New Testament Thursday

Scripture of the Day:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 9 And he said unto me, My ^agrace is sufficient for thee: for my ^bstrength is made perfect in ^cweakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may ^drest upon me.

  10 Therefore I take pleasure in ^ainfirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in ^bpersecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am ^cweak, then am I ^dstrong.

Historical Background:

Here is the Bible Dictionary Summary of the Epistles to the Corinthians:

Epistles to the Corinthians. Corinth was the meeting point of many nationalities because the main current of the trade between Asia and western Europe passed through its harbors. Paul's first visit lasted nearly two years; his converts were mainly Greeks, men gifted by race with a keen sense of the joys of physical existence, with a passion for freedom and a genius for rhetoric and logic, but reared in the midst of the grossest moral corruption, undisciplined and self-conceited. Some time before 1 Cor. 2 was written he paid them a second visit (2 Cor. 12: 14; 2 Cor. 13: 1) to check some rising disorder (2 Cor. 2: 1; 2 Cor. 13: 2), and wrote them a letter, now lost (1 Cor. 5: 9). They had also been visited by Apollos (Acts 18: 27), perhaps by Peter (1 Cor. 1: 12), and by some Jewish Christians who brought with them letters of commendation from Jerusalem (1 Cor. 1: 12; 2 Cor. 3: 1; 2 Cor. 5: 16; 2 Cor. 11: 23).

Analysis of 1 Corinthians

1. Salutation and Thanksgiving (1 Cor. 1: 1-9).

2. Rebuke of the Corinthian Church for lack of unity (1 Cor. 1: 10 - 6: 20).

a. The spirit of partisanship and insubordination (1 Cor. 1: 10 - 4: 21).

b. The case of impurity (1 Cor. 5: 1-13; 1 Cor. 6: 9-20).

c. The lawsuits (1 Cor. 6: 1-9).

3. Paul's reply to inquiries made by them as to

a. Marriage (1 Cor. 7: 1-40).

b. Meat offered to idols (1 Cor. 8: 1 - 11: 1).

c. The order of worship, with special reference to the Lord's Supper and the use of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 11: 2 - 14: 40). This section contains 1 Cor. 12: 31 - 13: 13) a magnificent description of love, the greatest in the trio of things that abide forever.

4. Doctrine of the resurrection -

a. Of Christ (1 Cor. 15: 1-19).

b. Of the dead (1 Cor. 15: 20-34).

c. Degrees of glory (1 Cor. 15: 35-58).

5. Directions about a collection for the Christian poor at Jerusalem; information about Paul's, Timothy's, and Apollos's plans; final exhortations and salutation (1 Cor. 16: 1-24).

Soon after writing the first epistle Paul was driven from Ephesus by a riot (Acts 19). In Macedonia he met Titus (2 Cor. 7: 6), who brought him news from Corinth that his letter had been well received and had produced the desired effect; the Church had cleared itself of all complicity in a sexual offense and had excommunicated the offender (2 Cor. 2: 5-11). But Paul found that a personal coolness had sprung up between himself and his converts (2 Cor. 7: 2; 2 Cor. 12: 15), which unscrupulous opponents were turning to their own account.

Analysis of 2 Corinthians

1. Salutation and thanksgiving (2 Cor. 1: 1-11).

2. Personal, arising out of the report of Titus.

a. His own movements and feelings toward the Corinthian Church (2 Cor. 1: 12 - 2: 17).

b. The characteristics of the Christian ministry as exemplified by true apostles (2 Cor. 3: 1 - 6: 10).

c. An account of the impression produced on his own mind by the report of Titus (2 Cor. 6: 11 - 7: 16).

3. Welfare collection for the churches of Judaea (2 Cor. 8: 1 - 9;15).

4. Assertion of his own position as an apostle (2 Cor. 10: 1 - 12: 10).

5. Conclusion (2 Cor. 12: 11 - 13: 14).

Gospel Principles Outlined:

1) We have adversities to help remind us of the power of the Savior's Atonement.

2) The Savior's grace can always save us, regardless the circumstances.

3) In order to make are weaknesses strong, we must specifically address the issue with the Savior.

4) All people battle with weaknesses in this life.

5) The Lord is ready and willing to assist us in the process of improving.

What I Learned Today:

I take comfort in the stories of the scriptures that demonstrate how apostles and other leaders of the Church have overcome their weaknesses and adversity to do the will of the Lord.  Sometimes it can seem overwhelming to try to do the things that the Lord would have us do because we do not feel that we have the capacity to accomplish it.  Alone, we may not.  With the power of the Savior's Atonement, though, we can accomplish anything that He would have us do.  The effort that we must make is to align our will and thinking with that of our Father.  Then we will be able to do all that the Lord would have us do.

