi remarks that they didn't use much fire (v.12) and then says
;"for [the Lord] said: I will make thy food become sweet, that ye acook it not;",... I find it interesting that Nephi is quoting from somewhere and using these quotes to teach his brethren (v. 15). I wonder if these might have been sayings on the Liahona.
Nephi quotes the Lord in the next verse: "And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led."
Nephi quotes the Lord again in verse 14: "Yea, and the Lord said also that: After ye have arrived in the promised land, ye shall know that I, the Lord, am God; and that I, the Lord, did deliver you from destruction; yea, that I did bring you out of the land of Jerusalem."
Perhaps, Nephi is getting these quotes from the brass plates or from his or his father's revelations. Of course, I don't know, but could it be possible the he is quoting directly from what was written on the Liahona? The writings are very specific to their travels in the wilderness. He seems to be reminding he brethren of the something they would recognize that it came from a legitimate source. The Liahona could have been the source.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Jaredites, another Noah
Ether 2.
I found it interesting that Jared and his brother didn't just gather all the regular, domesticated animals but caught wild birds (v.2) and put them in cages. They also made vessels (v.3) to carry fish. When the Lord commanded the people of this time to scatter upon all the face of the earth (Ether 1:33), it meant that the people would have to populate other parts of the earth with animals. This would especially apply to the Americas where, after the flood, there wouldn't be any animals including fresh water fish. Noah had released all his animals in Asia.
Noah's descendants disobeyed the commandment of the Lord and stayed in one geographic local. The Lord, in his wrath, confounded the language of the people to force them to scatter upon all the face of the earth (Ether 1:33).
So, it was required of the Jaredites to bring animals, birds, fish and honey bees to the new land. They acted like Noah and the Ark for the Americas!
Ether 1:33 Which Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered.
Ether 1:1-3 And it came to pass that Jared and his brother, and their families, and also the friends of Jared and his brother and their families, went down into the valley which was northward, (and the name of the valley was Nimrod, being called after the mighty hunter) with their flocks which they had gathered together, male and female, of every kind.
2 And they did also lay snares and catch fowls of the air; and they did also prepare a vessel, in which they did carry with them the fish of the waters.
3 And they did also carry with them deseret, which, by interpretation, is a honey bee; and thus they did carry with them swarms of bees, and all manner of that which was upon the face of the land, seeds of every kind.
-Scott
I found it interesting that Jared and his brother didn't just gather all the regular, domesticated animals but caught wild birds (v.2) and put them in cages. They also made vessels (v.3) to carry fish. When the Lord commanded the people of this time to scatter upon all the face of the earth (Ether 1:33), it meant that the people would have to populate other parts of the earth with animals. This would especially apply to the Americas where, after the flood, there wouldn't be any animals including fresh water fish. Noah had released all his animals in Asia.
Noah's descendants disobeyed the commandment of the Lord and stayed in one geographic local. The Lord, in his wrath, confounded the language of the people to force them to scatter upon all the face of the earth (Ether 1:33).
So, it was required of the Jaredites to bring animals, birds, fish and honey bees to the new land. They acted like Noah and the Ark for the Americas!
Ether 1:33 Which Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered.
Ether 1:1-3 And it came to pass that Jared and his brother, and their families, and also the friends of Jared and his brother and their families, went down into the valley which was northward, (and the name of the valley was Nimrod, being called after the mighty hunter) with their flocks which they had gathered together, male and female, of every kind.
2 And they did also lay snares and catch fowls of the air; and they did also prepare a vessel, in which they did carry with them the fish of the waters.
3 And they did also carry with them deseret, which, by interpretation, is a honey bee; and thus they did carry with them swarms of bees, and all manner of that which was upon the face of the land, seeds of every kind.
-Scott
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Final Battles: Stuck in a worsening state of unbelief
I have been reading Mormon 1-5. The Nephites couldn't pull out of their natural man state manifested by unbelief, hard heartedness, wickedness, fear, cursing God, delighting in shedding blood, boasting, not recognizing God's hand in their lives, going on the offensive and taking revenge.
