Week of November 27 - December 3, 2011
WEEKLY QUESTIONS
What verses stick out to me or would I like to remember?
What life lessons can I take from this chapter?
What does this chapter teach me about my Savior?
How can I apply what I've learned this week?
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Reread Vs. 5 - 7. The Lord desires that we be a covenant people. Why do you think this is? Why do you think there is so much power in covenants?
Reread Vs. 8. When King Benjamin says "Ye are made free," what does this mean? What kind of freedom is he talking about?
Reread Vs. 13. What things in your life compete with the Lord for your thoughts and attention? What are some ways you can keep the Master more present in the "thoughts and intents" of your heart this week?
Sitting here in my room reading about the experiences of my brothers and sisters that lived during King Benjamin's days fills my heart with love. They too, during their earthly experience have chosen the better part. It seems to come in the same way then that it does now. They were in the right place at the right time listening to their leaders teach them the words of Christ. They were touched by the Spirit of God, through the word of God. The Spirit moved them to a change of heart. Their desires changed as they accepted his words not only intellectually but deep down into their hearts. I love those experiences. Those moments when my heart is so full that my desires are only to do good. I know from experience that keeping that desire to do good continually requires help. That help comes in the form of covenants. It seems impossible to keep that desire in all our various trials in life without divine help. The Lord shares His power with us as we enter and keep the covenants we make. As I am wiling to always remember Him and keep His commandments He gives me His Spirit to strengthen me in that covenant. Being willing to do the Father's will seems synonymous with the word happiness. I truly am the happiest I can be when I am doing His will in my life. I love the freedom that I feel, the peace that comes, when I am truly taking His name upon me. That is the time that life seems beautiful! I love the Lord and am soooo appreciative that this chapter was chosen to be part of the sacred pages of the Book of Mormon.
ReplyDeleteThe last verse talks about the scripture we all know because of the recent YWYM theme - be steadfast and immoveable. I have been overcome the last two weeks at how much we all struggle doing this. Being that witness of God at all times and in all places really puts us to the test. I find the only way that I can overcome this struggle is to put God first in my life. When I put prayer and scripture study first the rest of my world falls into place.
ReplyDeleteI read this quote in the December ensign last night.
"Years ago, I heard this quote from President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities.”1
I decided to put it to the test. I started to get up before our children to spend time in the scriptures and in prayer. I noticed that I was able to accomplish more during the day. I had more patience and was more able to keep calm. It was also easier for me to recognize the promptings of the Spirit."
Here's the whole article - it is fantastic.
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/12/questions-and-answers?lang=eng