No matter who we are or how good we are, we make mistakes. We all sin. We trip up and have regrets. We get hurt and we hurt those we love.
Yet, because of the Atonement - Christ's suffering in the garden of Gethsemane, His suffering and death on the cross, and His resurrection - we can move away from all of that. We can become better than our past.
In 1 Nephi 3:7, we are told that "...the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the things which he commandeth them." God gave us commandments even though He knew that we would mess up. He knew that we would struggle and have weaknesses. He also knew that without help, we would not be able to return to live with Him again. So He sent "...His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Christ came to the earth so that we could return to live in our Heavenly Father's presence. He made it possible for our sins to be washed away if we would repent.
There are some basic steps for repentance:
1. Recognize what you have done wrong and feel sorry for doing it
2. Ask forgiveness from others you have or may have hurt
3. Ask forgiveness from the Lord
4. Let go of the sin and strive to never do it again
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, in a devotional at BYU said, "“Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42).
The proviso, of course, is that repentance has to be sincere, but when it is and when honest effort is being made to progress, we are guilty of the greater sin if we keep remembering and recalling and rebashing someone with their earlier mistakes—and that “someone” might be ourselves. We can be so hard on ourselves, often much more so than with others!" (Remember Lot's Wife, January 2009)
Part of the repentance process, part of what allows Christ to wash away our sins, is to forgive and forget those sins that are repented of!
Elder Holland told a story from his own life. He and his wife were newly married and they were struggling to stay afloat of their finances while going to school. He said, 'On a spot that I could probably still mark for you today, I turned to Pat and said something like this: “Honey, should we give up? I can get a good job and carve out a good living for us. I can do some things. I’ll be okay without a degree. Should we stop trying to tackle what right now seems so difficult to face?”...I said, in effect, “Let’s go back. Let’s go home. The future holds nothing for us.”
Then my beloved little bride did what she has done for 45 years since then. She grabbed me by the lapels and said, “We are not going back. We are not going home. The future holds everything for us.”' (Remember Lot's Wife, January 2009)
We cannot go back. If we give up, we try to cut repentance and Christ's Atonement out of the picture. Christ suffered and died for each of us so that we would not have to give up! Do not give up!
A quote from Eleanor Roosevelt says, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift." Yesterday is history. Remember history so that it is not repeated but do not live in the middle of it. It happened in the past. Forgive and forget. Do not become so wrapped up in the mistakes made in the past that you forget to allow Christ's grace and Atoning sacrifice to turn your life back toward the light of Jesus Christ. For, "...he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42) And neither should we.
Christ has made it possible for us to change. We have the opportunity to be lifted from the darkness of sin and hurt because of and through Christ's Atoning sacrifice. He loved us enough to save us if we would repent. May we ever love Him enough to seek His help and guidance in returning to His Light.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Power to Choose
The Lord will give us things that we cannot overcome on our own so that we will learn to turn to Him. President Gordon B. Hinckley once said, "When life gets too hard to stand, kneel."
What a beautiful quote! The Lord has given us prayer so that we can turn to Him if we choose to do so. "Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings." (Bible Dictionary, p.753) One of the greatest blessings that we can receive through prayer is the knowledge that God loves us and wants the very best for us. He wants us to be happy.
In 2 Nephi 2, we are taught that, "...men are, that they might have joy." We will have joy if we listen to the Lord and choose to obey His commandments. However, that is a choice. If we choose to not listen and to not be obedient, we cannot be truly happy for, "...wickedness never was happiness." (Alma 41:10)
The Lord has given us agency, which is the power to choose and to "act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon." (2 Nephi 2:26) President Harold B. Lee said, "Next to life itself, free agency is God's greatest gift to mankind." The greatest thing that God could give to us, He did: agency. God would never force us to choose one way or another. So He gave us a way that we could choose our own path.
While we can choose our actions, we cannot necessarily choose the consequences of those actions. With agency, the ability to choose, comes the opportunity to learn from the reactions to those choices. Some of the consequences are positive versus negative: If a child chooses to hit her sister, she will learn that she will be punished. If she chooses to share with her sister, she learns that they can have fun together and their relationship will grow.
