“The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also”

In this chapter of Luke, Jesus appoints Quorums of 70 and sends them out two by two to teach the people in every city. He counsels them not to take anything with them and give special favor to no man, but to offer peace to all people. He tells them to teach the peaceable but leave those who refuse to repent to their own fate. He admonishes them to remember that they are building the kingdom of God and to accept all those who come to repentance.
We believe that our church is built upon this same principle today. That we are building the kingdom of God by preaching repentance but that all are free to make their own choice. Like the Church of Jesus Christ of old we have 70’s today who teach us. The job is the same today as it was hundreds of years ago. There are few to teach so many but we must find those who are willing to hear the message. We should rejoice and be grateful that we have the power of the priesthood to help heal the sick and cast out evil from our lives. If we have a strong testimony of the Savior and his love for us, he will remember us and we will be his people always.
Today the quorums of 70 are not ordained apostles but are full time ministers of the gospel that are special witnesses of Jesus Christ and act in the name of the Lord, having been given that authority through priesthood power. We have many groups of 70 today because so many people need to be taught.

The Truth Shall Set You Free

There is some good symbolism in the scriptures that can teach us how to be free from sin. For example in Matthew 18:6-9 Jesus teaches that it would be better for a person be drowned than to offend others. If we look closely at the word “offend” which means to hurt, mock, trespass, transgress, or cause to stumble, we will see what not to do to others. Also we learn how we should not be treated. In verse 9 Jesus uses symbolism referring to a hands arms and legs as his friends and his eyes also are the members of his family or household. By cutting them off he meant that we should cut them out of our lives. We should not associate, or have little dealings with people who would purposely offend us. Many times when we are offended we act out and in turn are sinning.

To the savior being free did not just mean in a people free from worldly oppression. He mean them to be free of sin. In John 8:32 we read “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” He means the truth and knowledge of God. When one knows eternal truths and implements eternal principles in their lives they will be free of sin and likewise be free. Elder Bruce R. McConkie states that when we are “free from eh damning power of false doctrine; from bondage of appetite and lust; free from sin; from evil and corrupt influence; and from every form of restraining power; we will be free to go on to the unlimited enjoyment of being fully exalted beings”(Institute Manual p.109) As Latter-Day Saints we know this is true, for we can see this type of freedom reflected in our lives when we follow commandments. From the law of chastity and being morally clean we can have harmonious relationships with our spouses. When we obey the word of wisdom we are free of many addicting unhealthy habits and are free to be clean and healthy inside and out.

When Jesus says HE is the way, truth and life, he is stating that the way back our Heavenly Father is by following his teachings and trying to live up to his example. Knowing the savior will help us see the truth, know of his love for us, and help on the straight and narrow path to return to him.

Walking on Water

In Matthew 14:22-33 we read about Jesus walking on the water to the ship his disciples were on. When Jesus apostles first saw the Savior walking in the water they were afraid and thought he was a spirit. Peter’s response was a test of his faith Christ. He had outwardly proclaimed to believe Jesus was the Son of God but now he was asking for a sign. We do not believe in seeking signs to justify our faith but Christ permitted him to come across the water to him. As Peter began to sink he called out to his Lord for help, and help he received. But as we know it was only when we was sinking, when he began to FEAR, that he called out. Sometimes we are so blind to faith that we forget our God until that last moment when we really need help. Had Peter not feared, not given up on his faith, he could have made it to Christ upon the water.



For further insight on this principle of applying faith we can read in the Doctrine and Covenants section 88 verse 67. “And if your eye be single, to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.”

Peter applied this type of faith his life and that is what allowed him to walk on water. Doubting, he did not make it all the way. But if we can have faith, with an eye single to the purpose of the Lord, he will reveal ALL things to us. The word single in this scripture is important. It refers to our motivations and dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His glory will not be given to those who seek to use it for evil purposes. We must seek for His glory, not our own. The knowledge of God is all encompassing. He can show us truth, and light. As we have all learned in science the color white is really the encompassing of all colors. White light is considered to possess all earthly color. Therefore symbolically speaking, if we are full of the light of the spirit, we have been filled with all knowledge.

Dinner is SERVED!

Just had this for Dinner. Thank you Pinterest byway of RealmomKitchen.com I cut the recipe in half and it was enough to feed six... yes thats six... thank goodness some family came over to help eat it! Delish!!



