The Sabbath has been on my mind constantly over the past week or so, and no matter what I do, it continues to creep in and occupy it. Hence I feel that I must share my thoughts about it. The moment that spurred this was Superbowl Sunday, one of the biggest events in American Sports if not America itself. It draws crowds of a hundred thousand to the stadium where it plays. Not to mention the hundreds of thousands of parties across the nation. As I pondered this great event, I feel the need to proclaim the Gospel.
I will start with the basic commandment found in Exodus 20 and Mosiah 13, "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy, Six days shalt thou labour and do all they work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work...."
What does it mean to keep the Sabbath Day holy? What activities does that exclude? What activities does that include? There are many grey lines and many questions that surround our observance of such a blessed day of the week. D&C 59:9-10 gives us an insight about things that we definitely should do, "And that thou mayest keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up they sacraments upon my holy day: For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High." Here we learn that sacrament meeting and all other meeting attendance is a must. We need to offer up our sacraments upon His holy day in the form of repentance through the renewing of sacred covenants made at baptism as we partake of the Sacrament. Remember, this is all so that we might keep ourselves "unspotted from the world".
The church hasn't nor ever will produce an all encompassing list of things that we cannot do or can do on the Sabbath. "For it is not meet that we should be commanded in all things" (D&C 58:26) Nevertheless, in Preach My Gospel, we are taught that the Lord wishes that we do refrain from some things by proclaiming, "We should refrain from shopping on the Sabbath and participating in other commercial and sporting activities that now commonly desecrate the Sabbath" (PMG p. 74) As already mentioned we should also refrain from working on the Sabbath.
Then the Lord gives this stern warning, "When a community or nation grows careless in its Sabbath activities, its religious life decays and all aspects of life are negatively affected. The blessings associated with keeping the Sabbath day holy are lost." (PMG p.74) Search the scriptures even a little bit and you will find countless warnings from prophets, even the Lord himself as well as blessings awarded for proper sabbath day worship. (I will refrain from going over them here, although books could be written about it.)
Each individual must judge for him/her self to determine whether an activity is acceptable to perform on the Sabbath or not. From the small amount of doctrine that I have explained here, it should be easier to decide. If ever in doubt go to the Lord in fervent prayer and He will illuminate your mind and guide you by the Spirit. I testify that these things are true. I testify that as we obey the Sabbath day, we will be blessed in more than just spiritual matters but in temporal and social matters as well.
To all who read my words I humbly submit unto to you that this might press into your minds. It is time that we stand for Zion, and keep the Sabbath day Holy, every week of the year! It is time that we who have testimonies of the truth stand for righteousness. I gain great strength from a quote by the Prophet Joseph Smith, "The object with me is to obey and teach others to obey God in just what He tells us to do . It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular, I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it."It is my prayer that we might always stand alone in defending principles of righteousness.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Wherefore Men are Free
I was preparing for my Sunday School lesson earlier this evening and a scripture that I memorized in seminary, struck me in a new way. As I read it's message, I realized how true this is in all aspects of our lives and how important it is for us to understand.
Lets read from the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi chapter 2. Here Lehi is giving his last words to his children which are the most important for his children to learn (or what he thought was most important. Note: there is no doubt in my mind that the Spirit led his words here). After a beautiful discourse on the Fall and the Atonement, he finishes by talking about Agency when he gives the scripture that struck me so deeply,
"Wherefore men are free, according to the flesh, and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."
Our Heavenly Father in His perfect love for all of his children, has built us the path and given us everything that we need. All that is "expedient unto man" for their salvation He has provided through His Beloved son Jesus Christ. However, this does not mean that we have a free ticket into the Celestial kingdom of our Father to live with Him and the Son forever. No, we must prove our worthiness by our actions and our decisions. "Men are free according to the flesh... to choose liberty and eternal life... or to choose captivity and death." The Lord loves us enough, that He gives us the opportunity to choose poorly so that we learn from our own mistakes. He loves us enough to allow us to gain that sacred experience that we need.
How do we choose eternal Life? How do we choose eternal exaltation? By our day to day actions. We choose where we are going to go by the small choices that we make and by our willingness to repent of our wrongdoings. These choices do not need to be large important decisions, but by "small things, are great things brought to pass". The music we listen to, the movies/t.v. programs we watch, the language we use (that's another topic that will get it's own post soon) and the opportunities to serve others that we waste. That list is very long. If you read the scriptures you will know what it contains.
However the line that separates is not grey, but black and white. All you must do is choose liberty! Choose Eternal Life! Obey the Commandments of the Father and follow the counsel of a living prophet of the Lord! Do all things "according to your [capacity]" to invite the Holy Spirit into your lives and to rebuke the Father of all Lies from it. I know that if you do so, it will become easier and easier to choose the right, and do all that your father expects of you to do.
