Obedience Brings Blessings - Dec 2013, Teachings for Our Times

Obedience Brings Blessings


BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON

Introduction

A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.

LEARNER READINESS

READ A

A - Throughout the ages, men and women have sought for knowledge and understanding concerning this mortal existence and their place and purpose in it, as well as for the way to peace and happiness. Such a search is undertaken by each of us.

READ B

B - This knowledge and understanding are available to all mankind. They are contained in truths which are eternal. In Doctrine and Covenants section 1, verse 39, we read, “Behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever.”

READ C

C - Some would ask, “Where is such truth to be found, and how are we to recognize it?” In a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio, in May of 1833, the Lord declared:

“Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come. …

“The Spirit of truth is of God. …

“And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.

“He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.”

What a glorious promise! “He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.”

LEARNER INVOLVEMENT

Q: Why is keeping the commandments so important? [we will know all things]
Q: Will other people understand what you have learned through obedience?
Q: What does the natural man think about what we have learned through obedience?


READ D - Alma 12:10-11

READING 'D'

Alma 12:10-11

10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will notharden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.

Q: What does it mean "Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell"?  [they have lost their ability to see truth]

READ E  - D&C 93:1

READING  'E'

D&C 93 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;

Q: Is there path that is taught to us in the scriptures?  What are the elements of the path back to to God?

READ 'F'

F - There is no need for you or for me, in this enlightened age when the fulness of the gospel has been restored, to sail uncharted seas or to travel unmarked roads in search of truth. A loving Heavenly Father has plotted our course and provided an unfailing guide—even obedience. A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.

SAY : Many of us, however, learn through experience the wisdom of being obedient.

[Tell the Story of when P. Monson was a boy burning the weeds]

Danny and I learned several difficult but important lessons that day—not the least of which was the importance of obedience.

Q: Can you give me any examples of following incorrect principles leading to poor results?

LEARNER APPLICATION 

Q: Who is our greatest example of obedience?

READ G

Quotation from President Monson

G - The Savior demonstrated genuine love of God by living the perfect life, by honoring the sacred mission that was His. Never was He haughty. Never was He puffed up with pride. Never was He disloyal. Ever was He humble. Ever was He sincere. Ever was He obedient.

SAY: Many verses of scriptures indicate a step by step pattern to return to the presence of God.  We have quoted a few today.
Q: What is the first rung of the ladder?

READ H - 3 Nephi 9:20-23

READING 'H' 3 Nephi 9:20-23

20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, ...
21 Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.
22 Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God...

Q: If we are were to keep the commandments without first sacrificing a broken heart and contrite spirit, becoming meek and humble as a little child, what happens? [we think we are better than others for keeping the commandments that we do keep, we judge others that aren't doing as well as we are, we become self rightieous]

SAY: The Lord then declares his doctrine in 3 Nephi 11.  He then declares his commandments in chapters 12 through 15.  After declaring his commandment, the Lord says in chapter 15 verse 10.

Behold, I have given unto you the commandments; therefore keep my commandments. And this is the law and the prophets, for they truly testified of me.

Read Gal 5:14

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Q: In what is Law fulfilled?

Q: How does this scripture relate to the keeping of the commandments?

CONCLUSION

SAY, At the end of the talk, President Monson state:

The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments. I quote once again the words of the Lord: “He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.”

This progression upward, back to God is enduring to the end.  And it take heart rending effort.

Amen

December 5,2013 - Kim Nelson

Today is Craig's birthday.  I forgot to wish him a happy birthday until 11:30am.  He wrote me back asked me to call him.  I got busy and didn't call him.  At 5:15pm he send me an email announcing that he did our brother's initiatory work at the temple and wanted me to do his endowment.  I printed out the FOR and put it in my pocket.  By 5:45pm I was texting my RB friends that I would be there to play at 6:00.  I kept on feeling impressed to go to the temple tonight and do Kim's work.  I texted everyone at 6:00pm, telling them that I was off to the temple.  It was an emotional experience.  Everytime I said Kim's name I got choked up.  I like it when I do the right thing.

HP Lesson - Dallin Oakes, Followers of Christ (November 2013)

Followers of Christ BY ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS (November 2013)

INTRODUCTION

Talk about Bayside Nondenominational Church.

I enjoyed the meeting - It was different than our meetings - the rock band was loud and irreverent - the lyrics were good - the energy was stirring - (we have less enthusiasim in our meetings) -

The pastor taught James 2

Less ward family flavor, no larger organization to be part of, less doctrinal unity (Becca comment)

LEARNER READINESS

READ A

A - Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.

READ B

Quotation B

“Come, follow me,” the Savior said.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
For thus alone can we be one
With God’s own loved, begotten Son.

READ C

C - Like all other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints study the life of our Savior as reported in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I will review examples and teachings contained in these four books of the Holy Bible and invite each of us and all other Christians to consider how this restored Church and each of us qualify as followers of Christ.

Q: According to Elder Oakes, Why do we study the life or our Savior? [one reason is to consider how each of us qualify as followers of Christ- and our Church as well]

SAY: Elder Oaks, in his talk, reviews many of the teachings of our Savior including:  Baptism, repenting and preaching repentance, keeping His commandments, sacrament, prayer and Chist like qualities.  We will get to as many as we can.

READ D 

D - [Jesus] affirmed that keeping His commandments would require His followers to leave what He called “that which is highly esteemed among men”  and “the tradition of men” He also warned, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you”.

SAY: Keeping His commandments would require His followers to leave what Jesus called that which is highly esteemed among men.

Q: What do think Jesus meant by this saying?  What is esteemed among men? [having money, power and influence]

Luke 6:13 ¶No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

READ E

E - Latter-day Saints understand that we should not be “of the world” or bound to “the tradition of men,” but like other followers of Christ, we sometimes find it difficult to separate ourselves from the world and its traditions. Some model themselves after worldly ways because, as Jesus said of some whom He taught, “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God”). These failures to follow Christ are too numerous and too sensitive to list here. They range all the way from worldly practices like political correctness and extremes in dress and grooming to deviations from basic values like the eternal nature and function of the family.

Q: How can we tell if we are bound to the tradition of men? (I think it is hard since our traditions are part of our everyday lives).

LEARNER INVOLVEMENT

READ F

F - Jesus’s teachings were not meant to be theoretical. Always they were to be acted upon. Jesus taught, “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man” and “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing”.

