3:46 AM 1/31/2008
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/16
How often have I murmured when I should not. I know the Lord loves me and my family. There is so much good to look towards, so many blessings to count. And though I have not heard and seen the manifestations seen by Laman and Lemuel, I have felt of God's love for me and seen the miracles in my life. If I could just remember those blessings, that when times get hard, I can stay positive and happy, then I can be polished like a rock. I will be a better husband and father.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
a stretched forth hand
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_sam/24/22
I can't imagine how difficult a situation David must have been in. After all this time of fleeing from Saul and his soldiers, Saul rests himself in the same place where David and his men are hiding. How many years has Saul been pursuing David now? It is sure that David is no longer a young boy. So perhaps 10 years? In any case, one might feel that David would have every right to kill Saul, but David, still a humble man of God, recognizes that by so doing would not solve all his problems. David put his life in the hands of God in the moment he revealed himself to Saul. Saul must have been touched by the Spirit to respond as favorably as he did, the evil spirit ripped from his breast.
I can't imagine how difficult a situation David must have been in. After all this time of fleeing from Saul and his soldiers, Saul rests himself in the same place where David and his men are hiding. How many years has Saul been pursuing David now? It is sure that David is no longer a young boy. So perhaps 10 years? In any case, one might feel that David would have every right to kill Saul, but David, still a humble man of God, recognizes that by so doing would not solve all his problems. David put his life in the hands of God in the moment he revealed himself to Saul. Saul must have been touched by the Spirit to respond as favorably as he did, the evil spirit ripped from his breast.
"The LORD ajudge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee."How many times have we felt provoked and then justified with our carnal desires to lash out in defense? At that moment we lay burdens on our shoulders that we will carry with us until we can let go and do just what David says to Saul. Hand it over to the Lord and let Him carry the burden. He's already taken the steps to do so for each of us and is there knocking at the door, waiting for us to answer.
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall again the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8: 36Our country has been quick to litigate, quick to protect its pride. It is the natural thing to do as we are carnal in nature. But is that really what we want to achieve? At the end of the day, it is not the acceptance of man, rather the acceptance of our Heavenly Father that we wish to have. But when in the thick of confrontation, it is so easy to lose sight of what's truly important as the throb of pride courses through our veins. Try this; master the first 5 seconds of first reactions. You should notice how soon a more eternal perspective returns and you will do so without wishing to take words back. In all we do, may we show that we value our brothers and sisters more than the filthy lucre of this world.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
rock of division
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_sam/23
Finally, the enemies of Israel notice that Saul is distracted in his foolish mission to kill David. There's nothing like a little opposition to bring one back to reality. The Lord knew this when he told Nephi that the seed of his brethren would be used to bring his own seed back to a remembrance of God.
Finally, the enemies of Israel notice that Saul is distracted in his foolish mission to kill David. There's nothing like a little opposition to bring one back to reality. The Lord knew this when he told Nephi that the seed of his brethren would be used to bring his own seed back to a remembrance of God.
Monday, January 7, 2008
easily becomes the mad man
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_sam/21
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_sam/22
Saul extends his anger and obsession to destroy God's priesthood, at least a good number of holy men. And this because they spoke kindly of David. David was never Saul's enemy; Saul made David his enemy. At this point, the good that may have been in Saul before his kingship seems to be all but gone. Instead of stopping the bloodshed and terror, he increases it all the more. It seems it would have been a good time for Israel's enemies to come in a claim the land, which could have been easily accomplished while the king and his army were out terrorizing the land on some unfounded crusade. We may not be avidly seeking the life of another human being as Saul sought David's, but it is human nature to give in to the hate and ill-will that can truly course through one's body, giving reckless strength and taking away all good logic. The first thing to do is stop and let reason back in. Next he should cry unto the one that can forgive all, even the Savior, to wash away the mud and filth that has been self-inflicted. Only then can the healing process begin and a more reasonable and eternal perspective take its rightful place.
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_sam/22
Saul extends his anger and obsession to destroy God's priesthood, at least a good number of holy men. And this because they spoke kindly of David. David was never Saul's enemy; Saul made David his enemy. At this point, the good that may have been in Saul before his kingship seems to be all but gone. Instead of stopping the bloodshed and terror, he increases it all the more. It seems it would have been a good time for Israel's enemies to come in a claim the land, which could have been easily accomplished while the king and his army were out terrorizing the land on some unfounded crusade. We may not be avidly seeking the life of another human being as Saul sought David's, but it is human nature to give in to the hate and ill-will that can truly course through one's body, giving reckless strength and taking away all good logic. The first thing to do is stop and let reason back in. Next he should cry unto the one that can forgive all, even the Savior, to wash away the mud and filth that has been self-inflicted. Only then can the healing process begin and a more reasonable and eternal perspective take its rightful place.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
1 Samuel, 19-20
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_sam/19
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_sam/20
Isn't it amazing how man can so easily forget. One moment a nobody and the next a somebody who has been a somebody for all his life and will always be. All powerful, all knowing, and everyone bows to your will. That seems to be the only way to explain why Saul succumbs to the passion of seeking to kill David. Even when he feels a good dose of the Spirit and prophesies among the prophets, he is quick to forget the Lord his God. So similar is his character at this point to Laman and Lemuel who also witness many mighty miracles and yet find all the reasons not to believe.
And David, this innocent boy who seeks only to please his God, spends so much of his life fleeing from a man, the King no less, that when the threat is no more, it seems David lets his guard down and he himself succumbs to the flesh, forgetting for a brief and consequential season that it is God who allowed him to be king and not his right to act as God. Indeed, it does seem that the responsibilities of leadership require humility, every wit, in order for a leader to remain a good leader and remain in good standing with God.
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_sam/20
Isn't it amazing how man can so easily forget. One moment a nobody and the next a somebody who has been a somebody for all his life and will always be. All powerful, all knowing, and everyone bows to your will. That seems to be the only way to explain why Saul succumbs to the passion of seeking to kill David. Even when he feels a good dose of the Spirit and prophesies among the prophets, he is quick to forget the Lord his God. So similar is his character at this point to Laman and Lemuel who also witness many mighty miracles and yet find all the reasons not to believe.
And David, this innocent boy who seeks only to please his God, spends so much of his life fleeing from a man, the King no less, that when the threat is no more, it seems David lets his guard down and he himself succumbs to the flesh, forgetting for a brief and consequential season that it is God who allowed him to be king and not his right to act as God. Indeed, it does seem that the responsibilities of leadership require humility, every wit, in order for a leader to remain a good leader and remain in good standing with God.
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