Chapter 1/2 - The Nephites Are About to be Destroyed
It starts out around A.D 322. A war gets started between the Lamanites and Nephites. The Nephites win and there's no war for four years. At this time wickedness prevails upon the face of the whole land (v.13). The last three disciples are taken away and miracles and healing cease. The Holy Ghost didn't come upon any. The Nephites are in a terrible state of unbelief. (v.14)
Mormon at age 15 (A.D 326) tries to preach to the people but he is is forbidden by God. Why, because they had willfully rebelled against their God (v.16). In that same year, 326, Mormon becomes the leader (age 16) of the Nephite armies. I wonder if the people, even in their wickedness recognized a powerful, spiritual man when they saw one. Another battle ensues. The Nephites are frightened and would not fight. They retreat to Angola but are driven out by the Lamanites. They are driven out of the land of David and up into the land of Joshua. They gather the people into one body. Great destruction hangs over the people but they won't repent. (2:8) Blood and carnage is everywhere. In 330, the Nephites beat the Lamanites.
Also, in 330 the people start to cry, mourn and lament their situation. Mormon begins to rejoice that the people are repenting but their sorrowing is the sorrowing of the damned. Instead they curse God and wish to die. But they continued to struggle for their lives. The day of grace was past. (v.15). By 344 thousands are hewn down in open rebellion against their God.
Chapter 2 - Near Destruction turns into resounding victory and ends up with giving the Lamanites the land southward for peace.
In 345 (v.16) the Nephites are fleeing once again from the Lamanites even to the land of Jashon before Mormon could stop them in their retreat. Mormon is now 35 and gets the plates. It is interesting that Ammaron told Mormon to go and get the plates of Nephi when he arrived at the age of 'around' 24. Mormon must have been very busy. In the same year the Nephites are hunted and driven further north to a land called Shem. The people are gathered to save them from destruction.
In 346 (v.22) the Lamanites attacked again but under Mormon's direction, the Nephites stood boldly before the Lamanites. His words aroused them somewhat (v.23) so they didn't flee. The Lamanites ended up fleeing. The Nephites chased them and beat them but none of this was accompanied by the strength of the Lord (v.26). They were weak like the Lamanites. Mormon sorrows because none of this matters without the help from the Lord. They take possession of the lands of their inheritance (v,27).
In 349 a treaty is made (v.28) with the Lamanites and robbers and the Nephites give up all the land southward of the narrow neck. Mormon is now 38 years old.
Chapter 3 - Nephites take matters into their own handsFor 10 years Mormon fortifies the land and in 360 the Lord commands Mormon to cry repentance. If they repent they will be spared. But, the Nephites don't get it. They don't realize that it was the Lord who spared them and granted unto them a chance to repent. Their hearts are hardened. I wonder if America does the same thing. Are we being upheld by the Lord and don't realize it? How far along are we along in our pride? (see Mormon 5:22-24).
In 361 the Lamanites come down to the land of Desolation (v.7) The Nephites beat them.
In 362 the Nephites beat them again (v.8).
Because of their success the Nephites begin to boast of their own strength (v.9). The also swear by the heavens that they will avenge themselves of all their dead brethren. They decide to go on the offense and fight the Lamanites in their own lands. This apparently is a big mistake. Mormon utterly refuses to be their leader. Mormon has delivered them three times from their enemies but they wouldn't repent of their sins. The Nephites have been benefiting from a prophet-general for 36 years but don't recognize the source of the deliverance.
The voice of the Lord comes to Mormon saying that vengeance is mine and I will repay. When a person or a nation is wronged, don't go on the offensive! The Lord will take care of the matter. (v.15) Mormon stands as an idle witness.
Chapter 4 - The turning point - going on the offensive - the war spins out of control - The Nephites receive no help from the Lord.
In 363 the Nephites go on the offence and attack out of the city of Desolation southward. They are driven back and while yet weary, a fresh army of Lamanites comes along and the Nephites lose the city of Desolation. They gather at Teancum.
Because the Nephites went on the offensive they were on their own. Mormon says the Lamanites otherwise would have no power over them. (v.4) The wicked will punish the wicked.
In 364 the Lamanites fight at Teancum and are repulsed by the Nephites. The Nephites again boast of their strength and in their own might take Desolation again. Thousands are slain. Every heart is hardened and they delight in the shedding of blood. Mormon notes that their wickedness is more than in any other time. (v.12)
Because there isn't any support from God, the battles become a numbers game (v.13). The Lamanites take Desolation because their numbers exceed the number of Nephites. At this point a new evil enters the picture. The Lamanites attack Teancum, take the women and children prisoners and sacrifice them to their Gods.