READ G

G - As Jesus taught, those who love Him will keep His commandments. They will be obedient, as President Thomas S. Monson taught this morning. Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places. The Savior taught this principle and how we should be reminded and strengthened to follow it when He instituted the ordinance of the sacrament 

Q: How does partaking of the sacrament strengthen us to follow Him?

.... always remember Him Q: What do you do when you realized you forgot the Lord as you walk your daily path?

[I repent, I ask for forgiveness, I resolve to do better]

SAY: As we move from grace to grace, every improving, every progressing, are we encircled by Christ’s mercy?

READ Alma 34:15-16

15 And thus he shall bring asalvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.

16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.

READ Alma 34:31

31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.

 Q: What does it mean for the great plan of redemption to immediately be brought unto to you?

LEARNER APPLICATION

SAY: Elder Oakes said that Jesus' teachings were not meant to be theoretical.

Q: What do you think He meant by that statement?

IF: Missionary work go to AA

IF: Rescue and Serve, go to BB

IF: Learning to Forgive, go to CC

IF: Helping the needy, go to DD

IF: Becoming perfect, go to EE

AA - Some whom Jesus called to follow Him did not respond immediately but sought a delay to attend to proper family obligations. Jesus replied, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”. Many Latter-day Saints practice the priority Jesus taught. This includes the wonderful example of thousands of senior missionaries and others who have left children and grandchildren to perform the missionary duties to which they have been called.

Q: How would we apply this counsel?

BB - In our efforts to rescue and serve, we follow our Savior’s unique example and tender teachings about love: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” . He even commanded us to love our enemies . And in His great teachings at the end of His mortal ministry, He said:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”.

Q: How would we apply this councel?

CC - As part of loving one another, Jesus taught that when we are wronged by persons, we should forgive them . While many struggle with this difficult commandment, we all know of inspiring examples of Latter-day Saints who have given loving forgiveness, even for the most serious wrongs. For example, Chris Williams drew upon his faith in Jesus Christ to forgive the drunken driver who caused the death of his wife and two of their children. Only two days after the tragedy and still deeply distraught, this forgiving man, then serving as one of our bishops, said, “As a disciple of Christ, I had no other choice.”

Q: How could we apply this counsel better in our lifes?

DD - Most Christians give to the poor and the needy, as Jesus taught. In following this teaching of our Savior, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members excel. Our members make generous contributions to charities and give personal service and other gifts to the poor and needy. In addition, our members fast for two meals each month and donate at least the cost of these meals as a fast offering, which our bishops and branch presidents use to help our needy members. Our fasting to help the hungry is an act of charity and, when done with pure intent, is a spiritual feast.

Q: How could we apply this counsel better in our lives?

EE - As part of His great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”. The purpose of this teaching and the purpose of following our Savior is to come to the Father, whom our Savior referred to as “my Father, and your Father; and … my God, and your God”.

READ

From modern revelation, unique to the restored gospel, we know that the commandment to seek perfection is part of God the Father’s plan for the salvation of His children. Under that plan we are all heirs of our heavenly parents. “We are the children of God,” the Apostle Paul taught, “and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ”. This means, as we are told in the New Testament, that we are “heirs … of eternal life”  and that if we come to the Father, we are to “inherit all things” —all that He has—a concept our mortal minds can hardly grasp. But at least we can understand that achieving this ultimate destiny in eternity is possible only if we follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, who taught that “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. We seek to follow Him and become more like Him, here and hereafter.

CONCLUSION

I testify that as we are constantly changing to be more like Christ, we are actually repenting.  As the Hymn "Come, Come Ye Saints" tells us, Grace shall be as your Day.  We are in Christ grace as we exercise faith in Christ and change.  This is enduring to the end.  Amen.

"Come, Come ye saints,

No toil nor labor fear;

But with joy, wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear,

Grace shall be as your day"

Thoughts on Law

I have been reading in 2 Nephi 2, Alma 42 and Alma 12 regarding law.  

Everybody coming to earth is give some level of law.  Some good law. Some bad law.  We sometimes get sucked into the bad law not evening knowing it.  We call evil good and good evil.  But, regardless, we all have a level of law.  We are given more law as we become enlightened enough to live it.  For example, there are laws  surrounding the establishment of Zion.  We are not ready to live those laws (apparently, as a church). 

Another example:  We have been given the Sermon on the Mount.  We all have read it but most of us barely understand it.  We don’t get it.  We haven’t been enlightened.

As a person doesn’t live certain laws those laws fall away.

Law is a good thing.  They are gifts from God as rewards for obedience to previous laws.

With all this in mind, everyone has some level of law to be judged by.  God doesn’t judge a person for his mental inability to obey a law.  He doesn’t judge a person that is incapable of living law.  He does, in the end, judge those who have been given law.  He does this by having us analyze our deeds in this life.  He does this by having us evaluate our level of seeking (desire for growth).  If we are justified for not  being able to live certain laws because of our upbringing, that will be obvious and no punishment can be affixed.  God will judge a righteous judgment.

To be dead spiritually is to  fight against God.  One can revive anytime during this life.  It seems to be more difficult as a spirit because if you made intentional choices in life to go against God and decided never to repair them (as demonstrated by evil deeds), then reparations are apparently more difficult.  Again, God will judge a person’s ability, desire, etc.  An evil man might be so  programmed by his evil environment, that God could be more merciful.  A victim, might be so conditioned and controlled (externally or internally) that he may seem capable but really isn’t. 

But that’s where seeking comes into play.  As one seeks, grace repairs the damage (or weakness).  If God chooses to not to repair it after repeated asking, then he is okay with that person going through life a little damaged.  That is no longer that person’s problem to worry about.

Book of Mormon Zion

I believe the Book of Mormon provides a transitional step to the establishment of Zion.  I don’t have to look at the Doctrine and Covenants to follow this  teaching in the Book of Mormon.  Here’s what I mean.  Alma’s church was built on a supply/demand economy (just like ours without all the regulation).  Those who had desires to their God and fellowman and wanted to walk uprightly before God could voluntarily participate.  Alma teaches that it is a fundamental tenet of Christ’s gospel to have temporal equality.  The Book of Mormon doesn’t make it optional.  We make it optional because of our false traditions and cultural bias. 

My point is, if the saints were taught in a clear way the importance of temporal equality (that would bring the blessing from heaven, to partake of the Heavenly Gift, etc.), that the rich give more - that it is walking in the pride of one’s heart to walk by the poor and notice them not, to have an abundance far exceeding what others have (to wear our ‘fine twine apparel’ with abandon) – that we could establish an order comparable to the order lived in most Book of Mormon periods.  If we did this we, as a people, would be prepared for Zion.