Some consequences are simply there. If I play the piano quietly, I can make beautiful music. If I play the piano loudly, I can still make beautiful music. I may break a piano string (which I've done a couple of times) but either way I can make beautiful music.
There are choices we make that will hurt us: drugs, alcohol, tobacco, dropping out of school. There are choices that will bless us: being kind, serving others, praying, studying the scriptures, attending church every week. As we continue to make choices throughout life, we must remember that the Lord has commanded us to "be strong and of a good courage..." (Joshua 1:9) If we fall, we must get up and keep going. Remember that the Lord has provided a way for us to accomplish everything that He has commanded us and everything that He will command us. "...for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save He shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the things which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7)
As we turn to the Lord in faith, believing that we will receive help and guidance from Him, He will bless us immeasurably. For, "nothing is impossible to him that believeth." (Mark 9:23)
What a beautiful quote! The Lord has given us prayer so that we can turn to Him if we choose to do so. "Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings." (Bible Dictionary, p.753) One of the greatest blessings that we can receive through prayer is the knowledge that God loves us and wants the very best for us. He wants us to be happy.
In 2 Nephi 2, we are taught that, "...men are, that they might have joy." We will have joy if we listen to the Lord and choose to obey His commandments. However, that is a choice. If we choose to not listen and to not be obedient, we cannot be truly happy for, "...wickedness never was happiness." (Alma 41:10)
The Lord has given us agency, which is the power to choose and to "act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon." (2 Nephi 2:26) President Harold B. Lee said, "Next to life itself, free agency is God's greatest gift to mankind." The greatest thing that God could give to us, He did: agency. God would never force us to choose one way or another. So He gave us a way that we could choose our own path.
While we can choose our actions, we cannot necessarily choose the consequences of those actions. With agency, the ability to choose, comes the opportunity to learn from the reactions to those choices. Some of the consequences are positive versus negative: If a child chooses to hit her sister, she will learn that she will be punished. If she chooses to share with her sister, she learns that they can have fun together and their relationship will grow.
Some consequences are simply there. If I play the piano quietly, I can make beautiful music. If I play the piano loudly, I can still make beautiful music. I may break a piano string (which I've done a couple of times) but either way I can make beautiful music.
There are choices we make that will hurt us: drugs, alcohol, tobacco, dropping out of school. There are choices that will bless us: being kind, serving others, praying, studying the scriptures, attending church every week. As we continue to make choices throughout life, we must remember that the Lord has commanded us to "be strong and of a good courage..." (Joshua 1:9) If we fall, we must get up and keep going. Remember that the Lord has provided a way for us to accomplish everything that He has commanded us and everything that He will command us. "...for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save He shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the things which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7)
As we turn to the Lord in faith, believing that we will receive help and guidance from Him, He will bless us immeasurably. For, "nothing is impossible to him that believeth." (Mark 9:23)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Feed My Lambs, Feed My Sheep
I remember a General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints a less than a year before I left on my mission. A talk was given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland entitled, "The First Great Commandment."
In it, he talks about an exchange between the resurrected Lord and His senior Apostle, Simon Peter (found in John 21): "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said [it] unto him the third time...And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
Elder Holland then gives a non-scriptural elaboration of what the conversation might have been: “Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation?...What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do. Ours is not a feeble message. It is not a fleeting task. It is not hapless; it is not hopeless; it is not to be consigned to the ash heap of history. It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world. So, Peter, for the second and presumably the last time, I am asking you to leave all this and to go teach and testify, labor and serve loyally until the day in which they will do to you exactly what they did to me.”
This struck me. Just previous to this talk, President Thomas S. Monson had announced the age change for missionaries - young men could serve at age 18 as compared to 19 and young women could serve at age 19 as compared to the previous age of 21.
This announcement changed my life.
As a 19-year old I embarked on the most valuable lesson of my life - a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving the Lord for 18 months of my life without worry for home, school, or friends.