Revenge and anger fill the hearts of the Nephites. By sacrificing their women and children, the Lamanites have moved the war up a notch. With this anger, the Nephites come out fighting and beat the Lamanites and drive them back to their own lands. (v.15)
There aren't any battles until 365. The Lamanites come against the Nephites with all their power. The numbers are so great that they aren't numbered. And this is the beginning of the end. It's like a game of Risk. One player finally turns in his cards, gets lots of armies and wipes out everyone else on the board. Mormon says that from this time forth the Nephites gain no power over the Lamanites. They are going to swept off the face of the earth. (v.18)
The Lamanites beat the Nephites in the land of Desolation. The Nephites flee to Boaz. It takes two tries but the Lamanites beat them. The Nephites are slaughtered the second time. Again, their wives and children are sacrificed unto idols. The Nephites are now fleeing taking everybody with them. Mormon sees that that the Lamanites are about the overthrow the land and goes and retrieves the sacred records (v.23). Mormon is 54 years old.
Chapter 5 - Mormon Take Command Without Hope - The Nephites Are Swept off The Land
Mormon repents of his oath and takes command of the armies. The Nephites are now looking to Mormon to deliver them. Mormon is without hope. The Nephites won't repent and call upon the Lord. (v.2)
The Nephites hold the city Jordan for a time. They are able to maintain other cities so the Lamanites couldn't destroy the inhabitants of the land. (v.4) The Lamanites run a scorched earth policy. The year is 379.
In 380, despite the bold efforts of the Nephites, the Lamanites (due to the greatness of their numbers) tread the Nephites under their feet. The Nephites take flight. Those that are faster escape. The rest are destroyed. (v.7) Mormon is now 69 years old.
Mormon laments the plight of the Nephites. He sees the Gentiles doing the same thing as the Nephites did in his day. (v.22) We are in the hands of God. We need to repent and humble ourselves or justice will come upon us. He quotes Jesus in 3 Nephi, "lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and none to deliver." (v.24)
The next chapter finishes off the Nephites. Now I will try to figure a message from these chapters. During this time, the Nephites weren't God-fearing. From the start, Mormon tells us they were in a state of unbelief and general wickedness. They believed they could rely on their own strength. They did realize that God was upholding them through his servant, Mormon. They stepped over the line when they boasted of their own strength. They stepped over the next line when they sought revenge and went on the offensive and attacked the Lamanites. From that moment on they were swept off the face of the land.
These same problems exist today, more or less in our American culture. Our belief in Christ is declining. Wickedness is rampant. We rely on our war machine to maintain our way of life. Do we realize that God is upholding us? Do we boast of our strength? Have we gone more and more on the offensive in recent years? Perhaps the argument can be made that we have been defending ourselves. I sure hope so. If not, we too are beginning to cross similar lines as the Nephites.
Chapter 1/2 - The Nephites Are About to be Destroyed
It starts out around A.D 322. A war gets started between the Lamanites and Nephites. The Nephites win and there's no war for four years. At this time wickedness prevails upon the face of the whole land (v.13). The last three disciples are taken away and miracles and healing cease. The Holy Ghost didn't come upon any. The Nephites are in a terrible state of unbelief. (v.14)
Mormon at age 15 (A.D 326) tries to preach to the people but he is is forbidden by God. Why, because they had willfully rebelled against their God (v.16). In that same year, 326, Mormon becomes the leader (age 16) of the Nephite armies. I wonder if the people, even in their wickedness recognized a powerful, spiritual man when they saw one. Another battle ensues. The Nephites are frightened and would not fight. They retreat to Angola but are driven out by the Lamanites. They are driven out of the land of David and up into the land of Joshua. They gather the people into one body. Great destruction hangs over the people but they won't repent. (2:8) Blood and carnage is everywhere. In 330, the Nephites beat the Lamanites.
Also, in 330 the people start to cry, mourn and lament their situation. Mormon begins to rejoice that the people are repenting but their sorrowing is the sorrowing of the damned. Instead they curse God and wish to die. But they continued to struggle for their lives. The day of grace was past. (v.15). By 344 thousands are hewn down in open rebellion against their God.
Chapter 2 - Near Destruction turns into resounding victory and ends up with giving the Lamanites the land southward for peace.
In 345 (v.16) the Nephites are fleeing once again from the Lamanites even to the land of Jashon before Mormon could stop them in their retreat. Mormon is now 35 and gets the plates. It is interesting that Ammaron told Mormon to go and get the plates of Nephi when he arrived at the age of 'around' 24. Mormon must have been very busy. In the same year the Nephites are hunted and driven further north to a land called Shem. The people are gathered to save them from destruction.