And we can do it right now in Babylon.  We just haven’t been taught.  Maybe being taught would bring about mass apostasy.  Maybe the Spirit hasn’t rested on the Apostles to make the transition to this Book of Mormon teaching.  Maybe we are steeped in so much false Calvinism that we have blind spots. 

I pray for the church that it might increase in righteousness and desire Zion.

The Justice Mindset

I was listening to Christian radio on the way to my wife’s BYU Christmas party.  The guy was talking about Sara having a baby at 90 years old and how everyone was laughing.  Later when Isaac was weaned, Ishmael starting laughing at her and the child in a mocking, derisive way.  Sarah wanted Ishmael and the mother banished.  Abraham goes to the Lord.  He must have been very disturbed to do what Sarah told him to do.  The Lord tell Abraham to do what Sarah requested.

The radio compared it to the law and mercy.  Ishmael is symbolic of the law and Isaac is symbolic of grace and mercy.  The law exacts justice, is hard, laughs at our weaknesses, tells us that there isn’t any redemption from past mistakes, that there isn’t anything that can be done.  Mercy is a miracle (like Isaac), that says anything is possible.  It is tied to forgiveness.  It is soft, kind, and patient. 

So, when Sarah boots Hagar and Ishmael out the camp, it’s like getting rid of the justice oriented mind set out of our own head.  If we are law (justice) oriented, we are hard on ourselves.  It’s all about the mindset.  We either believe we are under the law or in Christ.  I want to enveloped in the robes of mercy.  

HP Lesson - October 2013 - Your Wonderful Journey Home

Introduction - Three talks given to me to prepare a lesson from: Way too much to prepare.

1. President Uctdorf  - Your Wonderful Jouney Home
2. Elder Bednar
3. Elder  Ballard

The Opening line:

As you joyfully use the map your loving Father has provided for your journey, it will lead you to holy places and you will rise to your supernal potential.

LEARNER READINESS

SAY: Let's read about a journy that President Uctdorf took when he was young.

READ Quotation #1 – President Uctdorf

Quotation #1 – President Uctdorf

I grew up in Zwickau, in the former East Germany. When I was about 11 years old, my father fell under increased scrutiny as a political dissenter, and my parents felt that the only safe choice for our family would be to flee to West Germany. It was decided that the safest plan was to leave at different times and follow different routes to the West, leaving all our belongings behind.

Since my father was at greatest risk, he took the quickest journey, through Berlin. My older brothers headed north, and each found his own way west. My sister—who would have been the age of many of you here today—together with Helga Fassmann, her teacher in Young Women, and some others took a train that passed briefly through West Germany. They paid a porter to unlock one of the doors for them, and after the train crossed the West German border, they jumped from the moving train to freedom. How I admired my sister for her courage.

I was the youngest child, and my mother decided that she and I would walk across a mountain range separating the two countries. I remember that she packed a lunch as if we were going for a hike or a picnic in the mountains.

We took a train as far as we could and then walked for long hours, getting ever closer to the West German border. The borders were tightly controlled, but we had a map and knew of a time and a place where it might be safe to cross. I could sense my mother’s anxiety. She observed the area intensely to see if we were being followed. With each step, her legs and knees seemed to become weaker. I helped carry her heavy bag filled with food, vital documents, and family photos as we climbed up one last, long hill. Surely, she thought, we had passed the border by now. When she finally felt safe, we sat down and started to eat our picnic lunch. For the first time that day, I’m sure, she breathed more easily.

It was only then that we noticed the border sign. It was still far ahead of us! We were having our picnic on the wrong side of the border. We were still in East Germany!

Border guards could show up any moment!

My mother frantically packed up our lunch, and we hurried up the hillside as quickly as we could. This time we didn’t dare stop until we knew with certainty that we had reached the other side of the border.

Even though each member of our family had taken very different routes and experienced very different hardships along the way, eventually all of us made it to safety. We were finally reunited as a family. What a glorious day that was!

SAY: I found the story intriguing.  They all too different paths but ended up at the same place!

Q: Do we all have different paths on our journey on this earth?

READ Quotation #2 – President Uctdorf

Quotation #2 – President Uctdorf

What I have just told you is an experience that is to me a very precious journey. I can now look back on my life and recognize a number of such “journeys” I have taken over time. Not all of them involved crossing mountain ranges or political boundaries; some had more to do with overcoming trials or growing in spirituality. But they were all journeys. I believe that every life is a collection of individual “journey stories.”

SAY: Life is a collection of individual journey stories.  Be thinking about your own individual journey stories.  They may involve overcoming trials, growing in spirituality.

Q: What is the most important thing to have while traveling your path of life, your journey?  What have you found most useful? (money, grace, faith, knowledge of the plan, hope, health, a good companion, the Church, scriptures, etc.)

SAY: Elder Uchdorf goes on to discuss what we know about our pre earth life.  He then talks of what earth life would be like.

READ Quotation #3 – President Uctdorf

Quotation #3 – President Uctdorf

There were so many things that would be out of your control. Mortal life would be hard at times, filled with unexpected bends in the road: sickness, heartbreak, accidents, conflict.

Without a memory of your previous existence—without remembering that you once walked with your Father in Heaven—would you still recognize His voice amid all the noise and distractions of mortal life?

The journey ahead seemed so long and uncertain—so filled with risk.

It wouldn’t be easy, but you knew it was worth every effort.

READ Quotation #4 – President Uctdorf

Quotation #4 – President Uctdorf

So, there you stood on the edge of eternity, looking forward with unspeakable excitement and hope—and, I imagine, also with a degree of worry and fear.

In the end, you knew God would be just—that His goodness would triumph. You had participated in the great heavenly councils and knew that your Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, would provide a way for you to be cleansed from sin and rescued from physical death. You had faith that, in the end, you would rejoice and join your voice with a heavenly chorus singing praises to His holy name.

And so, you took a deep breath …

And a great step forward …

And here you are!

LEARNER INVOLVEMENT

SAY: So, here we are.

Q: How does if feel?

Q: Was it everything that you expected?

Q: How has the journey been?

Q: Why do we need a map?

READ Quotation #5 – President Uctdorf

Quotation #5 – President Uctdorf

He didn’t send you on this journey only to wander aimlessly on your own. He wants you to come home to Him. He has given you loving parents and faithful Church leaders, along with a map that describes the terrain and identifies the dangers; the map shows you where peace and happiness can be found and will help you plot your course back home.