Things I Will Implement:

I need to do a better job of addressing my weaknesses specifically and directly with the Lord so that I can apply the Atonement to improve my situation and my ability to build the kingdom.

Old Testament Wednesday

Scripture of the Day:

Malachi 3:7-12

  7 ¶ Even from the days of your ^afathers ye are gone away from mine ^bordinances, and have not kept them. ^cReturn unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

  8 ¶ ^aWill a man ^brob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In ^ctithes and offerings.

  9 Ye are ^acursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

  10 Bring ye all the ^atithes into the storehouse, that there may be ^bmeat in mine house, and ^cprove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not ^dopen you the ^ewindows of heaven, and pour you out a ^fblessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

  11 And I will ^arebuke the ^bdevourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

  12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

Historical Background:

Here is some background on Malachi from the Bible Dictionary-

The prophecy of Malachi was spoken about 430 B.C. The first part (Mal. 1: 1 - 2: 9) is addressed to the priesthood, reproving them for their neglect of service to God. The second part (Mal. 2: 10 - 4: 6) is addressed to the people, speaking against marriage outside the covenant, divorces from wives within the covenant, and neglect of tithe paying, and reproving the general spirit of discontent. The faithful are encouraged to remain so, with the assurance that the Lord is mindful of them, and the disobedient shall fail in the day of the Lord’s coming. Notable passages are Mal. 3: 1, which is quoted in Matt. 11: 10 as having reference to John the Baptist; Mal. 3: 7-12, an exposition of the law of tithing; Mal. 4: 1, which speaks of the second coming of the Lord; and Mal. 4: 5-6, which deals with the return of Elijah (cited also in D&C 2; D&C 128: 17; JS-H 1: 37-39). All of Mal. 3 and 4 was quoted by the Savior to the Nephites, as recorded in 3 Ne. 24 and 25.

And more from the Guide to the Scriptures on Malachi-

An Old Testament prophet who wrote and prophesied at approximately 430 B.C.

The book of Malachi: The book or prophecy of Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. It seems to follow four major themes:¹ the sins of Israel—Malachi 1: 6-2: 17; Malachi 3: 8-9;² the judgments to come upon Israel because of their disobedience—Malachi 1: 14; 2: 2-3, 12; 3: 5;³ the promises for obedience—Malachi 3: 10-12, 16-18; 4: 2-3; and⁴ prophecies pertaining to Israel—Malachi 3: 1-5; 4: 1, 5-6 (D&C 2; 128: 17; JS-H 1: 37-39).

In his prophecy, Malachi wrote of John the Baptist (Mal. 3: 1; Matt. 11: 10), the law of tithing (Mal. 3: 7-12), the second coming of the Lord (Mal. 4: 5), and the return of Elijah (Mal. 4: 5-6; D&C 2;128: 17; JS-H 1: 37-39). The Savior quoted all of Malachi chapters 3 and 4 to the Nephites (3 Ne. 24-25).

Gospel Principles Outlined:

1) Obedience to God's commandments is critical to our development here on earth.

2) Tithing allows us to "return" to our Father in Heaven.

3) There are great spiritual and temporal blessings that come from tithing obedience.

4) One of the purposes of tithing is so that the Lord's kingdom has sufficient to serve people.

5) Obedience will always lead to promised blessings.  We can prove God in that.

What I Learned Today:

I was especially interested in the process of returning unto God that Malachi outlines here.  One of the "easiest" ways for us to show our obedience to God is by paying tithes and offerings.  It is interesting that when the Lord asks the people of Malachi to "return", he tells them to do it through tithes and offerings.  We all can continually return to the Lord as we improve the ways that we give of our means to building up the kingdom of God.

Additional Resources-

"The Lord's Way" by President Thomas S. Monson

"God Will Forgive" by President Spencer W. Kimball

Things I Will Implement:

I have recently been developing goals to improve the ways that I give within the Church as well as in my personal stewardship.  I think it would be wise to establish a personal plan regarding my offerings so that I can more perfectly "return" to my Father in Heaven.

Doctrine and Covenants Tuesday

Scripture of the Day:

Doctrine and Covenants 101:32-40

  32 Yea, verily I say unto you, in that ^aday when the Lord shall come, he shall ^breveal all things—

  33 Things which have passed, and ^ahidden things which no man knew, things of the ^bearth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof—

  34 Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.