Baked Cheesy Chicken Penne

6 tablespoons butter, plus more for baking dishes
kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound penne rigate (I used a 14.5 oz box of Ronzoni Smart Taste Penne Rigate)
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 8 ounces each), halved horizontally (I used some leftover cooked chicken)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
6 garlic cloves, finely minced
6 cups whole milk
10 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced (I used 8 oz of button mushrooms)
1 cup sliced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded provolone (6 ounces) (I used an italian blend that had provolone in it)
1 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 6 ounces)

Preheat oven to 400. Butter two shallow 2-quart baking dishes. If you’re going to freeze one, use a disposable foil pan. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 3 minutes short of al dente; drain pasta and set aside.
While pasta is boiling, heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until opaque throughout, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Halve each piece lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. While chicken pan is still hot, toss the mushrooms in and saute until golden brown (3-4 minutes). Use a little extra olive oil if needed.(Since I used left over chicken, I just cooked the mushrooms in the olive oil)
In a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot , melt butter over medium. Add flour and garlic; cook, whisking, 1 minute. While whisking constantly, gradually add milk; bring to a simmer. Keep whisking frequently as sauce thickens, about 1 minute more. Add mushrooms and tomatoes; cook 1 minute. Take the pan off the heat and and gradually stir in provolone and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
Add chicken and pasta to pot; season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide pasta mixture between baking dishes. If freezing, place remaining parmesan cheese in a zip-top baggie. If cooking, sprinkle on top.
Bake, uncovered, until top is golden and bubbling, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Freezer instructions:

To freeze, prepare through step 4 and then let pasta cool. Cover pan well with plastic wrap. Place extra cheese in baggie (for topping) on top and then cover entire pan well with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, preheat oven to 400. Remove foil and plastic from pan and set cheese baggie aside. Place foil back on pan and bake for about 1 1/2 hours. Remove foil, stir pasta, and top with cheese. Return pan to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes (I only did 10 minutes) or until mixture is hot and bubbly throughout.

The Greates of Prophets

When the Disciples of John the Baptist were sent by John to Christ, they asked him if we was truly the Christ they had been waiting for. He said he was and that they should go back and tell John all they had seen. I suppose if I were one of the disciples I would have told him that I seen Christ preform miracles. He healed the sick and raised the dead. Christ also spoke to the people about John, telling them he was not just a mere man but one of the best men ever to walk the earth. He was the greatest prophet, the only one worthy of preparing the way for Christ.
John had the disciples go to Jesus not for his own reassurance but to help persuade the disciples that Jesus was the true Messiah. Many of his followers were having a hard time following Jesus because they had been loyal to John for so long. John was Christ prophet, he taught the words of Christ, but was not the figure to be worshiped. Much like Joseph Smith was the prophet who restored the Church in our day, but was not the one to BE worshiped. Christ is the head of our church, his prophets are the earthly leaders of it.
John the baptist is among the greatest of prophets because he was trusted by God to prepare a way for His Son to come to earth and be accepted by the people. This is no small calling. Only one highly favored by God would be given this task. He was the only one worthy to baptize the Son of God. Lastly, John was the only legal administrator of the priesthood power on earth. Being born of Zacharias, he had the lineage of the power of the priesthood and was the rightful administrator of that power. He fulfilled his calling with all righteousness.
Johns words in John 3:30 sum up his full attitude toward the savior when he says “He increase, but i MUST decrease.” He knew who Jesus was. He knew by divine revelation that Jesus was the Christ. He knew that this was the man he had prepared a people for and that they must follow Christ, not himself. He knew Jesus was the Savior.

Beatitudes

The foot notes in the Bible for Matthew 5:3a describe being blessed as gentile, forgiving or benevolent. Being blessed characterizes someone who is humble and has suffered in meekness. Therefore I would say the definition of blessed by these terms is someone who have meekly and humble suffered trials but forgives those who have trespassed them and retains a gentle demeanor.
The Beatitudes in this section of Matthew are attributes or “attitudes” we should live our life by. They are Be poor of spirit (need the spirit), Be mournful (of our unrighteous behaviors), Be meek, Be righteous, Be Pure in Heart, Be kind, Be peaceable, Be strong (in the face of persecution).
Three of these that are most important to me are being poor of spirit, Be peaceable, and Be strong. Being poor of spirit really means that we are seeking after the Spirit. When we crave the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives and seek to be worthy of it we will be on the straight and narrow path to our Heavenly Father. Being peaceable is important in all aspects of life. We need to have peaceful homes for our families to fee safe and comforted in. Our homes should be a peaceful refuge from the world. We should not speak harshly but search for solutions to problems and correct wrongs in kind ways to restore peace wherever we may be. Lastly, be strong is one of the most important beatitudes we can have in these last days. With so much turmoil in the world and Christianity being attacked on all angles we must stand our ground. We need to be pillars of light in a darkening world, strong influences of good for our families, and examples of the Jesus Christ when others will not.
Following the beatitudes Christ was teaching in Matthew will help you draw closer to the Spirit and be a disciple of Christ.