SAY, President Uctdorf asks this question, Q: Now, where do you find this map?

1. In the sacred scriptures.
2. In the words of prophets and apostles.
3. And through personal revelation from the Holy Ghost.

This map is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news, and the joyful way of a disciple of Christ. It is the commandments and example given to us by our Advocate and Mentor, who knows the way because He is the way.

LEARNER APPLICATION

SAY: I wanted to go a little deeper on the subject of Jesus Christ.

READ #6 Quotation from Brad Wilcox Talk "His Grace is Sufficient"

#6 Quotation from Brad Wilcox Talk "His Grace is Sufficient"

I have born-again Christian friends who say to me, “You Mormons are trying to earn your way to heaven.”

I say, “No, we are not earning heaven. We are learning heaven. We are preparing for it (see D&C 78:7). We are practicing for it.”

They ask me, “Have you been saved by grace?”

I answer, “Yes. Absolutely, totally, completely, thankfully—yes!”

Then I ask them a question that perhaps they have not fully considered: “Have you been changed by grace?” They are so excited about being saved that maybe they are not thinking enough about what comes next. They are so happy the debt is paid that they may not have considered why the debt existed in the first place. Latter-day Saints know not only what Jesus has saved us from but also what He has saved us for. As my friend Brett Sanders puts it, “A life impacted by grace eventually begins to look like Christ’s life.” As my friend Omar Canals puts it, “While many Christians view Christ’s suffering as only a huge favor He did for us, Latter-day Saints also recognize it as a huge investment He made in us.” As Moroni puts it, grace isn’t just about being saved. It is also about becoming like the Savior (see Moroni 7:48).

Q: Any thoughts on being changed by grace?

READ #7  Quotation from Brad Wilcox Talk "His Grace is Sufficient"

#7 - Quotation from Brad Wilcox Talk "His Grace is Sufficient"

Grace is not a booster engine that kicks in once our fuel supply is exhausted. Rather, it is our constant energy source. It is not the light at the end of the tunnel but the light that moves us through the tunnel. Grace is not achieved somewhere down the road. It is received right here and right now.

SAY: These ideas about grace may be foreign to some. I know is has been foreign to me but I am beginning to understand it.  Q: Why is grace our constant energy source?

READ Quotation #8 – President Uctdorf

Quotation #8 – President Uctdorf

Of course, simply having a map doesn’t do any good unless you study it—unless you use it to navigate through life. I invite you to make it a high priority to study and apply God’s word. Open your heart to the Holy Ghost so that He can direct you along your journey through life.

Q: How does having a map help you through the difficult parts of the journey?

READ Alma 26:19-22

19 Oh then, why did he not consign us to an awful destruction, yea, why did he not let the sword of his justice fall upon us, and doom us to eternal despair?
20 Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.

Are there gulfs in journey?  What might they be?  How does one cross a deep chasim without going down to misery and woe, dirty waters of sin and forbidden paths?

READ Alma 26: 23-24

21 And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent.
22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance ...

Conclusion

Christ came to the earth to be our Savior.  His journey included paying for our sins.  How do se show our love and appreciation for His sacrifice for His paying the debt?  By ever changing growing from grace to grace.  This is what is meant in the scriptures to exercise faith unto repentance.  If our journey has integrated these concepts we receive help we need from the Lord to endure to the end.

Amen.



The wilted tomato story




As we think about the imagery of succoring the weak, lifting up the hands which hang down, and strengthening feeble knees, I am reminded of a sweet seven-year-old showing her grandfather a small tomato plant she had started from seed as part of a second-grade school project.


She explained that from one tiny seed would come a plant. And if the plant were cared for, it would grow many tomatoes that would each have many seeds.


She said, “And if all of those seeds were planted and grew more tomatoes, and you planted all of those seeds, in a few seasons you would have millions of tomatoes.”


“All,” she said in amazement, “from one little seed.”


But then she said, “I almost killed my plant. I left it in a dark room and forgot to water it. When I remembered the plant, it was all wilted and dead looking. I cried because I thought of all of those millions of tomatoes that would never grow.”


She was then excited to tell her grandfather about the “miracle” that happened.


She explained, “Momma said maybe the plant wasn’t dead. Maybe all it needed was some water and some light to bring life back.


“And she was right. I gave the plant some water, and I put it in the window for light. And guess what?” she asked. “It came back to life, and now it’s going to grow millions of tomatoes!”


Her small tomato plant, so full of potential but so weakened and wilted from unintentional neglect, was strengthened and revived through the simple ministration of water and light by the little girl’s loving and caring hands.


Brothers and sisters, as the literal spirit children of our loving Heavenly Father, we have unlimited, divine potential. But if we are not careful, we can become like the wilted tomato plant. We can drift away from the true doctrine and gospel of Christ and become spiritually undernourished and wilted, having removed ourselves from the divine light and living waters of the Savior’s eternal love and priesthood power.


If any one of you feels your faith or your testimony of Heavenly Father’s plan is less than you know it should be, then turn more fully to the Savior. Let His light and His living water do for you and your family what a little water and light did in bringing life back to the weakened tomato plant.

Oct 5, 2013 General Conference

Pres. Monson - 80,000 missionaries.  Addresses are inspired by God.

Elder Hale - Listen to General Conference.

Elder ... Meekness and kindness, exercise self control, learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart.  It is not possible to grow quickly but over time.  Take up our cross daily.  Improve each day. Why?  One days failed, do it the next day or the third day.  Control our temper.  May be a challenge.  What is you response when some one offends you.  Convey our feelings with gentleness.  Black person listening to the church meeting through the window.

Sister ... Men and women are both needed. We work on keeping our covenants.

Elder ....  good talk.

Elder Bednar - Law of tithing have other ways to receive blessing.  Eyes to see more clearly.  God's  throughts are higher than our thoughts.  Greater capacity to change or own circumstances rather than and increase of income.  We can receive greater capacity to go forth rather than more.  Assurance, peace, faith and hope is what is needed.  We might plead for posterity, we might get increased capacity.  He may increase our resolve.

Tithing simplicity - disposition of the tithes.  council of...,  Appreciation for the Lord's law of finance.  foundation for fiscal affairs.  one tenth of all their interest annually.  Shall be disposed of by a council.

two basic and fixed principles.  The church spends what it receives, no more.  sets aside money for the future.  All members should observe the simplicity of how the church does it.

Widows might.... church accutely aware of....