  35 And all they who suffer ^apersecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my ^bsake yet shall they partake of all this glory.

  36 Wherefore, ^afear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your ^bjoy is full.

  37 Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the ^asoul, and for the life of the soul.

  38 And ^aseek the face of the Lord always, that in ^bpatience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.

  39 When men are called unto mine ^aeverlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the ^bsalt of the earth and the savor of men;

  40 They are called to be the savor of men; therefore, if that ^asalt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for nothing only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.

Historical Background:

This is a section providing comfort to the Saints after all the adversity that they had suffered through during the persecution in Missouri.  Here is the background from the section heading:

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, December 16, 1833. HC 1: 458–464. At this time the saints who had gathered in Missouri were suffering great persecution. Mobs had driven them from their homes in Jackson County, and some of them had tried to establish themselves in Van Buren County, but persecution followed them. The main body of the saints was at that time in Clay County, Missouri. Threats of death against individuals of the Church were many. The people had lost household furniture, clothing, livestock, and other personal property, and many of their crops had been destroyed.

Gospel Principles Outlined:

1) The Lord is aware of our struggles and adversity.

2) Persecution is a forerunner to blessings.

3) The Lord is our true source of joy.

4) Patience must govern our actions and lead us to eternal life.

5) There is great value in making covenants with God.

What I Learned Today:

Often we struggle to understand why we or others struggle with adversity in life and wish that there was more that we could do to alleviate suffering.  I have reflected a lot recently on what the Lord must be feeling as He sees the suffering or sees when people miss chances to serve.  I feel strongly that we should always seek opportunities to serve and build others up.  But, in doing so, we should never allow the adversary to convince us that we are not doing enough to discourage us from doing the things that we are already doing.  The Savior will always encourage us so that we can accomplish all that He has prepared for us, but he will never make us feel bad for those times we fall short.  That is what the Atonement is for.  We are just to patiently move forward in order to build up the kingdom of God.

Additional Resources-

Doctrine and Covenants Sunday School Manual

"Patience" by Elder Neal A. Maxwell

"That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior" by Sister Cheryl C. Lant

Things I Will Implement:

A priority I am focusing on right now is to endure well and be more grateful.  I really have a lot of blessings in my life and I feel very happy because of it.  I want to express that more in my communications my Father in Heaven.

Book of Mormon Monday

Scripture of the Day:

Moroni 6:1-6

1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth ^afruit meet that they were ^bworthy of it.

  2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a ^abroken ^bheart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.

  3 And none were received unto baptism save they ^atook upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.

  4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and ^acleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the ^bchurch of Christ; and their^cnames were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually ^dwatchful unto prayer, ^erelying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

  5 And the ^achurch did meet together ^boft, to ^cfast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

  6 And they did ^ameet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in ^bremembrance of the Lord Jesus.

Historical Background:

In this part of the Book of Mormon, Moroni is sharing some of the teachings of his father, Mormon, that he believes would be of benefit to future generations that would read the book.  This chapter discusses the organization of the Church, the process of baptism, and the make-up of their Sabbath day meetings.

Gospel Principles Outlined:

1) Baptism is to be performed by the proper authority.

2) Worthiness and repentance are pre-conditions for baptism.

3) Members are to "meet together oft."

4) The sacrament should be a central focus of our Sabbath worship.

5) Through baptism, we covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Christ.

What I Learned Today:

The focus of the ordinances that we perform in the Church is Jesus Christ.  We are consistently reminded of the great power of His Atonement and the role that it can and should play in our lives.  As we participate in gospel ordinances or observe others as they participate in gospel ordinances, we should us it as a time to reflect on the role that the Savior is playing in our lives.

Also, the Sabbath should be a day where we reach out to others in their adversity so that they can be lifted and strengthen.  We should seek to comfort one another.  Implicit in this is the fact that we must be aware of one another's needs.  We need to talk to people at Church.  Reach out to one another and pass on the necessary information to our leaders so that needs can be met and lives can be blessed.  We all can and should do something, and take courage in any progress that we might make.

Additional Resources-

Teachings of President David O. McKay, Chapter 5: "The Blessings of Unity"

Things I Will Implement:

I am going to do a better job of reaching out to people in my ward.  I have been so blessed in my life and I am grateful for the gifts of the Spirit that I have received.  I know that I can do more to lift and build others.

Pearl of Great Price Friday

Scripture of the Day:

3rd Article of Faith


 3 We believe that through the ^aAtonement of Christ, all ^bmankind may be ^csaved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Historical Background:

Here is a historical background of the Articles of Faith from BYU.

