The Widow's Mites

Mark 12:41-44 tells the account of a widow who donated all that she had – two mites.  This account contains a powerful example for all of us.  Earlier in the same chapter, Christ says that the first commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:28-30)  This widow’s love was apparent in her sacrifice of two mites.

While others gave much more than two mites, her offering had more value because it was all she had.  When it comes to giving of ourselves to the Lord, it’s quality that counts.  If we give a lot, but hold back even more, that means even less than the two mites that the lady gave.  2 Nephi 25:23 states the importance of doing all we can throughout our life for God, and after that are we saved by His grace.  This widow did just that – she did everything she could, gave everything she had, and for that she was certainly blessed.

Giving to the Lord is more than just donating money.  It includes giving of our time, talents, friendship and love.  We can magnify our church assignments and callings.  We can be kind to others.  We can strive to obey God’s commandments and follow Christ’s teachings.  As we dedicate ourselves to the Lord and fully give of ourselves, we will be richly blessed throughout our lives.

Parables & Accounts That Teach Eternal Truths

Parable of the Unjust Steward

Luke 16:1-12

This unjust steward knew he would soon lose his position as steward, and went about making preparations for his future life.  The message here is that we, knowing that we’ll return to God one day, must do all we can to prepare for our future of eternal life.

Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31

There are two different states or conditions of our postmortal lives – paradise and prison.  Jesus Christ bridged the gap of these two states and the gospel is preached within all parts of the spirit world.

The Ten Lepers

Luke 17:11-19

The faith of these lepers was tested when Christ asked them to show themselves to the priest, and they were healed along the way.  Only one, a Samaritan, of the ten returned to give thanks to Jesus.  Not only is our faith important in receiving blessings and miracles, but giving thanks is important as well.

The Ten Lepers

Parable of the Unjust Judge

Luke 18:1-8

This parable shows that even an unjust judge who doesn’t care about God or others will eventually respond to the pleas of others.  This assures us that God, who is merciful and just, will definitely hear our pleas and readily answer.

Parable of the Pharisee & the Publican

Luke 18:9-14

This parable demonstrates the importance of humility.  Self-righteousness, pride, and self-exaltation will only lead to a decline.  Humility will lead to true exaltation.

Being A Disciple Of Jesus Christ

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

• Listening to the Lord, even when you’re busy
• Praying to God, thanking Him for blessings and asking for help
• Recognizing that God knows what’s best for you and being patient when asking for His help
• Not seeking worldly treasure, but building up spiritual treasure
• Not being so concerned with yourself, but having faith in the Lord to direct your life
• Striving to follow the Lord
• Being committed to the Lord and following Him is your priority
• Not being selfish, but helping others
• Trusting God to answer your prayers in the best way possible

One of these things I want to work on in my own life is helping others.  Christ served all who were around Him.  By following that example, I can become more like a disciple of Christ.  It’s important to take opportunities to serve those around us.  I know from my own experiences that as I take the time to help others, I am so full of peace and joy because I know I did the right thing.  I am happier when I serve others.  I tend to feel busy and trying to look for ways to help others is definitely something I can work on.  But I know that if I do this, I will see blessings in my life and will feel good about taking the time to serve.

Ultimately, what is required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is entirely dedicating oneself to God and realizing all we have are blessings from Him.  As we strive to align our will with God’s, we can all become disciples of Christ and enjoy the peace and happiness that comes from doing so.

Faith To Be Healed

There is an account of a boy who was in need of healing (Matthew 17:14-21).  He was brought to Christ’s disciples first, but they could not heal him.  The boy was then brought to Christ, who healed him, leaving the disciples to ask why they were unable to heal him themselves.  Christ answered and told them of three important things they must have and do:

1. Faith
2. Prayer
3. Fasting

Here are some additional scriptures about blessings from God:

• 3 Nephi 18:20 – If what we ask for is right, God will give it. 
• Doctrine & Covenants 50:29 – If we are clean from sin, we can ask God for blessings and we will receive them. 
• Doctrine & Covenants 42:48 – We must have faith to be healed in order to be healed. 

Blessings are a special gift from God.  I’ve received blessings when I’ve been sick and have recovered quickly because of them.  It’s always important to remember that we are healed according to our faith, just as the scriptures indicate.  I’m grateful to have these blessings available to us.

Walking On The Sea

I love the account of Jesus walking on water. (Matthew 14:22-33)  When the Apostles initially saw Christ walking towards them on the water, they were troubled and feared that it was a spirit.  But Jesus called out to them and told them it was Him and to be not afraid.  Peter responded by asking if he could walk out to Him on the water, and he did so for a little bit.  But there was boisterous wind and the sea was tossed with waves, and Peter became afraid, causing him to start sinking.  He cried out saying, “Lord, save me,” and Christ immediately reached out to him.

Doctrine & Covenants 88:67 says:  “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.”

This scripture relates well with Peter walking on the sea.  President Howard W Hunter that said:

Peter sprang over the vessel’s side and into the troubled waves, and while his eyes were fixed upon the Lord, the wind might toss his hair and the spray might drench his robes, but all was well. Only when with wavering faith he removed his glance from the Master to look at the furious waves and the black gulf beneath him, only then did he begin to sink. Again, like most of us, he cried, “Lord, save me.” Nor did Jesus fail him. He stretched out his hand and grasped the drowning disciple with the gentle rebuke, “O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?

“It is my firm belief that if as individual people, as families, communities, and nations, we could, like Peter, fix our eyes on Jesus, we too might walk triumphantly over the swelling waves of disbelief and remain unterrified amid the rising winds of doubt. But if we turn away our eyes from him in whom we must believe, as it is so easy to do and the world is so much tempted to do, if we look to the power and fury of those terrible and destructive elements around us rather than to him who can help and save us, then we shall inevitably sink in a sea of conflict and sorrow and despair.

“At such times when we feel the floods are threatening to drown us and the deep is going to swallow up the tossed vessel of our faith, I pray we may always hear amid the storm and the darkness that sweet utterance of the Savior of the world: ‘Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid’(Matt. 14:27)” (Ensign, Nov. 1992).

As we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, we will be able to endure waves and storms in our own lives.  I’m grateful for the Savior and the strength He gives me.  I hope that I can keep my eye single to God.  I know that as I strive to do so, I will be blessed.