Thoughts for a fast Sunday by Andrea

I read something about fast Sunday that really stood out to me. 

Isaiah 58:6-8

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward."

Rereward is an old word that means rear guard.  No one is left behind.  I would love to have the Lord as the rear guard of my family.

This Sunday I want to help (physically 

      I guess I really like the thought that the Savior will be there for me, to help gather up my little  ones, to pick up the pieces for me when I fall short.   I want that blessing!  So maybe on a fast Sunday I can reach or out to someone with a note of encouragement, or invite someone to dinner--reach outside of myself, to "undo the heavy burdens," "deal my bread to the hungry," to "bring the poor that are cast out to my own house."  Then the Lord will fulfill His promise to me, that He will gather up my little ones , that they are not left behind--to be my rear guard. 

Bethany's Scripture of the week

I love this verse! 2 Nephi 8:15

"But I am the Lord thy God whose waves roared; The Lord of Hosts is my name."

     --Bethany

Webber Scripture of the Week

4 Ne. 1:15 

And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people

We like that it talks about how the love dwelled in their hearts--meaning that it kind of lived and stayed there. It would be nice if in our homes we would have love of God dwell in our hearts.

4 Ne. 1: 17

There were no…Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.

We think labeling of people causes division and treats people like objects. Real love knows people on an individual level. When we think about ourselves as children of Christ, we can be more unified.

A Granna Favorite Scripture

2 Nephi 9:50-51
50 Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.
51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

I love this scripture because it reminds me that the really important things are free to everyone. Instead of paying for them with money, we pay for them with love and sacrifice and feasting upon the word of Christ. I hope I can always remember to spend my life on the things that truly count. That's how we find joy!

Webber Favorite of the Week

3 Ne. 29:9

Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings...and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.

Caleb says, "I like this scripture because I'm getting close to being baptized, and it says if we are baptized we'll turn clean."

Kade: "I like this verse because to me, being baptized is really special because when you are baptized, you can be filled with the Holy Ghost and become part of His people."

We also like this scripture because it includes everyone, and even when we sin, He still wants us to come to Him and repent so we can be with Him.

Ipson Scripture fav. Pt. 2

Bethany likes this scriptures because it talks about the fourth article of faith:

31 And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.

32 Behold, this is a great and the last commandment which I shall give unto you concerning this matter; for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life.

I like it because when I was planning things out and making everything way too complicated, I realized that what I really need to focus on is just the simple basics--the fourth article of faith. 

Ipson Scripture fav. pt 1

Christopher, Michael, Mari, and Amanda really liked the following Scripture:

38 Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.

39 Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness?

40 Or canst thou run about longer as a blind guide?

41 Or canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me? Yea, come unto me thy Savior. Amen.

We have to learn the gospel and pray and rely on the Lord before we can guide others.  When I have tried to teach others just relying on myself, it doesn't work out great. But when I rely on the Lord first and follow the spirit, things always turn out better. 

Webber Scripture of the Week

3 Ne. 27:29

Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

There's something really special about having the heavens open to us; all we need to ask. It's a common reminder that Heavenly Father is there for us, to help us out.

We like how He explains that if you ask, you will get an answer. He also tells us to knock, which is different, because it's an action--something we have to do. Maybe this could be like reading the scriptures. When we do things that seek Him, he will open our minds and our hearts to receive His knowledge, wisdom, and blessings.

Granna

Hi Guys!  I love your comments on Scripture Fortress!  Some of them are so touching they make me cry. Thanks!

This scripture has a funny story with it:😁

3 Nephi 11:29

29 ​For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of ​​​contention​ is not of me, but is of the ​​​devil​, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

When my children were young and we were reading this verse, one of them (probably Andrea or Mark) asked, "How did the devil get a bowl big enough to stir them all up in?"😡

Lately I have noticed that people who turn against the Church are almost always angry, and you can see their anger flare up when they talk about the Church or spiritual things. Have you ever noticed people like that? ❤

In my scripture study I have been surprised at how many verses talk about Satan stirring up hearts to anger. Here are a few of them:  Alma 27:12; 35:10; 43:8; 47:1; 48:3; D&C 10:20,24,63. Can you find others?  

Webber Scripture of the Week.

Our favorite scripture this week is 3 Nephi 25:2
"But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves in the stall."

If you show reverence and respect for Jesus and Heavenly Father and humble yourself, they will give you blessings and protect you. We like how they compare their protection to the way calves are protected in stalls. Even though life maybe hard, through the Lord you can be healed and restored.

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