In 346 (v.22) the Lamanites attacked again but under Mormon's direction, the Nephites stood boldly before the Lamanites. His words aroused them somewhat (v.23) so they didn't flee. The Lamanites ended up fleeing. The Nephites chased them and beat them but none of this was accompanied by the strength of the Lord (v.26). They were weak like the Lamanites. Mormon sorrows because none of this matters without the help from the Lord. They take possession of the lands of their inheritance (v,27).
In 349 a treaty is made (v.28) with the Lamanites and robbers and the Nephites give up all the land southward of the narrow neck. Mormon is now 38 years old.
Chapter 3 - Nephites take matters into their own handsFor 10 years Mormon fortifies the land and in 360 the Lord commands Mormon to cry repentance. If they repent they will be spared. But, the Nephites don't get it. They don't realize that it was the Lord who spared them and granted unto them a chance to repent. Their hearts are hardened. I wonder if America does the same thing. Are we being upheld by the Lord and don't realize it? How far along are we along in our pride? (see Mormon 5:22-24).
In 361 the Lamanites come down to the land of Desolation (v.7) The Nephites beat them.
In 362 the Nephites beat them again (v.8).
Because of their success the Nephites begin to boast of their own strength (v.9). The also swear by the heavens that they will avenge themselves of all their dead brethren. They decide to go on the offense and fight the Lamanites in their own lands. This apparently is a big mistake. Mormon utterly refuses to be their leader. Mormon has delivered them three times from their enemies but they wouldn't repent of their sins. The Nephites have been benefiting from a prophet-general for 36 years but don't recognize the source of the deliverance.
The voice of the Lord comes to Mormon saying that vengeance is mine and I will repay. When a person or a nation is wronged, don't go on the offensive! The Lord will take care of the matter. (v.15) Mormon stands as an idle witness.
Chapter 4 - The turning point - going on the offensive - the war spins out of control - The Nephites receive no help from the Lord.
In 363 the Nephites go on the offence and attack out of the city of Desolation southward. They are driven back and while yet weary, a fresh army of Lamanites comes along and the Nephites lose the city of Desolation. They gather at Teancum.
Because the Nephites went on the offensive they were on their own. Mormon says the Lamanites otherwise would have no power over them. (v.4) The wicked will punish the wicked.
In 364 the Lamanites fight at Teancum and are repulsed by the Nephites. The Nephites again boast of their strength and in their own might take Desolation again. Thousands are slain. Every heart is hardened and they delight in the shedding of blood. Mormon notes that their wickedness is more than in any other time. (v.12)
Because there isn't any support from God, the battles become a numbers game (v.13). The Lamanites take Desolation because their numbers exceed the number of Nephites. At this point a new evil enters the picture. The Lamanites attack Teancum, take the women and children prisoners and sacrifice them to their Gods.
Revenge and anger fill the hearts of the Nephites. By sacrificing their women and children, the Lamanites have moved the war up a notch. With this anger, the Nephites come out fighting and beat the Lamanites and drive them back to their own lands. (v.15)
There aren't any battles until 365. The Lamanites come against the Nephites with all their power. The numbers are so great that they aren't numbered. And this is the beginning of the end. It's like a game of Risk. One player finally turns in his cards, gets lots of armies and wipes out everyone else on the board. Mormon says that from this time forth the Nephites gain no power over the Lamanites. They are going to swept off the face of the earth. (v.18)
The Lamanites beat the Nephites in the land of Desolation. The Nephites flee to Boaz. It takes two tries but the Lamanites beat them. The Nephites are slaughtered the second time. Again, their wives and children are sacrificed unto idols. The Nephites are now fleeing taking everybody with them. Mormon sees that that the Lamanites are about the overthrow the land and goes and retrieves the sacred records (v.23). Mormon is 54 years old.
Chapter 5 - Mormon Take Command Without Hope - The Nephites Are Swept off The Land
Mormon repents of his oath and takes command of the armies. The Nephites are now looking to Mormon to deliver them. Mormon is without hope. The Nephites won't repent and call upon the Lord. (v.2)
The Nephites hold the city Jordan for a time. They are able to maintain other cities so the Lamanites couldn't destroy the inhabitants of the land. (v.4) The Lamanites run a scorched earth policy. The year is 379.
In 380, despite the bold efforts of the Nephites, the Lamanites (due to the greatness of their numbers) tread the Nephites under their feet. The Nephites take flight. Those that are faster escape. The rest are destroyed. (v.7) Mormon is now 69 years old.