My question today is, do you love the Lord? Do you love the Lord enough to feed His sheep, find his lambs, care for His flock?
My answer to the Lord was, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love Thee." And so I came on a mission. I came to find His sheep, feed them, care for them, love them; and in the process of loving and serving them, my love for the Lord has grown. My love for His work has grown.
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)
We are a part of a great work. We "cannot come down." (Nehemiah 6:3) We must seek out the children of God who are seeking for His light, His truth, His hope and His love. All of that is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This is not "a feeble message!...It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world!"
God will not leave us alone and comfortless in this, His great work of salvation among the children of men.
May we ever seek to do the will of Lord: to feed His lambs and feed his sheep.
In it, he talks about an exchange between the resurrected Lord and His senior Apostle, Simon Peter (found in John 21): "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said [it] unto him the third time...And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
Elder Holland then gives a non-scriptural elaboration of what the conversation might have been: “Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation?...What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do. Ours is not a feeble message. It is not a fleeting task. It is not hapless; it is not hopeless; it is not to be consigned to the ash heap of history. It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world. So, Peter, for the second and presumably the last time, I am asking you to leave all this and to go teach and testify, labor and serve loyally until the day in which they will do to you exactly what they did to me.”
This struck me. Just previous to this talk, President Thomas S. Monson had announced the age change for missionaries - young men could serve at age 18 as compared to 19 and young women could serve at age 19 as compared to the previous age of 21.
This announcement changed my life.
As a 19-year old I embarked on the most valuable lesson of my life - a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving the Lord for 18 months of my life without worry for home, school, or friends.
My question today is, do you love the Lord? Do you love the Lord enough to feed His sheep, find his lambs, care for His flock?
My answer to the Lord was, "Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love Thee." And so I came on a mission. I came to find His sheep, feed them, care for them, love them; and in the process of loving and serving them, my love for the Lord has grown. My love for His work has grown.
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)
We are a part of a great work. We "cannot come down." (Nehemiah 6:3) We must seek out the children of God who are seeking for His light, His truth, His hope and His love. All of that is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This is not "a feeble message!...It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world!"
God will not leave us alone and comfortless in this, His great work of salvation among the children of men.
May we ever seek to do the will of Lord: to feed His lambs and feed his sheep.
Friday, January 17, 2014
"The Keystone of Our Religion"
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is comparable to the Bible. It is, as the title indicates, another testimony of Christ and His mission here on the earth. It goes hand-in-hand with the Bible and teaches the fullness of the doctrine of Christ.
In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 13:1 we are taught that, "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." That counsel and reminder is given in The Book of Mormon as well in Ether 5:4 : "And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established..."
God is a God of order. There is no chaos in His work. Because He has said that two or three witnesses will establish His word, He will follow that law. The Book of Mormon is that second witness.
In the Introduction of The Book of Mormon it states that, "...The Book of Mormon [is]...the keystone of our religion..." The keystone of an arch is what allows is to remain upright.
Without a keystone, the arch would fall in on itself. Likewise with The Book of Mormon. If this book of not true, then The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is not. However, if The Book of Mormon is true then The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church once again established and restored to the earth in these days.
I know that The Book of Mormon is God's word. It is a second witness to the divinity of Christ as the Son of God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today. It is the only true church. I know that because I have been taught it by the Holy Ghost.
The last two paragraphs in the Introduction of The Book of Mormon say, "We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)
Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah."
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and you can come to know that for yourself. If you will read, think about and ponder, and pray to know of its truthfulness, the Holy Spirit will manifest the truth to you. That is a promise.
In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 13:1 we are taught that, "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." That counsel and reminder is given in The Book of Mormon as well in Ether 5:4 : "And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established..."
God is a God of order. There is no chaos in His work. Because He has said that two or three witnesses will establish His word, He will follow that law. The Book of Mormon is that second witness.
In the Introduction of The Book of Mormon it states that, "...The Book of Mormon [is]...the keystone of our religion..." The keystone of an arch is what allows is to remain upright.