Afternoon

Elder Packard - Atonement

Elder ..... Missionary work.  match or energy to the leaders.

Elder .... Less active member activation.  Gospel blessing in their home.  Marta didn't want to go to church. Singing of a hymn that touched Marta's heart.  Naaman leper, Elisha, wash in Jordan seven times.  naaman was wroth.  How much rather than, be washed and be clean.  Went to Jordan.  was clean.  Pres. Monson has invited us to go forth and rescue our brethren.  hearts to inspire and souls to save.  they are waiting for us.

Elder ... Besethda,moving of the water, troubling of the water was healed. Jesus, goes to a powerless man.  Inflicted man 38 years, Wilt thou be made whole?  I have no man.  Rise, take up thy bed and walk.

Ten lepers, have mercy on us they cried.  faith must precede the miracle.  one turned back, glorified God, thanked him.  Jesus heals body mind and spirit based on faith.  Made whole, come unto me.  Take my yoke upon thee, my burden is light, become a new creature, draw near unto me and I will draw near unto

elder Holland - on depression

Seeking vs. Sitting on One's Thumbs.

Here's what Nephi has to say about seeking:

I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men. For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him. For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round. Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment. Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.(1 Nephi 10:17-20)

Nephi is implying that those who do not seek do not find. But, there’s more. Those who don’t seek are brought into judgment and the judgment is, if you have sought (think of seek) to do wickedly you get cast off. The person was in a non-active state of ‘unseek’ which condemned him.  Amulek was in a state of ‘unseek’ when he had chosen to harden his heart, etc. to the truths he already knew.  When we stop seeking, our ability to see, hear and know truth diminishes.  As we are conditioned by the world around us, the traditions that we choose to follow crowd out the correct traditions or the ways of the Lord.

There are so my falsehoods that stop us from seeking. Republicanism creates a belief that we all prosper according to our genius. Democratism creates a belief that redistribution must be done involuntarily. Never-do-it-once-ism teaches a belief of anti-atonement and self-righteousness. Mormon conservatism teaches a belief that spiritual manifestations are weird and wrong. Mormon structuralism teaches a belief that all worship has to be done a three hour block of time without the ability of the Holy Ghost to override the meeting plan. Never-do-it-once-ism creates a fear that someone with a different belief is evil and all must conform. Never-do-it-once-ism teach a belief in the cult of the prophet. Magic-Temple-ism believes that by going to the temple you have made it to the third degree without even knowing or doing anything (regarding the covenants).

We are also so attached to things that give us a perceived identity (nation, race, religion, creed, family, middle class, upper class, etc.) that anything that clashes with how we identify ourselves has to be resisted and if possible, forced out.

I got away from seeking. But, it all applies. If we seek Christ and his ways, all false believes are rooted out over time.

Thoughts on False Tradtions and on Making Things Too Complex

Some of the things Snuffer writes resonates with me.  Some things don’t.  He seems to make the gospel very complicated.  When I let everything settle, what shines forth are the teachings of Jesus Christ.  I have enough to work on just overcoming each of my weaknesses through His Grace, being perfect in Christ as I walk my path, denying myself all ungodliness one weakness at a time, ‘knowing’ that the power of God has been part of the process of my justification and finally being made perfect through sanctification. 

This is simple and easily understood.  I believe it needs to be preached.  Faith unto repentance, covenant keeping, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Everything else becomes superfluous.  If I do these simple things, false traditions and beliefs will fall away, light and truth will grow, and regardless of whether we (the church) have or don’t have this or that, I ‘know’ that my path is correct for me.

Either the apostles are inspired to guide this church or they are not.  I chose to ‘believe’ that they are inspired.

I know we (the church) have problems.  I believe that there are many false traditions that we run under.  I believe when the Holy Ghost (the still small voice) tries to tell us (from member to GA) to consider things that go against deeply rooted false traditions and runs up against some formidable blocks.  That seems to be the nature of false traditions.  I believe the church is on an upward path and the time we are in is a time for personal righteousness.  The need for group righteousness will come next as prescribed by Christ.  Perhaps, to push for group righteousness now is going contrary to the dictates of the Holy Ghost.

I pray to God that he may inspire the leaders to teach the membership principles of Zion.  Until we are taught in a clear way, I can’t apply Alma 5, Mormon 8 and Jacob 2 to the Saints.  We are still very ignorant to clearly spelled out tenets of the doctrine of Christ in the Book of Mormon.  So, I pray.

I have heard general authorities state that Zion will come when we decide to be a Zion people.  Well, I pray to God, that the leaders will start taking away our ignorance by teaching the principles.  Stop teaching some things that are less necessary and start teaching things that are.  No poor among us is a neglected principle.  I believe that to partake of the Heavenly Gift, is to partake of enlightenment (and rich blessings, both temporal and spiritual) that are so obvious to the spiritual-minded – but, will not be given until we as a people desire and decide to make the poor equal in every way to everyone else.  But, we have to be carefully taught the tenets first.  Until then, we are ignorant as a people. It has to start from the top down.  All the ‘but this’ and ‘but that’ doesn’t matter.  We just have faith.  Very simple.  The bishops will need to discern who and what the poor are.  Not my problem.

I believe the principles of Zion can be done in our free market economy.  There is no need for a united order.  Just individual consecration.  That would be a good start.

But, I wait and I pray.

Until Our Lives Are Broken...

 From John Eldredge

Until We Are Broken, Our Lives Will Be Self-Centered

Monday, August 30, 2010

True strength does not come out of bravado. Until we are broken, our life will be self-centered, self-reliant; our strength will be our own. So long as you think you are really something in and of yourself, what will you need God for? I don’t trust a man who hasn’t suffered; I don’t let a man get close to me who hasn’t faced his wound. Think of the posers you know-are they the kind of man you would call at 2:00 A.M., when life is collapsing around you? Not me. I don’t want clichés; I want deep, soulful truth, and that only comes when a man has walked the road I’ve been talking about. As Frederick Buechner says,

To do for yourself the best that you have it in you to do-to grit your teeth and clench your fists in order to survive the world at its harshest and worst-is, by that very act, to be unable to let something be done for you and in you that is more wonderful still. The trouble with steeling yourself against the harshness of reality is that the same steel that secures your life against being destroyed secures your life also against being opened up and transformed. (The Sacred Journey)

Only when we enter our wound will we discover our true glory. As Robert Bly says, “Where a man’s wound is, that is where his genius will be.” There are two reasons for this. First, the wound was given in the place of your true strength, as an effort to take you out. Until you go there you are still posing, offering something more shallow and insubstantial. And therefore, second, it is out of your brokenness that you discover what you have to offer the community. The false self is never wholly false. Those gifts we’ve been using are often quite true about us, but we’ve used them to hide behind. We thought that the power of our life was in the golden bat, but the power is in us. When we begin to offer not merely our gifts but our true selves, that is when we become powerful.