Gospel Principles Outlined:

1) The Atonement gives all men access to Salvation.

2) Acceptance of the Atonement is connected to obedience.

3) No one is prohibited from seeking to use the Atonement.

4) Gospel ordinances and laws are given effect because of the Savior's Atonement.

5) Given the great power of the Savior's Atonement, we should trust the plan that He has for our lives.

What I Learned Today:

I am always humbled when I reflect on how powerful the Atonement is.  It's enabling power allows anyone to improve their life.  I am grateful to reflect on the amazing ways that the Atonement has helped me to overcome my weakness, sin, or sorrow in deeply personal and powerful ways.  I rejoice when I see the Atonement bless the lives of others as they seek to come to know the Savior or build up the kingdom of God.  We should always alway the Atonement to "enable" us to accomplish all that the Lord has asked of us.

Additional Resources-

"In the Strength of the Lord" by Elder David A. Bednar

"Things as They Really Are" by Elder David A. Bednar

Things I Will Implement:

I think this week, I will focus more on expressing gratitude for the things that I am able to do because of the blessing of the Atonement in my life.  Also, I will try to find one area where I have been struggling to improve and I will specifically work with the Lord to be better.

New Testament Thursday

Scripture of the Day:

Galatians 2:16

16 Knowing that a man is not ^ajustified by the works of the ^blaw, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the ^cfaith of Christ, and not by the^dworks of the ^elaw: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be ^fjustified.

Historical Background:

Here is the Bible Dictionary description of Paul's epistle to the Galatians:

Epistle to the Galatians. There is some uncertainty as to what churches were addressed in this epistle. They were either in northern Galatia, the district of which Ancyra was capital, or in the district on the borders of Phrygia and Galatia that was visited by Paul on his first missionary journey. In either case the Galatian churches were certainly visited by Paul on his second (Acts 16: 6) and third (Acts 18: 23) journeys. (See Galatia.) The epistle was written by him (Probably while traveling through Macedonia) at the news of a wholesale defection from the truth of the gospel in favor of a return to the bondage of the Jewish law. In the epistle he vindicates his own position as an apostle, enunciates the doctrine of righteousness by faith, and affirms the value of spiritual religion as opposed to a religion of externals.

Analysis of Galatians.

1. Salutation and expression of regret at the news he had received (Gal. 1: 1-10).

2. Personal: a vindication of his own position as an apostle; his relationship with other apostles (Gal. 1: 11 - 2: 21).

3. Theological: showing the superiority of the doctrine of faith to the doctrine of merit by works (Gal. 3: 1 - 4: 31).

a. Appeal to their own experience of the Christian life (Gal. 3: 1-6).

b. The faith of Abraham; faith in Jesus Christ enables believers to become Abraham's seed (Gal. 3: 1-29).

c. The purpose of the law and its preparatory function (Gal. 4: 1-11).

d. A personal appeal (Gal. 4: 12-20).

e. Allegory of Isaac and Ishmael (Gal. 4: 21-31).

4. Practical results of the doctrine of faith (Gal. 5: 1 - 6: 10).

a. A return of Judaism a denial of Christian liberty (Gal. 5: 1-12).

b. Liberty did not mean freedom from moral restraint (Gal. 5: 13-26).

c. Duty of sympathy and liberality (Gal. 6: 1-10).

5. Autograph postscript (Gal. 6: 11-18).

Gospel Principles Outlined:

1) We are saved by the Savior's Atonement.

2) What we do should never outweigh that understanding.

3) Our faith must be centered on Christ.

4) Our actions and gospel rites are without value without the Atonement.

5) We should consistently be grateful for the amazing gift that we have received in the Savior's Atonement.

What I Learned Today:

It is interesting the see this great connection between what we do and why we can do it in the gospel. We have many wonderful opportunities to do good throughout the world. We can impact so many lives in so many possible ways. What a great thing to know that we can engage in good works. Knowing that, it is even more wonderful to know and recognize why we have the capacity to do that. It is by and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He has given us such an empowering gift. So incredible, in fact, that without it, all that we do would amount to nothing. Everything that is good and uplifting that occurs in this world is directly connected or caused by the Atonement. Even that which is done by people that may not know the Savior. I don't think that we recognize that as often as we should. The Atonement truly is everything.

Additional Resources-

"Justification and Sanctification" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Things I Will Implement:

In my personal prayers and throughout my day, I am going to do more to recognize specific things that I am able to accomplish that will improve my situation or that of others and directly show my gratitude for the Atonement and its ability to enable me to do good.