Who Really Wants to be Spued?

Week 14 (4-10-13) Revelations 1-15

This week we started the book of revelations… DUN DUN DUUUUNNNN! I’ve always kinda sacrilegiously joked about this book being written by a prophet on crack because it is just so far out there if you take it at a literal level. However, a benefit that comes being guided through the latter half of the New Testament by a patience and very intelligent professor has taught me otherwise. The thing about Revelations is that it was written in the oriental (eastern) style of thought which involves a lot of symbols as opposed to our occidental (western and very literal) way of thinking. One of my favorite verses that comes from this set of scriptures that doesn’t include dragons, candlesticks, horns or beasts with multiple heads is found in chapter 3:16. It states “So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue(vomit) thee out of my mouth”.  After reading this scripture my professor turned to the class and asked if we were going to be ‘hot’ or ‘cold’. He implored us to stand for something. Just because you stand for something doesn’t entitle you to being a jerk though. When opposing opinions arise, but you can still be friendly and kind and respect what other people think. However in the long run, you should wish to offend none, but least of all God. Thus my challenge that I extend to you my readers is to have a moment of introspection. See if there is maybe some core values or beliefs your just not sure about. Study it out, ponder it in your mind, ask Heavenly Father, and once you have reached a decision stick to it. Make it become a part of your identity and do not waver. No lukewarmess here.

"Think It Not Strange..."

Week 12 (4/5/13) I&II Peter, I-III John, Jude

Well there was a lot of great scriptures within these two books that makes it really difficult to pick just one or two and discuss it.  I rather enjoyed reading Peter’s book in particular. It was interesting how direct and single principle based his epistles were. You could pretty much jump in at any point and be able to not worry about being in the middle of some long winded parable, but know what’s going on and be edified. Joseph Smith, a man I know to be the prophet of God who brought a simple question to our Heavenly Father and then began the gospels restoration, stated that “Peter penned the most sublime language of all the apostles”. My teacher pointed out that in his time, sublime meant “high, lofty, exalted, or grand”. Peter’s counsel for those going through trials is what stood out to me the most. Page 1549 in the LDS edition of the King James bible or I Peter chapter 4 verses 3-19 (so pretty much the whole chapter) is the best to read when you are enduring a trial. Peter tell you to “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you, but rejoice” instead. Now easier said than done, however I feel that this attitude switch is something that we could work on continuously in our life. My brothers and sisters, if you are suffering through a trial, no matter how big or small, know that our heavenly father loves you and is mindful of you. He doesn’t not give us trials that we cannot overcome, and it is up to us to but our faith in him and put our shoulder to the wheel and simply carry on.  Pray for his comfort and help, and he will bless you more than you can imagine.