Day 27- I Cannot Come Down

We are all trying so hard to stay strong and not give up on whatever we struggle with and the dreams we are aspiring towards. We will be faced with trials and difficult choices in which we have to stand up to strangers, acquaintances, or even those we love. We need to be able to have the strength that Nehemiah had in this scripture and recognize that we canNOT come down from the great works that we are doing and lower ourselves to the standards of others or the world. We must help His work along and seek for the blessings of His eternal love. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a talk about this and I recommend reading or re-reading it.

"And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"

-Nehemiah 6:3

 

Click here to read Uchtdorf's talk: We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down

Day 26- Come With Haste

We have been told time and time again to "come unto Jesus." But how often, if we do choose to come unto  Him, do we hurry to His side? Do we rush to Him when we've received blessings to praise and thank Him? Do we rush to Him when others are in need of His help to ask for His help? Do we hurry to call out to Him for support when we need it? The faster we go to Him the faster Him will come to us when we need it. Just as the Lord was "slow to hear their prayers" when talking about those wicked Nephites who had been slow to call unto God, we will receive the same treatment if we decide to take our time getting to our Father and Savior. We must "make haste" to see and come unto Him.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

-Luke 2:15-16

Day 25- Christmas Lights

When I think of Christmas I think of all the fun things associated with it like family, treats, games, presents, laughing, snow, and more. But something I feel like I always associate with Christ is all of the lights. Christ  IS light and His birth into the world has brought the most light and love to the world than anyone or anything. So when I hear this scripture I don't just think of the creation of the world and sun... I think of Heavenly Father saying this as the angels rejoiced and His beloved son was born into this world.

"And I, God, said: Let there be light; and there was light."

-Moses 2:3

This a picture of the nativity at Temple Square. Click here to see more wonderful Christmas Temple Square events.

Day 24- A Good Friend

This scripture is very simple, but I believe it's message is very powerful. Like the friendship between Jonathan and David, they made each other want to better people and Jonathan even "loved [David] as his own soul" (see 1 Samuel 18:1). A good friend makes you want to be a better person. They lift you went you are down, they love you like family, and help you grow closer to your father in heaven. The phrase "sharpen the countenance" makes me to think a good person makes another good person to smile. :)

"Iron sharpeneth, iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

-Proverbs 27:17

Day 23- Suffer the Needy

During the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years (and for all the birthdays and parties right next to the holidays) I don't know about the rest of you, but I tend to get caught up the "season of giving" only in the way I want to. I will buy fancy gifts or even spend money on silly presents for my friends or family but will shy the other way when the Salvation Army people ring their bell or I'm asked to donate to charity. This christmas I've taken a new approach after learning a lesson from a friend who took the time to turn his car around and give to a man in need. Next time you go out- make sure to have spare change in your pockets of at least a dollar or two! If you can't afford to put five dollars into the bucket every time you pass- that's fine! But even contributing even a little bit every time you pass by will remind you what Christmas is really about- appreciating the birth of our Savior and learning to emulate his example. We must take to heart Mormon's words in these verses so that we realize how blessed we are and so we will strive to be less selfish always but especially during this beautiful holiday season.

"For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.

Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?"

-Mormon 8:37, 39

Click here to read more of Mormon chapter 8.

Day 22- God Forgets You Not

I was reading President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk when I came across this scripture and really loved it. It brings me such peace of mind to know that of all my Father's creations we- His children- were created above the beautiful and infinite heavens and stars, and only just below the angels in glory and honor. I want to keep that standing by remaining pure in heart and worthy of such love as I was first created as a daughter of God. If you haven't had a chance to read the talk just mentioned I would do so- he's speaking to women but it's applicable to any age or gender!

"When I consider they heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

What is man, that thou art mindful of him?...

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour."

-Psalms 8:3-5

Day 21- Give Thanks

Sorry I've been without good internet for a few days! Today, as it's Thanksgiving day where I live, was a very appropriate day for a scripture because I was realizing when we say "Give Thanks"... who are we thanking? Of course we say thanks to those we love and we are thankful for them in our lives... but to WHO are we thankful? Well our Heavenly Father and Savior of course! We give thanks to them for making possible all of our blessings in life. For some people- blessings are "relative." They consider something that had to work for and weren't just given to be something they earned or deserved and not necessarily a blessing. But their ability to even get the money or have the resources to get whatever they needed is SUCH a blessing! So give thanks today for everything and everyone you have! :)

"Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare."

-Psalm 75:1

Click here to also read the scripture in the picture: 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Day 20- Discern Between Righteous and Wicked

It's sometimes so hard to differentiate between two faced people who pretend to mean well but have very wicked intentions and those who really are trying to do the Lord's will. It's sometimes hard to recognize those "wolves in sheep's clothing." This scripture helps remember that we need to have faith that we will be able to discern between good and evil and use our agency accordingly to help build His kingdom and grow closer to Him.

"Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."

-3 Nephi 24:18

Day 19- In My Name

As disciples of Christ we are called to do all things in His name. When taking the sacrament we are covenanting to do all we call to even be worthy to take upon us His name to represent Him in all that we do. Being as imperfect as we are, we are no where worthy of actually taking upon His name but we must strive every day to become that. See the link to Elder Bednar's conference talk below to gain a better understanding of this. We must use His name while performing His work and establishing His kingdom. We must call upon Christ and do all things in His name so that we may be able to be examples of truth and love- as our Savior was.

"Very I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you;"

-3 Nephi 27:9

Click here to read Elder David A. Bednar's 2009 talk

Day 18- But As Thou Wilt

There are many a day (aka- most every day) where life doesn't go as planned. We must emulate the Savior's example and realize that it is the Lord's will and albeit we don't necessarily want to have to complete what we were sent here to do, we must understand it will be for our good and we must eat drink our own "bitter cup." What we endure will be NOTHING compared to what the Savior chose to suffer for us so we must never forget that He is there for us to help us bear all our pain.

"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

-Matthew 26:39

Day 17- Relying Upon The Lord

I know I am weak and I can barely do what is expected of me without feeling like I'm a failure or not living up to my potential. But with the Lord, I know that not only can I do what is expected but MUCH more than even I expected of me! This scripture brings me solace in knowing that tomorrow when I go up against at least fifty other people for a job I've been waiting for my whole life... the Lord will allow me to prevail if I rely on Him. Whether I prevail in my way (getting the job) or in the Lord's way (possibly not getting the job), because it was His will- I will have learned a lot and still have come out triumphant. 

"Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers."

-2 Chronicles 13:18

Day 16- Holy In All Manner of Conversation

It was a scripture like this and a conversation with a friend that really got me thinking about how I choose to talk to and (for lack of a better word) converse with others every day. It's not just enough not to use foul language, but I must also keep WHAT I talk about not foul. I need not degrade others in my speech, make light of serious or sacred things, or say ANYTHING that I wouldn't find appropriate to say around my Savior. This doesn't mean I always have to be talking about "church stuff," but it does mean that even in my silly conversations and fun times with friends or family- I must remember to show love and respect for myself and others. Not only being an example of Christ in my actions, but literally by words as well! The "speak  no evil" philosophy. 

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." 

-1 Peter 1:15

Day 15- To Have Eternal Life

This is one of my favorite scriptures and one I was taught to memorize since a young girl and I still love it. Some days it seems so daunting a task "keep my commandments and endure to the end" because sometimes I feel like no matter what I do I always end up messing up somehow and other days I feel like I'll won't even be able to endure to the end OF THE DAY! But then it's moments like today when I can breathe for a little bit and glimpse into what my future can be like if I really just follow the Savior's admonition to do these things... and I'll have eternal life! Not JUST eternal life- but a HAPPY eternal life with my family, friends, Heavenly Father, and Savior! Eternal! Forever! Makes me smile :)

"And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God."

-Doctrine and Covenants 14:7

Day 14- To Be Humble

Days like these remind me that even in times of joy and prosperity (even if it's just for a few hours) I need to not take credit for all that I have and I must humble myself. When I am not made to be humble through my circumstances and instead I bring myself to be humble because I want to be an instrument in the Lord's hands- that's when I find I am the happiest and I grow the most. I still grow when I am caused to be humble but it's so much more rewarding as Alma but it to humble yourself.

"And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?

Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same be blessed- yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty."

-Alma 32:14-15

Day 13- Thou Hast A Gift

Today in Sunday school this and the following verses really touched me and made me excited. I know that all I have is a gift from God and I've heard many times that all my talents come from Him as well... but for some reason hearing this scripture today and realizing all my abilities and talents are not only gifts from God but that they may all be consecrated to do His will! Wether someone is an artist, a construction worker, an accountant, or even a friend- every talent we have can be used to help His children and further His work! I think a beautiful example of this is Carl Bloch- he dedicated much of his life to create wonderfully spiritual masterpieces, and consecrated his talents to the Lord.

"Behold thou has a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above-"

-Doctrine and Covenants 6:10

Click here to see more Carl Bloch work.

Day 12- He Hath Redeemed

This and the surrounding verses make me really want to "break forth into joy." Christ Himself is speaking unto the people and quoting scripture to the people. Christ is all light and all joy and if even Job can be in the deepest of all misery and look to Christ and have strength and joy, I know I have all the more reason to do so as well. Christ suffered all so that we may have all joy. He's comforted His people and redeemed us all!