Lets read from the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi chapter 2. Here Lehi is giving his last words to his children which are the most important for his children to learn (or what he thought was most important. Note: there is no doubt in my mind that the Spirit led his words here). After a beautiful discourse on the Fall and the Atonement, he finishes by talking about Agency when he gives the scripture that struck me so deeply,
"Wherefore men are free, according to the flesh, and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."
Our Heavenly Father in His perfect love for all of his children, has built us the path and given us everything that we need. All that is "expedient unto man" for their salvation He has provided through His Beloved son Jesus Christ. However, this does not mean that we have a free ticket into the Celestial kingdom of our Father to live with Him and the Son forever. No, we must prove our worthiness by our actions and our decisions. "Men are free according to the flesh... to choose liberty and eternal life... or to choose captivity and death." The Lord loves us enough, that He gives us the opportunity to choose poorly so that we learn from our own mistakes. He loves us enough to allow us to gain that sacred experience that we need.
How do we choose eternal Life? How do we choose eternal exaltation? By our day to day actions. We choose where we are going to go by the small choices that we make and by our willingness to repent of our wrongdoings. These choices do not need to be large important decisions, but by "small things, are great things brought to pass". The music we listen to, the movies/t.v. programs we watch, the language we use (that's another topic that will get it's own post soon) and the opportunities to serve others that we waste. That list is very long. If you read the scriptures you will know what it contains.
However the line that separates is not grey, but black and white. All you must do is choose liberty! Choose Eternal Life! Obey the Commandments of the Father and follow the counsel of a living prophet of the Lord! Do all things "according to your [capacity]" to invite the Holy Spirit into your lives and to rebuke the Father of all Lies from it. I know that if you do so, it will become easier and easier to choose the right, and do all that your father expects of you to do.
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Lord Loves all of His Children
About 2 weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel back to Mexico and visit my mission. This included seeing some of the converts that I baptized, rewalking many of the streets that I enjoyed walking down, and doing things, such as going to the beach, that I could not do before. Since my return many have asked me, "How was Mexico?" My response is somewhat simple yet very complicated, "It changed my life."
Why did this adventure change my life? What made it so special than say my trip back to Minnesota? There is something that must be understood when talking to a missionary about his/her mission. Every missionary says that their mission was the best, and is the best in the entire world. I wholeheartedly concur, the Tampico, Mexico Mission is indeed the best Mission in the world. That is because, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Tampico will always be the place where I learned to serve the Lord and to put my full trust in Him.
I was constantly reminded by the Spirit of the goals that I had made when a missionary. Every city I visited, every person that I saw seemed to be a constant reminder of the covenants/ life goals I made. This Saturday (7th) I will have reached a year back in the United States. I had forgotten many of the goals that I had once set, I had forgotten what the Spirit had taught me and how I had felt. I remembered the love that I felt for every single person that I met, and all those I didn't meet. I remembered how it felt to preach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! And that is something to be quite excited about!
On the return journey, I was standing in the Mexico City airport, waiting for my luggage. When the Spirit, just as He has always done, testified to me of the Love that the Father and the Son have for all of Heavenly Father's children. The Spirit taught me that every soul that has, is, or will walk this earth must be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a call to arms that is for all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! As I watched the extremely busy airport, and watched what seemed like hundreds of people running to catch flights, my desire to preach to them grew. My desire to be a full time missionary once again, came back in full force.
I testify of the Love that Heavenly Father has for ALL of His children. He wants nothing more than for us to return to His presence. That is the exact reason why He sent his only begotten son, not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16) So that His Only Begotten, could teach us the way and could redeem man from the Fall. For there is no other way. The gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed the only way that man can be saved in the kingdom of Heaven. Preach My Gospel says "As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase." (PMG pg. 2) I testify that that is true. I invite anyone who reads this, to search out the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, it will change your life as it has mine.
Why did this adventure change my life? What made it so special than say my trip back to Minnesota? There is something that must be understood when talking to a missionary about his/her mission. Every missionary says that their mission was the best, and is the best in the entire world. I wholeheartedly concur, the Tampico, Mexico Mission is indeed the best Mission in the world. That is because, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Tampico will always be the place where I learned to serve the Lord and to put my full trust in Him.
I was constantly reminded by the Spirit of the goals that I had made when a missionary. Every city I visited, every person that I saw seemed to be a constant reminder of the covenants/ life goals I made. This Saturday (7th) I will have reached a year back in the United States. I had forgotten many of the goals that I had once set, I had forgotten what the Spirit had taught me and how I had felt. I remembered the love that I felt for every single person that I met, and all those I didn't meet. I remembered how it felt to preach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! And that is something to be quite excited about!
