JUNE 16-22: The Lord Requireth the Heart and a Willing Mind
Come Follow Me Doctrine and Covenants 64-66
'Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; ..Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.' D&C 64:33,34
Our weeks have been busy in preparing for wedding festivities. You may be familiar with making the guest list, sending invitations, preparing gifts, and the party that you've invited your guests for.
What preparations of the bride readies her for her bridegroom? The dress? The flowers? Or something more substantial? As Jesus teaches of the virgins on their way to a wedding, we come to understand that we - the bride, his church - must prepare for his coming. He offers much to prepare us. Are you ready, if he should come tomorrow?
Preparing Your Bride, His Beloved - Bushfire Ministries
I often feel submersed in the thick of thin things, perhaps like Martha, for the thin things must be taken care of. I appreciate the value of the little things, but at what point is it more important to set some aside for those little things of greater value, as Mary chose.
The Better Thing - Eliza King
Being cleansed is a part of the bride's preparations. And the Lord, our bridegroom offers the cleansing himself.
'Verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, forgive sins unto those who confess their sins before me and ask forgiveness... Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. D&C 64:7,9
Where Forgiveness Is - Sidewalk Prophets
Les Mis has many lessons that resonate with me. This scene in the early part of the story is especially powerful. Forgiveness is offered before the repentance, for all that He has He gives to us. Repentance then, is in accepting the forgiveness, to be cleansed and remade into a new being.
Les Mis Bishop & Valjean - Movie clip
As I think about my own wedding years ago, it still feels like it was only a month ago. Now years later, I am beginning to understand all that being a bride means, and I still have preparations to take care of, to be ready for The Bridegroom.