Thoughts on Snuffer

I read more of Snuffer’s PTHG.  He is just provided his evidences that the church doesn’t have the Melchezidek priesthood.  We only have the offices of the church thinking that we have the higher priesthood.  I don’t agree.  I will let it settle.  Ok, so we are wandering in the wilderness.  I knew that 30 years ago.  He says not to leave the church.  I know that.  He says the saints were expulsed out of Nauvoo.  I know that.  He believes that the church doesn’t have the fullness of the priesthood nor the sealing power.  Usually, these personal matters between God and the prophet are not written down until afterwards.  The people in Nephi’s (son of Helaman) time didn’t know he had the sealing power.  They knew he was special.  So, if Snuffer doesn’t read it, he doesn’t know.  So, he assumes that the powers don’t exist.  Either he is just whining about things or he is something special.  I am not sure yet.  I definitely don’t agree with all his evidences.  Why didn’t Joseph correct the offices in the church/priesthood problem if there was a problem back then?

HP Lesson, September 2013

For Peace at Home


BY ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Introduction: 11 Readings and 15 Questions and 1 sharing time.

READ A

A -- One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds.

SAY: Be thinking about gospel, covenant living and love and exceptional moments you all have had;  how relationships improved; and how you were greatly blessed.

READ B

B -- Many voices from the world in which we live tell us we should live at a frantic pace. There is always more to do and more to accomplish. Yet deep inside each of us is a need to have a place of refuge where peace and serenity prevail, a place where we can reset, regroup, and reenergize to prepare for future pressures.

Q: Why is slowing down so hard to do?  What do we believe it bad to slow down?
Q: Why is the pace so frantic?
Q: Is taking time to quiet your soul a good thing to do?

SAY:  I take time each day reenergize.  I pray, immerse myself in the scriptures, quiet my mind, ponder, discuss things with the Lord.  I find it very helpful.  Do you find it helpful?

READ C

C --We need not worry if we can’t simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time.

Q: What does this counsel tell us about pacing ourselves?
Q: What do we do if we have plateaued off?

READ D

D --The ideal place for that peace is within the walls of our own homes, where we have done all we can to make the Lord Jesus Christ the centerpiece.

READ E

E --Doing all we can to invite the gentle, guiding influence of the Holy Ghost into our lives is critical in our attempts to center our homes on the Savior. Acting obediently on those promptings strengthens us even more.

Q: Does frantic pace and Holy Ghost ghost work together well?  Why? Why not?

READ F

F --Greater peace will come as you couple your efforts to be obedient with serving those around you. So many individuals who have what they perceive to be meager talents humbly and generously use those talents to bless the lives of those around them. Selfishness is the root of great evil. The antidote for that evil is exemplified in the life of the Savior. He shows us how to focus our lives outward in unselfish service to others.

Q: Why is there greater peace when we serve?
Q: What do you like better: being anxiously engaged or sitting idly looking on?

READ G

G --I have learned a truth that has been repeated so frequently in my life that I have come to know it as an absolute law. It defines the way obedience and service relate to the power of God. When we obey the commandments of the Lord and serve His children unselfishly, the natural consequence is power from God—power to do more than we can do by ourselves. Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength and power from the Lord.

Let's read more about receiving strength.

READ H

H --Mosiah 10:10-11 And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle. Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men.

READ I

I --24 And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples—

25 Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state of unbelief and awful wickedness; and they saw that the Lamanites were exceedingly more numerous than they, and except they should  cleave unto the Lord their God they must unavoidably perish.

26 For behold, they saw that the strength of the Lamanites was as great as their strength, even man for man. And thus had they fallen into this great transgression; yea, thus had they become weak, because of their transgression, in the space of  not many years.

Q: What can these verses teach us if used as a metaphor for our lives today?

Q: How do we gain strength and power from the Lord in our lives?

Q: How real is this power, this strength from the Lord?


One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds.

SAY: Many of you if not all of you have had exceptional moments in you life where something wonderful happened to you or your wife or family member, where a relationship improved, where the Spirit was strong, where you received the strength of the Lord, where you were greatly blessed.

Q: Could one or two of you share such a moment?

READ J

J -- Moroni 7:45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

READ K

K --I offer some final thoughts for those who love a family member who is not making good choices. That can challenge our patience and endurance. We need to trust in the Lord and in His timing that a positive response to our prayers and rescue efforts can occur. We do all that we can to serve, to bless, and to submissively acknowledge God’s will in all things. We exercise faith and remember that there are some things that must be left to the Lord. He invites us to set our burdens down at His feet. With faith we can know that this straying loved one is not abandoned but is in the watchcare of a loving Savior.

Q: Why is patience and endurance required with loved ones who have gone astray?  (Brienholt)
Q: Why is it important to cast our burdens at His feet?
Read the last sentence again.
    Q: What does this  mean?

Conclusion:  We have talked about a number of things today.  How to gain the peace that only God can give and how we bring that peace into the lives of others.  It has everything to do with developing our faith in Christ and changing our inner selves one weakness at a time.  This is what is meant in the scriptures when it says "faith unto repentance".  This is the way to come unto Christ.  And as we change the inward self, peace comes.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Comments On Current Welfare State

I like it.  Just common sense.  Go to your church or atheist organization if you want more help than what the government can offer to keep you alive.  If your church or atheist organization turns you away, well maybe you should reevaluate your church or organization.  By the way, I don’t know of any atheist organization that provides help to the poor.

Life is hard.  Faith in God and trust that God is watching over you and to be a member of an organization that uplifts the poor while abasing the rich are great options.  The only other option is make the government do it.

By the way, without permitting people on welfare to purchase all the products at the grocery store, you wouldn’t get the corporate capitalist on board with the government plan.  Only the rice and bean producing corporations would be happy.  We are a welfare capitalist state not a socialist state and many suppose.