Mormon laments the plight of the Nephites. He sees the Gentiles doing the same thing as the Nephites did in his day. (v.22) We are in the hands of God. We need to repent and humble ourselves or justice will come upon us. He quotes Jesus in 3 Nephi, "lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and none to deliver." (v.24)
The next chapter finishes off the Nephites. Now I will try to figure a message from these chapters. During this time, the Nephites weren't God-fearing. From the start, Mormon tells us they were in a state of unbelief and general wickedness. They believed they could rely on their own strength. They did realize that God was upholding them through his servant, Mormon. They stepped over the line when they boasted of their own strength. They stepped over the next line when they sought revenge and went on the offensive and attacked the Lamanites. From that moment on they were swept off the face of the land.
These same problems exist today, more or less in our American culture. Our belief in Christ is declining. Wickedness is rampant. We rely on our war machine to maintain our way of life. Do we realize that God is upholding us? Do we boast of our strength? Have we gone more and more on the offensive in recent years? Perhaps the argument can be made that we have been defending ourselves. I sure hope so. If not, we too are beginning to cross similar lines as the Nephites.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Eating Right Brings Forth Knowledge!?
D&C 89:3,18-19
There is a division among the people: the majority choose to eat what I call the 'adaptation' while the minority quietly eat full Word of Wisdom with healthful intention. Who is more likely to be obedient to the principle of the Word of Wisdom - the healthy eaters or the eaters of regular American fare? Most of us eat according to the adaptation made to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints. (v. 3) The adaptation is to avoid alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee. But, why is it so difficult to eat as prescribed by the Word of Wisdom? The main part of the diet, as I read it, is herbs and fruit. The herb is the leaf, stem or root part of a plant. The fruit is the seed bearing part of the plant above or below the ground. Then comes grains and finally meat. Sugar, I hear, isn't even a food! Why is it that we get so defensive when others are trying to live the Word of Wisdom more fully? Here are some reasons.
We get defensive when our eating tradition is put into question.
We eat what we grew up on. What our mothers fed us to comfort us might not be as healthy as we think.
The stuff we are told to eat tastes delicious while herbs and fruit are less tasty (to nondiscerning taste buds) in comparison.
Finally, perhaps we have become unknowingly addicted to the stuff we eat and when we are deprived of that stuff we start craving it. We might not be aware enough to realize that our body is sending us messages for the food it is craving and we interpret the message as, "I'm going to get some candy".
There is a promise at the end of D&C 89.
Verse 3 mentions the promise:
3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
Verse 18 - 21 enumerate the promise:
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.
We, active, Latter-day Saints live the adaptation (to the weakest of the Saints) really well and we receive a certain level of promises commensurate to principle. Our health is generally better than the rest of the United States (demonstrated by Utah's lower health care costs). It would only stand to reason, that one who tries to live the Word of Wisdom (while keeping the commandments) more fully would have its promises manifested in their fullness. This person would have greater health (v.18); have wisdom; have precious knowledge (compared to a treasure) which is hid from the minds of others (v.19); be able to have great stamina when very busy (running) and during times requiring patient endurance (walking and not fainting)(v.20); and lastly, have a natural or miraculous resistance to something that will destroy many in the last days. (v.21)
One last thought: as we live the Word of Wisdom more fully - like any other true principle - it (the new way of eating) will become delicious unto us. (Alma 32:28) Our bodies as well as our spirits will like the change. But, remember, it might take a little time for bodies to quit crying out for what it craves (sugar, excessive meat and the like). The withdrawal can be difficult. Just remember the wonderful promises!
There is a division among the people: the majority choose to eat what I call the 'adaptation' while the minority quietly eat full Word of Wisdom with healthful intention. Who is more likely to be obedient to the principle of the Word of Wisdom - the healthy eaters or the eaters of regular American fare? Most of us eat according to the adaptation made to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints. (v. 3) The adaptation is to avoid alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee. But, why is it so difficult to eat as prescribed by the Word of Wisdom? The main part of the diet, as I read it, is herbs and fruit. The herb is the leaf, stem or root part of a plant. The fruit is the seed bearing part of the plant above or below the ground. Then comes grains and finally meat. Sugar, I hear, isn't even a food! Why is it that we get so defensive when others are trying to live the Word of Wisdom more fully? Here are some reasons.
We get defensive when our eating tradition is put into question.
