2-17-14 - The End

This, my last week, I have a couple scriptures to share that I stumbled across. The first is actually found in the Book of Mormon, and in Isaiah:

Isaiah 48:18

"Oh, that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea"

I would like to focus on the second half of this verse. In the original context, it is a verse of reprimand, but I would like to take the principle out of the context. Let's rewrite it a little bit:

'Hearken to my commandments! then shall thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea'

Or perhaps even:

'Well done, my good an faithful servant. Thou hast hearkened unto my commandments, and thy peace is as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.'

I love this imagery. I love the power in the comparisons. I testify that as we strive to follow God's commandments, we experience a kind of peace and uplifting that can truly come from no other source. We find rest (Matt. 11:28-30). We find safety.

Secondly, I would like to talk about a short reference from the Book of Mormon:

2 Ne. 2:21

 "And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents."

Now a thought. Try replacing the word 'repent' with 'change'.

'that they might [change] while in the flesh'

'For he gave commandment that all men must [change]'

I found this exchange of words helped me to throw new light on the idea of repentance... I now try to swtich out the word repentance every time with the word change. It is a powerful idea to me. I hope it helps. :)

I want to bear my testimony to seal this blog.

I testify, in the name of the Lord of Lords, that this Church is His Church. Furthermore, it is the only Church with the divine right and commission to carry the Name of Jesus Christ. I testify of the atounding, breath-taking, and peaceful Love that we can feel from our Heavenly King when we read in His Scriptures, listen to His messengers and meetings, and speak with Him in the wonderful opportunity that is prayer. I have felt it. It is truly the fruit spoken of by Nephi and his father Lehi. It is white above all that is white and sweet above all that is sweet. I testify that God loves you, and wishes so very much to see you again. Never give up. I testify that Jesus Christ is at your side. Never lose hope. I testify that angels are watching over us. Let them help you through your righteous strivings. I seal these words and my testimony in the blessed Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

- Elder Michael Bright Miles, signing out

 Elder Michael Miles will be coming home on Wednesday, February 19th. He will be speaking in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday, February 23rd at 9:00am, 942 N. 500 E. Everyone is invited to our home that Sunday evening from 6:00-9:00pm to visit.