"Break for into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem."

-3 Nephi 16: 19

See 3 Nephi 16 for more.

Day 11- According to God's Wish

I figured it was appropriate for today's scripture to be about wishes seeing as it's 11/11/11 ;) There are so many times I'm always worried about what MY wishes and desires are that sometimes I forget that I need to allow God's wishes for me to shape who I am to become. He knows what I can be and he knows how to get me there!

"Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay."

-Job 33:6

Day 10- Love One Another

I was reading an old talk by Barbara B. Smith (you definitely need to check it out) and I really got excited about loving people! It makes me just want to love everyone I meet and let them know- YOU ARE LOVED! Your Heavenly Father loves you! Your Savior loves you! I don't even know you but I love you! Because we are commanded to love everyone and knowing that we are all such beloved children of our Heavenly Father, how can we NOT love everyone? <3

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

-John 13:35

Day 9- Tender Mercies

Psalms is so great. It's scripture music or scripture poems... I love music and poetry. <3 
Anyway I felt these beautiful verses described how I felt today when I was sent some wonderful and simple tender mercies. Even a still thriving flower in the cold beginnings of winter to me is a beautiful tender mercy. How many blessings have you received and not even noticed today? My mom made me stop and count my blessings, so I'm feeling VERY blessed today ;)

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth they life from destruction; who cronewth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies"

-Psalms 103:1-4

Click on the scripture to read the rest of this beautifully written chapter.

Day 8- Declaring All Things

There are many of us so blessed to have His truth in our lives. We need to share it with everyone and let them know how to have true happiness and purpose in life! When we teach in His name and by His spirit all things declare of Him!

"But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things."

-Doctrine and Covenants 100:7

See Fires of Faith on byutv for amazing examples of those who declared all things in His name. 

Day 7- Bless Them That Curse You

It always feels better to love someone rather than hate them. We're all children of God. Realize that sometimes those who treat you wrong are just as hurt or even a lot worse off than you are. If you stoop to whatever level of cruelty that has been shown you, you are not better than he who used you! 

"But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good."

- 3 Nephi 12: 44-45

Day 6- Get Wisdom

I sometimes get frustrated with school or worry how much it's really worth to me to continue my education. This scripture reminds me that the Lord not only suggests, but ASKS that we get education. But not just ANY education- we are to get valuable education that will help us understand. Understand life, understand our purpose, or understand God's creations! We must "get wisdom" and teach our children to do so as well!

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all they getting get understanding."

-Provers 4:7

Day 5- Making Weak Things Strong

Sometimes I wish I was Superman and I was super strong. Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. But this scripture gives me strength in reminding me that I'm weak. My being weak and learning from it is what will make me strong. And in the areas that I can't seem to make up for, He'll provide a way for that link to somehow be strong enough to hold together all the overwhelming aspects of life.

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

-Ether 12:27

Day 4- The Song of the Heart

I love this scripture. Maybe because I love singing or maybe because I love the hope that comes with knowing that if I turn to the Lord and "sing" unto him (in praise, in praying for help, or even silent prayers of thanks), and pour out my heart... not only will I feel better, but He'll continue to bless me.

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

-Doctrine and Covenants 25:12

Day 3- Be Exceedingly Glad

I came across this scripture in my morning reading and it reminded me of the same scripture in Matthew 5:12 that one of my little brother's had to memorize for a church program- whenever I read it I always hear his cute little 5 year old voice practicing it over and over. This scripture is so uplifting and humbling at the same time- we're are told to REJOICE in our persecutions and afflictions (whether physical or spiritual) and we're reminded of those great men the prophets of old who sacrificed everything for this work and were still tormented. Even prophets today still are afflicted in ways we don't always recognize, but they ALWAYS remain "exceedingly glad" and THAT's how I want to live!

"For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you." 

-3 Nephi 12:12* 

*Compare to Matthew 5:12

Day 2- To Be Content

This is one of my MOST favorite scriptures. My mom even brought it up randomly today when I was talking to her and it's just applicable to EVERY moment of every day. This should ALWAYS be the scripture of the day! 

"Not that I speak in respect of want:  for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am in, therewith to be content."

-Philippians 4:11

Reminds me of the "lemons to lemonade" attitude.

Day 1- Come listen to a prophet's voice

"Scripture" is words from God through His servants the prophets. So, I find it fitting that today's scripture is from the live devotional given on BYU campus today by our Prophet: President Thomas S. Monson!  (I recommend watching it if you didn't get a chance! It's rebroadcasted on Sunday on BYU tv or at byutv.org)

"We’re not human beings having a spiritual experience- *we’re spiritual beings having a human experience."                   

 -President Thomas S. Monson 

*see Elder Oaks' Address for more explanation