On the return journey, I was standing in the Mexico City airport, waiting for my luggage. When the Spirit, just as He has always done, testified to me of the Love that the Father and the Son have for all of Heavenly Father's children. The Spirit taught me that every soul that has, is, or will walk this earth must be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a call to arms that is for all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! As I watched the extremely busy airport, and watched what seemed like hundreds of people running to catch flights, my desire to preach to them grew. My desire to be a full time missionary once again, came back in full force.
I testify of the Love that Heavenly Father has for ALL of His children. He wants nothing more than for us to return to His presence. That is the exact reason why He sent his only begotten son, not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16) So that His Only Begotten, could teach us the way and could redeem man from the Fall. For there is no other way. The gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed the only way that man can be saved in the kingdom of Heaven. Preach My Gospel says "As your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ grows, your desire to share the gospel will increase." (PMG pg. 2) I testify that that is true. I invite anyone who reads this, to search out the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, it will change your life as it has mine.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Sacredness of the Name of the Lord
I have been pondering much about the name of the Lord, and more particularly how it is used in today's language. I had been thinking greatly about this because of a common 3 letter acronym, respectively "OMG", that is used quite frequently by what seems to be the vast majority of persons. As I thought about it's use and about how much it is accepted by all, I was triggered to some serious contemplation.
Earlier this week in my Doctrine and Covenants Class, we studied Section 63, and by complete convenience we read vs. 61-62 which reads;
"Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips- For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority."
This spurred a class discussion in the which my professor asked about that three letter acronym. The responses of the class were varied. Some, including myself, modify it to express that we wish to say "gosh" instead of it's intended purpose, and some just out rightly use it. As I furthered thinking upon the subject in my meditative walks home from campus. I felt strongly that such acronyms should never be used. To use such a phrase would show that we support its real use. Remember that we are "under condemnation" if we use the name of the Lord in vain.
Refrain from taking the name of the Lord in vain, in any form. This does include the usage of such an acronym or any other slang word used to express such an idea. Our language should be distinguished, dignified and pure especially as members of the Church of Jesus Christ. I invite all of you to think about the nature in which you use the Lord's name, and start the repentance process if necessary. I know that the Spirit of the Lord will be more abundant and potent in your lives if you follow this counsel.
Earlier this week in my Doctrine and Covenants Class, we studied Section 63, and by complete convenience we read vs. 61-62 which reads;
"Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips- For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority."
This spurred a class discussion in the which my professor asked about that three letter acronym. The responses of the class were varied. Some, including myself, modify it to express that we wish to say "gosh" instead of it's intended purpose, and some just out rightly use it. As I furthered thinking upon the subject in my meditative walks home from campus. I felt strongly that such acronyms should never be used. To use such a phrase would show that we support its real use. Remember that we are "under condemnation" if we use the name of the Lord in vain.
Refrain from taking the name of the Lord in vain, in any form. This does include the usage of such an acronym or any other slang word used to express such an idea. Our language should be distinguished, dignified and pure especially as members of the Church of Jesus Christ. I invite all of you to think about the nature in which you use the Lord's name, and start the repentance process if necessary. I know that the Spirit of the Lord will be more abundant and potent in your lives if you follow this counsel.
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Priesthood: Power endowed from on high
Over the past few weeks/months, I have seen many who have been in dire need of divine help through the power of the Priesthood. Let me give an example. This last weekend, I was stage managing the men's and women's chorus performance here on campus. An issue of a choir member, who was feeling ill, came to my attention, and requested some special things for the performance. Unable to provide the services requested, I simply reminded her that my Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) and I had the priesthood, and oil should she so desire a blessing. I knew that a blessing would have helped her immensely, and that she would have felt much better after, but whatever the reason may be, she denied the divine help that we could have offered.
This is not an isolated case. This happens time and time again. A worthy priesthood bearer endowed with the power of the Priesthood who is willing to give a blessing is rejected, time and time again. Why do we reject these blessings? What makes us turn away from the divine assistance that we need? The answers are numberless and varied. It it because we don't want to inconvenience the Priesthood bearer or because our needs aren't "serious" enough to call upon the miraculous powers of the priesthood? One's reasons will vary but i feel that these two might be the most common.
It always breaks my heart to see someone in need deny a priesthood blessing. Let me say this now, "no need is to small, no priesthood bearer will feel inconvenienced and our Heavenly Father's love for you won't lessen if you accept a blessing. On the contrary, you're faith in Him will increase, He will show you how much He loves you, and it gives the brother the opportunity to serve and magnify his Priesthood responsibilities. Never feel bad, embarrassed, not worthy, or to small to ask for a Priesthood blessing. We have it to bless the lives of those around us. Do not hesitate to receive of it's full powers."