Without a keystone, the arch would fall in on itself. Likewise with The Book of Mormon. If this book of not true, then The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is not. However, if The Book of Mormon is true then The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church once again established and restored to the earth in these days.
I know that The Book of Mormon is God's word. It is a second witness to the divinity of Christ as the Son of God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today. It is the only true church. I know that because I have been taught it by the Holy Ghost.
The last two paragraphs in the Introduction of The Book of Mormon say, "We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)
Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah."
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and you can come to know that for yourself. If you will read, think about and ponder, and pray to know of its truthfulness, the Holy Spirit will manifest the truth to you. That is a promise.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
"My Work and My Glory"
"For behold, this is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) Everything that God does is to help us return to live in His presence with our families for eternity.
In Doctrine and Covenants 88:67, the Lord tells us that, "...if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you..."
What does it mean to have our eyes single to the glory of God?
In a conversation with someone the other evening they brought up these scriptures and pointed out that, if God's entire work and GLORY is to bring us back to live in His presence, then if our eye is single to His GLORY, everything we do will be in accordance with that purpose. Everything we do will be to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man.
That is also known as missionary work.
Missionary work can take many forms from talking to people about the Gospel to being "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
As we work to strengthen those around us without desire for our own glory or admiration, the Lord's purpose is being fulfilled and many people are being brought to "taste of the exceeding joy" which comes from learning and then living in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Alma 36:24)
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:13,15)
God rejoices in the repentance and return of one person, one of His children! Just like the 99 sheep that were left so the shepherd could go and find the lost one, the Lord seeks out His children, one by one. (Luke 15)
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)
A favorite song of mine says, "He notices it all: the sparrow when it falls...He heals one by one, loves one by one. And when the crowded world around you doesn't know your name, He loves us one by one." (One by One)
When He says that His entire work and glory is to bring us back to live with Him again, He is speaking to us individually. He knows my name. He knows your name. He knows my weaknesses and my strengths. He knows yours. And He will do everything that He can to give us the opportunities that we need in order to repent, change, and return to live with Him.
In Doctrine and Covenants 88:67, the Lord tells us that, "...if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you..."
What does it mean to have our eyes single to the glory of God?
In a conversation with someone the other evening they brought up these scriptures and pointed out that, if God's entire work and GLORY is to bring us back to live in His presence, then if our eye is single to His GLORY, everything we do will be in accordance with that purpose. Everything we do will be to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man.
That is also known as missionary work.
Missionary work can take many forms from talking to people about the Gospel to being "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
As we work to strengthen those around us without desire for our own glory or admiration, the Lord's purpose is being fulfilled and many people are being brought to "taste of the exceeding joy" which comes from learning and then living in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Alma 36:24)
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:13,15)
God rejoices in the repentance and return of one person, one of His children! Just like the 99 sheep that were left so the shepherd could go and find the lost one, the Lord seeks out His children, one by one. (Luke 15)
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)
A favorite song of mine says, "He notices it all: the sparrow when it falls...He heals one by one, loves one by one. And when the crowded world around you doesn't know your name, He loves us one by one." (One by One)
When He says that His entire work and glory is to bring us back to live with Him again, He is speaking to us individually. He knows my name. He knows your name. He knows my weaknesses and my strengths. He knows yours. And He will do everything that He can to give us the opportunities that we need in order to repent, change, and return to live with Him.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Simple Music, Simple Truths
I remember a story that my mom told me. She said that my family was watching General Conference with my grandmother when I was a baby. The moment that the organ in the Conference Center began playing, my head turned toward the T.V. and my grandma said, "She's going to love music."
And I do. I have always been surrounded by and been a part of music, whether it is coming from the T.V, the radio, the CD player, an Ipod, a piano, or a voice. Throughout the years, I have found that some of the most beautiful and simply profound music is sung by the children in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In their Sunday classes, they learn songs such as "I Am a Child of God," "I Love to See the Temple," "Seek the Lord Early," and "Love One Another."