Best regards,

Scott

I F YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER,YOU'VE GOT AN  ELECTRICAL PROBLEM" Wow, this girl has a great  plan! Love the last thing she would do.... the best . This was written by a 21  yr. old female who gets it. It's her future she's worried about and this is how  she feels about the social welfare big government state that she's being forced  to live in! These solutions are just common sense in her opinion. This  'article' was in the Waco Tribune Herald, Waco , TX   PUT ME IN CHARGE . .  . Put me in charge of food  stamps. I'd get rid of Lone Star cards; no cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho's, just  money for 50-pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese and all the powdered  milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza, then get a job. Put me in charge of Medicaid. The first thing I'd do is to get women  Norplant birth control implants or tubal ligations. Then, we'll test recipients  for drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. If you want to reproduce or use drugs,  alcohol, or smoke, then get a job. Put me in charge of government  housing. Ever live in a military barracks? You will maintain our property in a  clean and good state of repair. Your home" will be subject to inspections  anytime and possessions will be inventoried. If you want a plasma TV or Xbox  360, then get a job and your own place. In addition, you will either  present a check stub from a job each week or you will report to a "government"  job. It may be cleaning the roadways of trash, painting and repairing public  housing, whatever we find for you. We will sell your 22 inch rims and low  profile tires and your blasting stereo and speakers and put that money toward  the "common good.." Before you write that I've violated someone's  rights, realize that all of the above is voluntary. If you want our money,  accept our rules. Before you say that this would be "demeaning" and ruin their  "self esteem," consider that it wasn't that long ago that taking someone else's  money for doing absolutely nothing was demeaning and lowered self esteem. If we are expected to pay for other people's mistakes we should at least  attempt to make them learn from their bad choices. The current system rewards  them for continuing to make bad choices. AND While  you are on Gov't subsistence, you no longer can VOTE! Yes, that is correct. For  you to vote would be a conflict of interest. You will voluntarily remove  yourself from voting while you are receiving a Gov't welfare check. If you want  to vote, then get a job. Now, if you have the guts - PASS IT ON...I WOULD REALLY  LIKE TO GET THIS BACK, IF EVERYONE SENDS IT, I WILL GET OVER 220 BACK!!! I WOULD  KNOW YOU SENT IT ON!!!

Can Ye Feel So Now - 4th Sunday Lesson

Can Ye Feel So Now?  5/26/2013

By Elder Quentin L. Cook

Some in the Church believe they can’t answer Alma’s question with a resounding yes. They do not “feel so now.”

                                                                
Introduction

[if you want: a short history of myself]

Say: To start the lesson, I would like to read a scripture

Read Alma 5:26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask,  can ye feel so now?

Elder Quentin L. Cook uses this verse as the title of his talk in October 2012 General Conference.  His caption at the beginning of his talk is"

Some in the Church believe they can’t answer Alma’s question with a resounding yes. They do not “feel so now.”

SAY: During the course of this lesson I hope to be able to answer the question, why some can't answer the question with a 'resounding yes', as well as what we can do remember how the change of heart felt when we received it, bringing to our current memories of times when we have felt to sing the song of redeeming love.

SAY: A few verses earlier, Alma asks this question:

Read Alma 5:19:

19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?

Say: From the questions Alma is asking, he appears to want his brethren to do an internal assessment whether they still have access to the change of heart they felt in the past or have they lost it.  Are they enjoying a spiritual connection with God or have they lost the connection.

Learner Involvement

Q: What is it to have felt to sing the song of redeeming love?

Q: What does it mean to you to have the image of God engraven upon our countenances?

Q: Why is it important to remember?

Q: Is it hard to keep our relationship with diety, the Holy Spirit intact?

Q: Do we lose it sometimes?

Elder Cook says the following about being able to feel so now.

Read A:

Quotation A

This question, “Can ye feel so now?” rings across the centuries. With all that we have received in this dispensation—including the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the outpouring of spiritual gifts, and the indisputable blessings of heaven—Alma’s challenge has never been more important.

Q: Is feeling so now related to the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the outpouring of spiritual gifts and receiving blessing of heaven (which are indisputable, if we are receiving them)?

Say:  ...Debate on YouTube...  

- Tanner vs. Wallace, Pastor of the Pres. church in SLC.

- He picks at little things, Tanner responds admiralble.  

- I made me wonder, what make us different than the average evangelical christian out there.

- What is the inner life of a latter day saint?  What is the inner life the evangelical christian?

- Is there a difference?  Assuming we are good people, is there a difference?

Q: What is the difference? [we believe in grace and doing, we believe in being saved from our sins upon the conditions of repentance, those who are exerting themselves enjoy the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, gifts of the Spirit, spiritual progression and blessings and miracles.

Q: What brings about this change of heart?

Application

Read B

Quotation B

Local leaders across the world report that when viewed as a whole, Church members, especially our youth, have never been stronger. But they almost always raise two concerns: first, the challenge of increased unrighteousness in the world and, second, the apathy and lack of commitment of some members. They seek counsel about how to help members to follow the Savior and achieve a deep and lasting conversion.

Q: What is the cure for these two concerns?

READ C

Quotation C

Soon after Ezra Taft Benson was called as an Apostle in 1943, President George Albert Smith counseled, “Your mission … is to … warn the people … in as kind a way as possible that repentance will be the only panacea for the ills of this world.” When this statement was made, we were in the midst of the conflagration of World War II.

Q: What was Elder Benson's counsel?

READ D

Quotation D

Many who are in a spiritual drought and lack commitment have not necessarily been involved in major sins or transgressions, but they have made unwise choices. Some are casual in their observance of sacred covenants. Others spend most of their time giving first-class devotion to lesser causes. Some allow intense cultural or political views to weaken their allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some have immersed themselves in Internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and, in some cases, invent shortcomings of early Church leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can affect testimony. Any who have made these choices can repent and be spiritually renewed.

Say:  Elder Cook speaks on unwise choices that need to be repented of, so we can be spiritual renewed.  His first mentions casual observance of sacred covenants.  Q: How do we repent of casual observance? [Exert ourselves]

2. Spending most of our time giving first class devotion to lesser causes.

3. Allowing intense cultural or political views to weaken our allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. Drawing incorrect conclusions about early Church leaders that can affect testimony.

READ E

Quotation E

Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment. The word of God inspires commitment and acts as a healing balm for hurt feelings, anger, or disillusionment. When our commitment is diminished for any reason, part of the solution is repentance. Commitment and repentance are closely intertwined.

READ F

Quotation F

C. S. Lewis, the striving, pragmatic Christian writer, poignantly framed the issue. He asserted that Christianity tells people to repent and promises them forgiveness; but until people know and feel they need forgiveness, Christianity does not speak to them. He stated, “When you know you are sick, you will listen to the doctor.”