We eat what we grew up on. What our mothers fed us to comfort us might not be as healthy as we think.
The stuff we are told to eat tastes delicious while herbs and fruit are less tasty (to nondiscerning taste buds) in comparison.
Finally, perhaps we have become unknowingly addicted to the stuff we eat and when we are deprived of that stuff we start craving it. We might not be aware enough to realize that our body is sending us messages for the food it is craving and we interpret the message as, "I'm going to get some candy".
There is a promise at the end of D&C 89.
Verse 3 mentions the promise:
3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
Verse 18 - 21 enumerate the promise:
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.
We, active, Latter-day Saints live the adaptation (to the weakest of the Saints) really well and we receive a certain level of promises commensurate to principle. Our health is generally better than the rest of the United States (demonstrated by Utah's lower health care costs). It would only stand to reason, that one who tries to live the Word of Wisdom (while keeping the commandments) more fully would have its promises manifested in their fullness. This person would have greater health (v.18); have wisdom; have precious knowledge (compared to a treasure) which is hid from the minds of others (v.19); be able to have great stamina when very busy (running) and during times requiring patient endurance (walking and not fainting)(v.20); and lastly, have a natural or miraculous resistance to something that will destroy many in the last days. (v.21)
One last thought: as we live the Word of Wisdom more fully - like any other true principle - it (the new way of eating) will become delicious unto us. (Alma 32:28) Our bodies as well as our spirits will like the change. But, remember, it might take a little time for bodies to quit crying out for what it craves (sugar, excessive meat and the like). The withdrawal can be difficult. Just remember the wonderful promises!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Unbelief Brings About 'Reasonableness'
The majority of the Nephites have hardened their hearts. They have become set in their ways. They don't want to hear any more talk of Jesus coming. It looks like the just want to live in a world where the gospel rules don't apply. The 'most' believing part of the Nephites and Lamanites are still holding fast but the rest have begun 'to depend on the their own strength and upon the their own wisdom' (Helaman 16:15)
Wisdom #1 - 'Some things they have guessed right'
Wisdom #2 - 'It is not reasonable'
Wisdom #3 - 'Why will he not'
Wisdom #4 - 'This is a wicked tradition'(reversal)
Wisdom #1 relates to the following verse in Helaman 16:
16 Some things they may have guessed right, among so many; but behold, we know that all these great and marvelous works cannot come to pass, of which has been spoken.
In our day an unbeliever might explain away prophecies of the past as not having any real value. In essence Jesus guessed right about what will happen in the last days. Some how the unbeliever can discount it and shut it our of his mind. It might have something do with shutting out incongruencies that mess up his neatly ordered paradigm of the world.
Wisdom #2 is contained in verse 17 and 18:
17 And they began to reason and to contend among themselves, saying:
18 That it is not reasonable that such a being as a Christ shall come; if so, and he be the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, as it has been spoken, why will he not show himself unto us as well as unto them who shall be at Jerusalem?
Since you can't see it or prove it, it isn't reasonable to believe it. It is convenient to say the Christ will not come for a second time. Again, this belief forces each of us reconsider and improve our ways. This wisdom of reasonableness applies every other unseen thing found in the scriptures. For example, it isn't reasonable to believe that there literally was a Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve resided. Current scientific evidence somehow proves that the Garden didn't exist. The current evolutionary theories are always conclusive and set in stone in every generation bringing about a new wave of unbelief. When the real truth is known, there will not be a conflict between science and faith. We will all say ah ha, that makes perfect sense!
Wisdom #3 is found in verses 18 and 19 but verse 19 will suffice:
19 Yea, why will he not show himself in this land as well as in the land of Jerusalem?
God doesn't reveal himself to me so God does not exist. Or, God makes no such thing known unto me(1 Nephi 15:9), so the thing must not be true. What is not understood is, God only reveals Himself to those that seek Him with real intent and sincerity. He requires everyone to exercise faith first. I believe that it is never God's fault when He, for some reason, doesn't 'show' Himself (through the witness of the Holy Ghost) unto particular individual. If this problem is happening, perhaps something needs to change before the swelling motions (Alma 32:28)begin to occur. This can be either an attitude problem or a sin problem. But, God is waiting for the indiviual to line up with Him. Until then, no answers will come.
The next wisdom is based on the reasoning of the previous wisdoms and arrives at a self justifying conclusion:
20 But behold, we know that this is a wicked tradition, which has been handed down unto us by our fathers, to cause us that we should believe in some great and marvelous thing which should come to pass, but not among us, but in a land which is far distant, a land which we know not; therefore they can keep us in ignorance, for we cannot witness with our own eyes that they are true.
