Week 7

This week in class we discussed Matthew 7. The first verse says, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Thankfully we have the Joseph Smith Translation that helps us understand the words of Christ better; it says, "Now these are the words which Jesus taught his disciples that they should say unto the people. Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgement." Christ wants us to judge righteously, yet this can still be difficult.

I sometimes struggle with passing judgment too quickly. It's a natural instinct most of the time. A thought has come into my mind several times as I have judged others; when we judge someone we lose the ability to love them. I have a long way to go, but I am going to keep trying to judge righteously and show love to those around me.

Week 6

This week we discussed the few stories we have from the childhood of Jesus. In Luke 2 we read about Joseph and Mary and their journey to find Jesus after they had realized he wasn't in the company. In verse 46 it says after three days they found Jesus in the temple.

While my professor was discussing this, he made the point of how easy it is to read "after three days" and then just keep moving on with the story. But, he made us stop and imagine ourselves as Joseph and Mary. How must have they felt to be looking for the Son of God for three days without any information? They had lost their child.

This has helped me realize a new way that I can read the scriptures: I can really pay attention to the characters and their emotions. I can put myself in their shoes and imagine how the characters felt and ask myself what I would do in this situation. I think God really wants us to connect with these stories so that our spirits can be touched and we can better handle our trials and challenges.

Week 5

Something that really touched me this week was our discussion in class about revelation. My professor gave an example of the Doctrine and Covenants and how the first 115 sections were written in the first 8 years of the church and that the last 15 or so sections were written over a period of 6 years.

My professor then mentioned how many return missionaries come home and feel a little lost because they feel like they do not receive revelation as often. He then made an interesting point explaining that sometimes God lets us make the decision. God can give us enough revelation to guide us to a certain path and then trusts us to make a decision. My professor called it revelation maturity.

For me, this means that God will continue to guide me and help me to learn and grow, but will also want me to use the revelation I have received to bless my life. This is not always easy and requires faith, but I know God will always be there to help me. He will help me find the right path to help me reach my potential.

Week 4

Something that I really appreciated from class this week was learning about the four different authors of the Gospels found in the New Testament. They each write to a specific audience, which can help us understand why they wrote the way we wrote.

Mark writes to the Romans. Matthew writes using Old Testament passages to show how Jesus fulfills them. Luke writes to one person, Thephilus. John writes to all the world - especially members. I really enjoyed learning about their different writing styles.  It will help me read in context and become part of the story.

How can this apply to my life? I need to be aware of my audience when I prepare lessons I may teach, or whenever I am talking to someone. If I can effectively speak to my audience then I will be able to inspire them. It reminds me how God speaks to each one of us differently so that we will listen and be blessed.