As I reflect on the scriptures and write these posts, I really want to make cumulative changes for the better and get frustrated when I slip back into old patterns.
Fortunately, a few days ago I recalled the introduction to a Sunday School lesson a number of years ago. The teacher was an engaging and intelligent man. He began by sharing the true story of a woman who decided that she would take the principle being taught that Sunday and live it perfectly for the next week, then the next week, she would add a new principle and live it perfectly as well. While I began making mental plans to try to do the same, he said, "She had a mental breakdown." Whoa. That stopped me in my tracks.
Sometimes I forget about grace and mercy and only judge myself on my perceived shortcomings and lack of progress. I know that makes me less than gracious in my interactions with my family and others as well. I am so grateful for the tender mercies of my Father in Heaven, for His reminders that I am His beloved child and that I don't have to be perfect for Him to love me.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
1 Nephi 7:2-5 The Power of the Word of the Lord
When the sons of Lehi return to Jerusalem to bring Ishmael and his family back with them into the wilderness, they gained favor by speaking the words of the Lord. Nephi says "the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael...insomuch that they took their journey with us." vs 5
This reminds me of Alma 31:5, "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to that which was just--yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them--therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."
Ishmael left his home and took his family into the wilderness because his heart was touched by the word of the Lord.
There have been many times in my life when I have been touched by the word of the Lord, but how am I doing today? Have I prepared myself to hear and hearken to His word? Because hearing is not enough. I must be willing, through His grace, to do, to change and to be who He is calling me to be.
Am I speaking the word of the Lord? Am I speaking love, truth, kindness and peace?
I noticed that Nephi didn't say, "They listened to me," or "They listened to my words." He gave all the credit to God. It reminds me of a great song, "Window to His Love." You can listen to it and read the lyrics here (scroll down).
This reminds me of Alma 31:5, "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to that which was just--yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them--therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."
Ishmael left his home and took his family into the wilderness because his heart was touched by the word of the Lord.
There have been many times in my life when I have been touched by the word of the Lord, but how am I doing today? Have I prepared myself to hear and hearken to His word? Because hearing is not enough. I must be willing, through His grace, to do, to change and to be who He is calling me to be.
Am I speaking the word of the Lord? Am I speaking love, truth, kindness and peace?
I noticed that Nephi didn't say, "They listened to me," or "They listened to my words." He gave all the credit to God. It reminds me of a great song, "Window to His Love." You can listen to it and read the lyrics here (scroll down).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)