21 And they will, by the cunning and the mysterious arts of the evil one, work some great mystery which we cannot understand, which will keep us down to be servants to their words, and also servants unto them, for we depend upon them to teach us the word; and thus will they keep us in ignorance if we will yield ourselves unto them, all the days of our lives.
If the reasoning is true, than what is being taught by the Church is false. A reversal occurs in the unbeliever's mind that every good, moral, faith-promoting principal that they were ever taught is false. There are no laws from God. The strong foundation of what is right and wrong cracks and wears away. The new sandy foundation seems to hold up for a while but when the next storm comes (personal or prophecied) the new, reasonable tradition proves itself unstable and we see with our own eyes the error of new found belief and ways.
So, get that testimony. If you can only believe in my words (or Alma's) than that's a start. As you begin to believe, you will know what I speak is true because of the swelling motions (you feel good). As you continue to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and correct principles and see the miraculous results in your life, you will become anchored in your faith and be able to cast off the 'wisdom' of the world.
Wisdom #1 - 'Some things they have guessed right'
Wisdom #2 - 'It is not reasonable'
Wisdom #3 - 'Why will he not'
Wisdom #4 - 'This is a wicked tradition'(reversal)
Wisdom #1 relates to the following verse in Helaman 16:
16 Some things they may have guessed right, among so many; but behold, we know that all these great and marvelous works cannot come to pass, of which has been spoken.
In our day an unbeliever might explain away prophecies of the past as not having any real value. In essence Jesus guessed right about what will happen in the last days. Some how the unbeliever can discount it and shut it our of his mind. It might have something do with shutting out incongruencies that mess up his neatly ordered paradigm of the world.
Wisdom #2 is contained in verse 17 and 18:
17 And they began to reason and to contend among themselves, saying:
18 That it is not reasonable that such a being as a Christ shall come; if so, and he be the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, as it has been spoken, why will he not show himself unto us as well as unto them who shall be at Jerusalem?
Since you can't see it or prove it, it isn't reasonable to believe it. It is convenient to say the Christ will not come for a second time. Again, this belief forces each of us reconsider and improve our ways. This wisdom of reasonableness applies every other unseen thing found in the scriptures. For example, it isn't reasonable to believe that there literally was a Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve resided. Current scientific evidence somehow proves that the Garden didn't exist. The current evolutionary theories are always conclusive and set in stone in every generation bringing about a new wave of unbelief. When the real truth is known, there will not be a conflict between science and faith. We will all say ah ha, that makes perfect sense!
Wisdom #3 is found in verses 18 and 19 but verse 19 will suffice:
19 Yea, why will he not show himself in this land as well as in the land of Jerusalem?
God doesn't reveal himself to me so God does not exist. Or, God makes no such thing known unto me(1 Nephi 15:9), so the thing must not be true. What is not understood is, God only reveals Himself to those that seek Him with real intent and sincerity. He requires everyone to exercise faith first. I believe that it is never God's fault when He, for some reason, doesn't 'show' Himself (through the witness of the Holy Ghost) unto particular individual. If this problem is happening, perhaps something needs to change before the swelling motions (Alma 32:28)begin to occur. This can be either an attitude problem or a sin problem. But, God is waiting for the indiviual to line up with Him. Until then, no answers will come.
The next wisdom is based on the reasoning of the previous wisdoms and arrives at a self justifying conclusion:
20 But behold, we know that this is a wicked tradition, which has been handed down unto us by our fathers, to cause us that we should believe in some great and marvelous thing which should come to pass, but not among us, but in a land which is far distant, a land which we know not; therefore they can keep us in ignorance, for we cannot witness with our own eyes that they are true.
21 And they will, by the cunning and the mysterious arts of the evil one, work some great mystery which we cannot understand, which will keep us down to be servants to their words, and also servants unto them, for we depend upon them to teach us the word; and thus will they keep us in ignorance if we will yield ourselves unto them, all the days of our lives.
If the reasoning is true, than what is being taught by the Church is false. A reversal occurs in the unbeliever's mind that every good, moral, faith-promoting principal that they were ever taught is false. There are no laws from God. The strong foundation of what is right and wrong cracks and wears away. The new sandy foundation seems to hold up for a while but when the next storm comes (personal or prophecied) the new, reasonable tradition proves itself unstable and we see with our own eyes the error of new found belief and ways.