The lyrics and simple melodies are one of the greatest ways I have found to strengthen and share my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Just the other day my companion and I were teaching a lesson. As we neared the end of the lesson, a song came to mind that is from the Primary songbook. I had the opportunity to sing this short and yet powerful song entitled "If With All Your Hearts." It is a total of three stanzas and 13 bars long. Yet the message that it bears is worth listening to, hearing, and acting upon.
"If with all your hearts ye truly seek me,
Ye shall ever surely find me,
Thus saith our God.
Ye shall ever surely find me,
Thus saith our God." (Words: Julius Schubring; Music: From Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn)
In this little five-line Primary song, the children learn that God will hear them and that if they will seek out the Lord through prayer and their study of the scriptures, they will find Him.
What a promise to teach the youth!
And what a promise to teach the adults as well.
I have found that, as adults, we tend to over-complicate everything. Especially things that God has commanded us to do. We search for the magic way to make His commandments easier to live and follow.
However, every Sunday the children are learning that the easiest way to obey the commandments is to simply do exactly what the Lord has taught. If we truly desire to come to know the Lord, then we must seek Him out through prayer, scripture study, attending church, living clean and pure lives, and following His commandments as exactly as we can.
As I sang the song "If With All Your Hearts," my understanding of the things that God has commanded us increased. My testimony of the simplicity of the way to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father, grew. Through the brief yet profound words of a children's song, my love of my Savior increased, as did my gratitude to Him for the knowledge He has blessed me with.
Never overlook the things the children are learning. For, "Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:16)
The testimonies of children, strengthened through the simple music that they are taught, are strong enough to build others' testimonies, strengthen families, and allow the Holy Spirit to be in their home.
And music, though small and simple, can "confound the wise and bring[...] about the salvation of many souls." (Alma 37:7)
And I do. I have always been surrounded by and been a part of music, whether it is coming from the T.V, the radio, the CD player, an Ipod, a piano, or a voice. Throughout the years, I have found that some of the most beautiful and simply profound music is sung by the children in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In their Sunday classes, they learn songs such as "I Am a Child of God," "I Love to See the Temple," "Seek the Lord Early," and "Love One Another."
The lyrics and simple melodies are one of the greatest ways I have found to strengthen and share my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Just the other day my companion and I were teaching a lesson. As we neared the end of the lesson, a song came to mind that is from the Primary songbook. I had the opportunity to sing this short and yet powerful song entitled "If With All Your Hearts." It is a total of three stanzas and 13 bars long. Yet the message that it bears is worth listening to, hearing, and acting upon.
"If with all your hearts ye truly seek me,
Ye shall ever surely find me,
Thus saith our God.
Ye shall ever surely find me,
Thus saith our God." (Words: Julius Schubring; Music: From Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn)
In this little five-line Primary song, the children learn that God will hear them and that if they will seek out the Lord through prayer and their study of the scriptures, they will find Him.
What a promise to teach the youth!
And what a promise to teach the adults as well.
I have found that, as adults, we tend to over-complicate everything. Especially things that God has commanded us to do. We search for the magic way to make His commandments easier to live and follow.
However, every Sunday the children are learning that the easiest way to obey the commandments is to simply do exactly what the Lord has taught. If we truly desire to come to know the Lord, then we must seek Him out through prayer, scripture study, attending church, living clean and pure lives, and following His commandments as exactly as we can.
As I sang the song "If With All Your Hearts," my understanding of the things that God has commanded us increased. My testimony of the simplicity of the way to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father, grew. Through the brief yet profound words of a children's song, my love of my Savior increased, as did my gratitude to Him for the knowledge He has blessed me with.
Never overlook the things the children are learning. For, "Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:16)
The testimonies of children, strengthened through the simple music that they are taught, are strong enough to build others' testimonies, strengthen families, and allow the Holy Spirit to be in their home.
And music, though small and simple, can "confound the wise and bring[...] about the salvation of many souls." (Alma 37:7)
The Watch Care of a Loving Savior
"...the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people...for [they] have prayed with much faith..." (Mosiah 27:14)
Elder Richard G. Scott, in the April 2013 General Conference said, "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 watch care of a loving Savior."