Q: Are we sometimes sick, and not know it?

READ G

Quotation G

The Prophet Joseph pointed out that before your baptism, you could be on neutral ground between good and evil. But “when you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can [go] back.” His counsel was that we must never forsake the Master.

Q: Why is this counsel important in our day? [lots of diversions that tempt us to stop enduring to the end.]

READ H

Quotation H

Alma emphasizes that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, “the arms of mercy are extended” to those who repent. He then asks penetrating and ultimate questions, such as: Are we prepared to meet God? Are we keeping ourselves blameless? We should all contemplate these questions. Alma’s own experience in failing to follow his faithful father and then coming to a dramatic understanding of how much he needed forgiveness and what it meant to sing the song of redeeming love is powerful and compelling.

Q: What have you learned from this lesson?

Conclusion 

My sincere prayer is that each of us will take any necessary action to feel the Spirit now so we can sing the song of redeeming love with all our hearts. I testify of the power of the Savior’s Atonement, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 Can Ye Feel So Now?  5/26/2013

By Elder Quentin L. Cook

Some in the Church believe they can’t answer Alma’s question with a resounding yes. They do not “feel so now.”

                                                                
Introduction

[if you want: a short history of myself]

Say: To start the lesson, I would like to read a scripture

Read Alma 5:26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask,  can ye feel so now?

Elder Quentin L. Cook uses this verse as the title of his talk in October 2012 General Conference.  His caption at the beginning of his talk is"

Some in the Church believe they can’t answer Alma’s question with a resounding yes. They do not “feel so now.”

SAY: During the course of this lesson I hope to be able to answer the question, why some can't answer the question with a 'resounding yes', as well as what we can do remember how the change of heart felt when we received it, bringing to our current memories of times when we have felt to sing the song of redeeming love.

SAY: A few verses earlier, Alma asks this question:

Read Alma 5:19:

19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?

Say: From the questions Alma is asking, he appears to want his brethren to do an internal assessment whether they still have access to the change of heart they felt in the past or have they lost it.  Are they enjoying a spiritual connection with God or have they lost the connection.

Learner Involvement

Q: What is it to have felt to sing the song of redeeming love?

Q: What does it mean to you to have the image of God engraven upon our countenances?

Q: Why is it important to remember?

Q: Is it hard to keep our relationship with diety, the Holy Spirit intact?

Q: Do we lose it sometimes?

Elder Cook says the following about being able to feel so now.

Read A:

Quotation A

This question, “Can ye feel so now?” rings across the centuries. With all that we have received in this dispensation—including the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the outpouring of spiritual gifts, and the indisputable blessings of heaven—Alma’s challenge has never been more important.

Q: Is feeling so now related to the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the outpouring of spiritual gifts and receiving blessing of heaven (which are indisputable, if we are receiving them)?

Say:  ...Debate on YouTube...  

- Tanner vs. Wallace, Pastor of the Pres. church in SLC.

- He picks at little things, Tanner responds admiralble.  

- I made me wonder, what make us different than the average evangelical christian out there.

- What is the inner life of a latter day saint?  What is the inner life the evangelical christian?

- Is there a difference?  Assuming we are good people, is there a difference?

Q: What is the difference? [we believe in grace and doing, we believe in being saved from our sins upon the conditions of repentance, those who are exerting themselves enjoy the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, gifts of the Spirit, spiritual progression and blessings and miracles.

Q: What brings about this change of heart?

Application

Read B

Quotation B

Local leaders across the world report that when viewed as a whole, Church members, especially our youth, have never been stronger. But they almost always raise two concerns: first, the challenge of increased unrighteousness in the world and, second, the apathy and lack of commitment of some members. They seek counsel about how to help members to follow the Savior and achieve a deep and lasting conversion.

Q: What is the cure for these two concerns?

READ C

Quotation C

Soon after Ezra Taft Benson was called as an Apostle in 1943, President George Albert Smith counseled, “Your mission … is to … warn the people … in as kind a way as possible that repentance will be the only panacea for the ills of this world.” When this statement was made, we were in the midst of the conflagration of World War II.

Q: What was Elder Benson's counsel?

READ D

Quotation D

Many who are in a spiritual drought and lack commitment have not necessarily been involved in major sins or transgressions, but they have made unwise choices. Some are casual in their observance of sacred covenants. Others spend most of their time giving first-class devotion to lesser causes. Some allow intense cultural or political views to weaken their allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some have immersed themselves in Internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and, in some cases, invent shortcomings of early Church leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can affect testimony. Any who have made these choices can repent and be spiritually renewed.

Say:  Elder Cook speaks on unwise choices that need to be repented of, so we can be spiritual renewed.  His first mentions casual observance of sacred covenants.  Q: How do we repent of casual observance? [Exert ourselves]

2. Spending most of our time giving first class devotion to lesser causes.

3. Allowing intense cultural or political views to weaken our allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. Drawing incorrect conclusions about early Church leaders that can affect testimony.

READ E

Quotation E

Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment. The word of God inspires commitment and acts as a healing balm for hurt feelings, anger, or disillusionment. When our commitment is diminished for any reason, part of the solution is repentance. Commitment and repentance are closely intertwined.

READ F

Quotation F

C. S. Lewis, the striving, pragmatic Christian writer, poignantly framed the issue. He asserted that Christianity tells people to repent and promises them forgiveness; but until people know and feel they need forgiveness, Christianity does not speak to them. He stated, “When you know you are sick, you will listen to the doctor.”

Q: Are we sometimes sick, and not know it?

READ G

Quotation G

The Prophet Joseph pointed out that before your baptism, you could be on neutral ground between good and evil. But “when you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can [go] back.” His counsel was that we must never forsake the Master.

Q: Why is this counsel important in our day? [lots of diversions that tempt us to stop enduring to the end.]

READ H

Quotation H

Alma emphasizes that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, “the arms of mercy are extended” to those who repent. He then asks penetrating and ultimate questions, such as: Are we prepared to meet God? Are we keeping ourselves blameless? We should all contemplate these questions. Alma’s own experience in failing to follow his faithful father and then coming to a dramatic understanding of how much he needed forgiveness and what it meant to sing the song of redeeming love is powerful and compelling.

Q: What have you learned from this lesson?

Conclusion 

My sincere prayer is that each of us will take any necessary action to feel the Spirit now so we can sing the song of redeeming love with all our hearts. I testify of the power of the Savior’s Atonement, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.