So, get that testimony. If you can only believe in my words (or Alma's) than that's a start. As you begin to believe, you will know what I speak is true because of the swelling motions (you feel good). As you continue to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and correct principles and see the miraculous results in your life, you will become anchored in your faith and be able to cast off the 'wisdom' of the world.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Helaman 7:22-23 What were the people doing that caused Nephi to cry on his tower?
Nephi returns from the north countries to find the Nephites in a state of wickedenss. The Gadiantons have taken over the government. Nephi gets on his tower and crys out to his God regarding the wickedness of the people. People hear him and start gathering around. Does Nephi want them to hear him or is this his custom when he prays? Nephi calls them to repentance. The people are marveling because they don't even know that they have digressed that far regarding righteousness. (v.15) The people are not aware that what the are doing is wicknessness. I bet they are going to church every week and eating and drinking and giving in marriage - being quite normal. They have done something to harden their hearts (v.18).
They had forgotten that the Lord has delivered them from the hands of their enemies(v.20). Unless they repent they will not have the strength of the Lord with them to protect them and will become meat for dogs and wild beasts (v.19).
What were the peoples' iniquities? In Helaman 7:21 we read:
21 But behold, it is to get gain, to be praised of men, yea, and that ye might get gold and silver. And ye have set your hearts upon the riches and the vain things of this world, for the which ye do murder, and plunder, and steal, and bear false witness against your neighbor, and do all manner of iniquity.
The sin is that they have their hearts set upon riches and the vain things of this world. They want to get gain and be praised of men. Their pride results in doing all sorts of natual man things (murder, stealing, bearing false witness, etc.). The natural man does what ever it takes to stay in control. People will do almost anything to keep their riches, be praised, or maintain their place in society.
So, having one's heart set on riches is the problem. It breeds all sorts of evil in our hearts. Since one cannot serve both God and Mammon we will always hate the one and love the other (Mathew 6:24). There isn't any middle ground. Isn't it interesting that riches creates a false sense of security in most people. Instead of securing themselves in the Lord, they replace the Lord with riches and power. 'They do not desire that the Lord their God...should rule...over them....' (Helaman 12:6)
We Americans have unsatiable wants. It seems like an uncontrollable urge. If we have more we want more. If we don't have riches, we hope to obtain them in order to spend it on that which perishes. We covet that which we have not received. (Mosiah 4:25) Jacob tells us that when we obtained a hope in Christ, that our desires change. Riches are no longer used to try to satisfy that which cannot be satisfied (2 Nephi 10:51). We seek and obtain riches for the intent to do good - which is to help those in need (Jacob 2:19). If we can say this in our hearts (with or without riches), we stand blameless before God.
They had forgotten that the Lord has delivered them from the hands of their enemies(v.20). Unless they repent they will not have the strength of the Lord with them to protect them and will become meat for dogs and wild beasts (v.19).
What were the peoples' iniquities? In Helaman 7:21 we read:
21 But behold, it is to get gain, to be praised of men, yea, and that ye might get gold and silver. And ye have set your hearts upon the riches and the vain things of this world, for the which ye do murder, and plunder, and steal, and bear false witness against your neighbor, and do all manner of iniquity.
The sin is that they have their hearts set upon riches and the vain things of this world. They want to get gain and be praised of men. Their pride results in doing all sorts of natual man things (murder, stealing, bearing false witness, etc.). The natural man does what ever it takes to stay in control. People will do almost anything to keep their riches, be praised, or maintain their place in society.
So, having one's heart set on riches is the problem. It breeds all sorts of evil in our hearts. Since one cannot serve both God and Mammon we will always hate the one and love the other (Mathew 6:24). There isn't any middle ground. Isn't it interesting that riches creates a false sense of security in most people. Instead of securing themselves in the Lord, they replace the Lord with riches and power. 'They do not desire that the Lord their God...should rule...over them....' (Helaman 12:6)
We Americans have unsatiable wants. It seems like an uncontrollable urge. If we have more we want more. If we don't have riches, we hope to obtain them in order to spend it on that which perishes. We covet that which we have not received. (Mosiah 4:25) Jacob tells us that when we obtained a hope in Christ, that our desires change. Riches are no longer used to try to satisfy that which cannot be satisfied (2 Nephi 10:51). We seek and obtain riches for the intent to do good - which is to help those in need (Jacob 2:19). If we can say this in our hearts (with or without riches), we stand blameless before God.
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