The Lord will hear the prayers of those who seek Him in faith whether for their own welfare or in behalf of someone else.
A favorite song that the children of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sing says, "Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child's prayer? Some say that heaven is far away but I feel it close around me as I pray. Heavenly Father, I remember now something that Jesus told disciples long ago: 'Suffer the children to come to me.' Father, in prayer I'm coming now to Thee."
Many times we come to the Lord in prayer with questions and desires for help and assistance both for ourselves and for those around us who we love and care for. As we pray we will come to know of a surety that the Lord is there waiting for us to "come unto Him."
The second verse of this Primary song says, "Pray. He is there. Speak. He is listening. You are His child. His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer. He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heaven."
God loves us and will answer our prayers. It may not be in the way or in the time that we wanted, but He will answer in the way that is best for us. When we seek Him, especially in order to help those around us, He will bless us with the comfort and strength that we need in order to continue. As Elder Scott said, "With faith we can know that this straying loved one is not abandoned but is in the watch care of a loving Savior."
Elder Richard G. Scott, in the April 2013 General Conference said, "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 watch care of a loving Savior."
The Lord will hear the prayers of those who seek Him in faith whether for their own welfare or in behalf of someone else.
A favorite song that the children of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sing says, "Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child's prayer? Some say that heaven is far away but I feel it close around me as I pray. Heavenly Father, I remember now something that Jesus told disciples long ago: 'Suffer the children to come to me.' Father, in prayer I'm coming now to Thee."
Many times we come to the Lord in prayer with questions and desires for help and assistance both for ourselves and for those around us who we love and care for. As we pray we will come to know of a surety that the Lord is there waiting for us to "come unto Him."
The second verse of this Primary song says, "Pray. He is there. Speak. He is listening. You are His child. His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer. He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heaven."
God loves us and will answer our prayers. It may not be in the way or in the time that we wanted, but He will answer in the way that is best for us. When we seek Him, especially in order to help those around us, He will bless us with the comfort and strength that we need in order to continue. As Elder Scott said, "With faith we can know that this straying loved one is not abandoned but is in the watch care of a loving Savior."
Friday, January 3, 2014
Seeing Through Christ's Eyes
In 2011, Brad Wilcox gave a talk at a BYU devotional entitled, "His Grace is Sufficient." (Brad Wilcox: His Grace is Sufficient) In it he asks what Christ expects of us because He paid the price for our sins and mistakes and WHY Christ can expect these things of us. He also gives the answer:
"Christ’s arrangement with us is similar to a mom providing music lessons for her child. Mom pays the piano teacher...Because Mom pays the debt in full, she can turn to her child and ask for something...Practice! Does the child’s practice pay the piano teacher? No. Does the child’s practice repay Mom for paying the piano teacher? No. Practicing is how the child shows appreciation for Mom’s incredible gift. It is how he takes advantage of the amazing opportunity Mom is giving him to live his life at a higher level. Mom’s joy is found not in getting repaid but in seeing her gift used—seeing her child improve. And so she continues to call for practice, practice, practice.
If the child sees Mom’s requirement of practice as being too overbearing (“Gosh, Mom, why do I need to practice? None of the other kids have to practice! I’m just going to be a professional baseball player anyway!”), perhaps it is because he doesn’t yet see with mom’s eyes. He doesn’t see how much better his life could be if he would choose to live on a higher plane.
In the same way, because Jesus has paid justice, He can now turn to us and say, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19), “Keep my commandments” (John 14:15). If we see His requirements as being way too much to ask (“Gosh! None of the other Christians have to pay tithing! None of the other Christians have to go on missions, serve in callings, and do temple work!”), maybe it is because we do not yet see through Christ’s eyes. We have not yet comprehended what He is trying to make of us....Put simply, if Jesus didn't require practice, then we would never become pianists."
Just as Brad Wilcox talks about how Christ's grace can help us to become better and more like Him, it also helps us to change. In fact, the whole point of Christ's Atoning sacrifice is so that we can change.
