I am so glad to be home and be able to use my computer and blog for scripture study and journaling. At least for a couple days, I can sit at my peaceful desk and look out the window while contemplating God's Word and Will. I love that my violin is on the piano just waiting for me to play a prayer. I missed this part of my devotional so much over the last three weeks that I've decided to travel with my violin in the future. I'm sure it will be a funny sight--me toting a violin, computer, juicer, blender, books, and tiny bag of clothes into the Sheridan. My days of peace are numbered, since soon we'll be off to California for the funeral....and who knows what else.
Matthew 25:14–30
The parable of the Ten Virgins teaches that we must prepare for the Second Coming through gaining a relationship with God, living righteously, developing talents, and serving others. Those that believe in Christ are represented by the virgins, while Christ is of course the bridegroom. The Savior's Second Coming is the wedding, and the oil is preparation for the SC.
The foolish and wise were all believers. It is not a question of conversion but of commitment. The wise were daily in the presence of the Father, filling their cups by praying, studying the Word, strengthening relationships with the Father and the Son, living with Christlike charity, striving to keep the commandments, repenting and trying again, and basically doing the work of the kingdom. No, it's not a belief that one can buy their way into heaven with righteous works or deeds, but a continual dedication to live as Jesus commanded out of hope, faith, commitment, and love.
“In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps” (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 256).
So...likening this parable to my life....What am I doing to fill my lamp? What can I commit to do to improve?
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Reading the scriptures and keeping this journal are my delight. I do not keep an online journal to preach to anyone but myself. I like this format, because I can add pictures and correct my writing easier. If you enjoy reading it, I am happy. If you feel offended, please, realize it is not my intention to offend but to teach myself. No negative comments will not be published.