I hope that if you are need, that this might stir you're soul enough to call down the powers of heaven to bless your life. Priesthood power is real, I testify that it was restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith on the banks of the Susquehanna to continue the work forward and to be an aide to us in our lives. May we all, understand and implement these sacred powers more into our lives!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Obtaining Knowledge
The semester is basically half over. Eight weeks (September and the majority of October) have passed by so quickly, it's difficult to believe that this semester is already half over. With school pressing on sending a wave of new exams, material, stresses, failures and successes. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of information that one can learn in such a short amount of time.
As important as gaining secular knowledge is for our temporal progression in life, such as finding jobs, graduating from school and supporting our families, just as important as all things temporal, is our progression in spiritual knowledge. "For behold this life is the time for men to prepare to me God." (Alma 34: 32)
To what, then, values our temporal progression? I think many times, especially in a school setting, we get wrapped up in tests, exams and our GPA. We loose the whole point of going to school in trivial things and forget the eternal purposes that school holds for us. It is important to remember that as
Man is, our Heavenly Father was, and as our Heavenly Father is, man will become. Hence we can clearly see the importance of learning about Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, the Arts, and all other subjects so that we too might be able to further along our Spiritual progression and be prepared to create worlds without number as our Father has.
The whole purpose of this life is to learn all that we can, for the life that follows this one. "And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." I strongly believe that we will be expected to learn more after this life. It would be completely contrary to the plan of our Heavenly Father for our learning to stop after this life was over.
As the semester zips by, I hope that we might be able to really think about why we are learning what we are and to obtain once again the eternal perspective that our Heavenly Father wants us to have. Learning should never be considered a burden, enjoy learning all that you can for it is in learning that our Eternal progression is furthered. So when school gets hard and stressful, just remember the reason why you are obtaining knowledge.
As important as gaining secular knowledge is for our temporal progression in life, such as finding jobs, graduating from school and supporting our families, just as important as all things temporal, is our progression in spiritual knowledge. "For behold this life is the time for men to prepare to me God." (Alma 34: 32)
To what, then, values our temporal progression? I think many times, especially in a school setting, we get wrapped up in tests, exams and our GPA. We loose the whole point of going to school in trivial things and forget the eternal purposes that school holds for us. It is important to remember that as
Man is, our Heavenly Father was, and as our Heavenly Father is, man will become. Hence we can clearly see the importance of learning about Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, the Arts, and all other subjects so that we too might be able to further along our Spiritual progression and be prepared to create worlds without number as our Father has.
The whole purpose of this life is to learn all that we can, for the life that follows this one. "And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." I strongly believe that we will be expected to learn more after this life. It would be completely contrary to the plan of our Heavenly Father for our learning to stop after this life was over.
As the semester zips by, I hope that we might be able to really think about why we are learning what we are and to obtain once again the eternal perspective that our Heavenly Father wants us to have. Learning should never be considered a burden, enjoy learning all that you can for it is in learning that our Eternal progression is furthered. So when school gets hard and stressful, just remember the reason why you are obtaining knowledge.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
BIENVENIDOS!!
Welcome to the blog of all blogs! This is not going to be the run of the mill blog, but an over the top extraordinary blog that will probably never be read than more than 20 people tops. hahaha That just means that we need to make it more epic. Which means that I will need your help. Let's be honest here, I'm pretty dull.
Let me explain to the world why I would ever want to blog. One night about.. hmm... lets say 7-8 weeks ago (just because I like the numbers 7 and 8) a friend had invited me over for some of the best pico de gallo salsa this side of the boarder could make. (It really was epic!) She offered the suggestion that I should write a blog. I wondered why for the longest time unsure if what I had to say would be received well by those who read it. I assume you'll like what you read because you probably know me, and will then understand my jokes... hopefully (keep me posted). But more importantly, I contemplated if what i was going to say would really make an impact on the world around me. And that is really the why factor behind this blog.
During my two years of Missionary service, I learned of the power that words can have on those around us, especially if what we say is uplifting and inspiring. I plan to use this blog to do just that, lift and inspire. You will probably recognize that this blog will contain many points of doctrine. Most of the doctrine will have come from something that i read, from my personal Study in the morning or something I've been thinking about for a while. If you have questions of doctrine or wish for me to comment on anything, just send me an email or whatever and comments will be made.
I hope that you enjoy reading. I hope that the Spirit might testify of these things to you and that I might be used as an instrument in the Lord's hands through this blog.
Stay tuned for blog posts...
Matthew McCatney
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)