Put on thy strength
Last night as I was reading to my girls at bed-time we read in 2 Nephi 8 and in that chapter it stated both to put on strength, and to awake and put on thy strength. This morning in 3 Nephi 20, I again heard this admonition. As naturally, this is the name of the site it stood out to me. I knew this phrase as coming from Isaiah 52, and knew that much of Isaiah is covered in the Book of Mormon, but I hadn't realized it's there twice and thought I'd do a quick search with scripture notes to see if it's more. It appears that the exact phrase is there twice in the two place I came across it. Kind of amazing that I would happen upon both within 24-hours merely by doing my usual routine that happens to have me at different points.
My search also turned up D&C 113:7 where Elias Higbee asks what the meaning of this is and who it is directed to. The following verse reads:
He had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel; and to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage; also to return to that power which she had lost.
The repetition and elaboration here reinforces to me the importance of working to expand my faith. Also a fascination as I was studying the 88th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, it was brought to my mind the connection between the spirit and body and how they are more powerful together. By taking stewardship over our bodies now we will be in better position to receive and act on communication from the divine, and as we are faithful to the divine it is to the renewing of our bodies. Of course, in the next life we have hope to receive glorified bodies in the resurrection, why not work now to be as glorified as we can in body and spirit to be of greater service.
Accountability
I gave away already that scripture study is sticking, even if just in small bits. I am also working to add official kneeling prayer in the morning which I just committed to this morning. I have often let the busy-ness of morning relegate my morning prayers to being said in my head on my drive to work, or calling a blessing on my breakfast sufficient. I can do better and I started this morning.
As for my exercise regimen, I'm hanging in there as well. I had pull-ups this morning and reduced my rest time down to 35-seconds and completed sets of 5,5, and 4.5. I will likely do another one shortly to get the full count for the day. I'll see if staying with this rest interval if it doesn't improve, or if I'll need to return to 40-second rest intervals in the next week or so.
Be strong!
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Great insights, I just noticed that Zion is a she. Section 89 as a guideline for proper nutrition states that as we eat properly we can also receive “hidden treasures.” Of course, it’s not just the physical nutrition that makes that happen.
Yes. The woman Zion. She is often seen in imagery as the bride of the bride groom (messiah).