Daily Ponderings: Whereunto Shall I Liken?

Matthew 11:16

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

I should learn the lesson of each scripture by asking how it could apply to me. The answer may be quite non-intuitive.

Daily Ponderings: He Sent Two of His Disciples

Matthew 11:2

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

He knew Jesus was the Christ, but John wanted his followers to gain their own testimony by hearing it directly from Christ, instead of just from a man. I should seek to gain my own testimony about what I'm told.

Daily Ponderings: Shall Be Saved

Matthew 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

I should remember that no matter what happens along the way, His path is the best way through. All other paths are different, but they're also harder.

Daily Ponderings: Touched the Hem of His Garment

Matthew 9:20

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

I should make the effort to make even a tiny connection with Him.

Daily Ponderings: And There Was Great Calm

Matthew 8:26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

If I ask Him, He can help bring calm to my soul.

Daily Ponderings: Depart Unto the Other Side

Matthew 8:18

Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

Sometimes it's ok for me to seek solitude and recharge.

Daily Ponderings: Inwardly Ravening Wolves

Matthew 7:15

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

I should ask for His help so that my inner peace can match my outer countenance.

Daily Ponderings: Appear Not Unto Men to Fast

Matthew 6:18

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

I should share my hardships with Him - instead of the people around me, with whom I should share kindness and cheer.

Daily Ponderings: Go With Him Twain

Matthew 5:41

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Agree and amplify

Daily Ponderings: Resist Not Evil

Matthew 5:39

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

I shouldn't argue with the adversary. The contention is what he's really after. He doesn't care about me at all.

Daily Ponderings: Agree Quickly

Matthew 5:25

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

I should embrace the sad truths the adversary whispers instead of running from them. When I stop running from them, it takes away my fear, which takes away his power.

From Mediocrity to Competence

From Thomas S. Monson's April 1987 "The Will Within":

"Our responsibility is to rise from mediocrity to competence..."

Whatever it is I'm doing, I can do it just a tiny bit better this time.

Our Challenges Differ

From Thomas S. Monson's April 1987 "The Will Within":

"...life is made up of chllenges - they just differ from one person to another."

Everyone is struggling, everyone is having a hard day. I can give sympathy for this and be kind.

Daily Ponderings: He Came and Dwelt in Capernaum

Matthew 4:13

And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

I should go where I am needed and do my best while I'm there.

Daily Ponderings: God Is Able of These Stones

Matthew 3:9

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

No matter where I am in my life, He can make me better. I should seek His help to progress.

Daily Ponderings: Being Warned of God

Matthew 2:12

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

The bad things that befall me usually come with warnings. I should hear Him and heed them.

Daily Ponderings: Zorobabel Begat

Matthew 1:13

And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

I should live my life so as to leave a legacy of peace, hope, and joy.

Daily Ponderings: Despair Cometh Because of Iniquity

Moroni 10:22

And if ye have no hope, ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.

Despair itself is a form of iniquity. It's denying His presence. I can conquer it if I strive to hear His voice in the darkness.

Daily Ponderings: Every Good Gift

Moroni 10:18

And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.

I can have every good thing in life if I am honest with myself and others.

Daily Ponderings: Past Feeling

Moroni 9:20

And now my son, I dwell no longer upon this horrible scene. Behold, thou knowest the wickedness of this people. Thou knowest that they are without principle and past feeling, and their wickedness doth exceed that of the Lamanites.

When I can't feel, it means my heart has hardened and I need to ask Him to send the Comforter to soften it.