Dan and I continue to do our family home evenings and really try to get in a good amount of scripture study each week.
Tonight, what we studied was really quite sad. We read 2 Nephi 23-24, and cross referenced parts of D&C 76, and Moses 4.
The discussion topic was how did Lucifer become the devil, and be cast down? And with that, how were his followers punished by the choice they made? And the followers today- how will they be affected?
Holy loaded topic, right?!
Basically, we took away the lesson that Lucifer was our brother. He was the Son of the Morning. In the pre-mortal life, he wanted God's power and glory bestowed upon him so that no souls would be lost- as opposed to Christ's plan- free agency and choice.
Lucifer was cast out, never to obtain a body. 1/3 of the hosts of heaven followed him- and we all- all the heavens wept for these lost spirits. Let's face it- they were/are our family too!
They will be damned to an eternal punishment- one so undesirable, that the punishment is unknown to all men except those that are to endure it. WOW- I really would not want the wrath of my Father against me!
While reading this, Dan and I discussed how different our lives would be had Lucifer been chosen. The scriptures say that under Satan's power, we are prisoners. That is entirely true. We lose our free agency when we become so burdened with sin and misdeed.
Interestingly enough, I had just had a discussion earlier today with one of my cousins about the right things and people at the right times. Life has a certain amount of fate and destiny, but because we are blessed with free agency and choice, our choices often change the course and path of our lives, leading to different right people and different right times.
Dan and I also discussed how relatively easy our choices are. We really have a tendency to complicate our lives. God tells us, this is a commandment, do this and if you do, these blessings will happen. He also says, don't do it, and these consequences will happen. The plan is really all laid out for us!
After our scripture studying, we continued in our book by Gene Cook- "Raising up a Family to the Lord". Dan and I have really enjoyed reading this book. So many times we set ourselves up for failure with regards to scripture study, family home evening, prayer, and the like because we get in our minds this idea of perfection and hours of lessons and reading, when all that is needed, is some highlights of how the gospel and scriptures relate to our lives, and what lessons we are to learn.
This book has given us ideas of how to enrich our marriage as well as our growing family with realistic and practical gospel applications. Heavenly Father doesn't want us to spend an hour every single day reading verse by verse. It is much preferred that time is spent even just on one verse or one chapter- and how that relates to our lives, and what we learn from it. Setting aside a short amount of time each day for this learning and reflection also sets a tone with our spirits- in our homes and daily activities. Dan and I truly notice how much improved our attitudes, decisions, and outcomes are when we are filled with the spirit.
While reading this book tonight, Gene focused on when Heavenly Father helps us and steps in. He notes that it seems only when things are impossible, does the Lord intervene. Why is this the case? Because we have been given time, talents, and resources to work and build our faith. We have to put our whole effort into our trials and decisions. Heavenly Father won't step in and help those who aren't willing to help themselves.
Another interesting note he made was about how sometimes our prayers are seemingly unanswered. Sometimes when we pray, are we really praying for help? Or are we testing God? Are we looking for signs to teach our family? I thought that an interesting concept. Sure! At times, selfishly we want a sign, an easy answer to a test to confirm our faith. Heavenly Father will allow us to be tested over and over again. That is the purpose of our lives! Gain a body, make choices- good choices- and have faith! When we can commit a pure and earnest faith in God, and the blessings we ask for, we shall receive. It also made me think- we shouldn't just always be asking, but giving love, appreciation, acknowledgement, and thanks in our prayers. We have conveniences in this life we take for granted each day, and it is so easy to forget the hand our Father in Heaven has in every aspect of our lives.
I am so grateful for my testimony. I know with a surety that God and Christ live! That Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, and that we are a fully restored church with the truth and keys of the priesthood. We are lead by current prophets and apostles, just as was in Jesus' time. I am so grateful for the trials I face, and the blessings I receive from having faith.
I am grateful that we will be able to raise and teach our children in the gospel and to have faith in our Father in Heaven!
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