I have taken piano lessons since I was seven years old. After the first couple of years we found a very good piano teacher in our area. I studied with her for a number of years and grew a lot. However, after several years I began to hate lessons. I had never been spectacular at practicing and as my pieces became harder and harder to play on the spot, I was reprimanded more and more for not practicing. I felt like I was being berated and the more I felt that I was being berated, the more I hated practicing and the more angry I became until I was close to quitting.
Suddenly, through various circumstances, it became necessary for me to switch to a different piano teacher. I was given the option of quitting or going to see this new teacher and see how I liked her.
From the first moment I met her, all she did was love me. She listened to me play the pieces I was currently working on and she encouraged me. I came to love her in return. She would show me piano pieces and offer suggestions but then would allow me to choose much of my music.
My desire to play the piano and practice came back, renewed and afire. I was happy to go to my lessons every week - in fact, I looked forward to them and was sad when it was time to leave. I loved my teacher; I loved my music.
For me, it wasn't that I simply needed to practice and go through the actions, it was that I needed to find and renew my DESIRE. When my desire returned full-force, everything else fell into place.
For us to find and access the Atonement of Jesus Christ, for us to receive His grace, we must have a desire first and foremost. That desire will be gained and strengthened as we read the scriptures, especially The Book of Mormon, and pray daily. Going to church, seminary, institute and applying the talks in General Conference will also help to kindle or rekindle a desire to bring our lives more into accordance with the things that God expects of us and has commanded us to do. As we seek for a greater desire to obey the commandments, we are promised that God will bless us. He also promises that we will find that, "...[His] grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before [Him]..." (Ether 12:27)
"Christ’s arrangement with us is similar to a mom providing music lessons for her child. Mom pays the piano teacher...Because Mom pays the debt in full, she can turn to her child and ask for something...Practice! Does the child’s practice pay the piano teacher? No. Does the child’s practice repay Mom for paying the piano teacher? No. Practicing is how the child shows appreciation for Mom’s incredible gift. It is how he takes advantage of the amazing opportunity Mom is giving him to live his life at a higher level. Mom’s joy is found not in getting repaid but in seeing her gift used—seeing her child improve. And so she continues to call for practice, practice, practice.
If the child sees Mom’s requirement of practice as being too overbearing (“Gosh, Mom, why do I need to practice? None of the other kids have to practice! I’m just going to be a professional baseball player anyway!”), perhaps it is because he doesn’t yet see with mom’s eyes. He doesn’t see how much better his life could be if he would choose to live on a higher plane.
In the same way, because Jesus has paid justice, He can now turn to us and say, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19), “Keep my commandments” (John 14:15). If we see His requirements as being way too much to ask (“Gosh! None of the other Christians have to pay tithing! None of the other Christians have to go on missions, serve in callings, and do temple work!”), maybe it is because we do not yet see through Christ’s eyes. We have not yet comprehended what He is trying to make of us....Put simply, if Jesus didn't require practice, then we would never become pianists."
Just as Brad Wilcox talks about how Christ's grace can help us to become better and more like Him, it also helps us to change. In fact, the whole point of Christ's Atoning sacrifice is so that we can change.
I have taken piano lessons since I was seven years old. After the first couple of years we found a very good piano teacher in our area. I studied with her for a number of years and grew a lot. However, after several years I began to hate lessons. I had never been spectacular at practicing and as my pieces became harder and harder to play on the spot, I was reprimanded more and more for not practicing. I felt like I was being berated and the more I felt that I was being berated, the more I hated practicing and the more angry I became until I was close to quitting.
Suddenly, through various circumstances, it became necessary for me to switch to a different piano teacher. I was given the option of quitting or going to see this new teacher and see how I liked her.
From the first moment I met her, all she did was love me. She listened to me play the pieces I was currently working on and she encouraged me. I came to love her in return. She would show me piano pieces and offer suggestions but then would allow me to choose much of my music.
My desire to play the piano and practice came back, renewed and afire. I was happy to go to my lessons every week - in fact, I looked forward to them and was sad when it was time to leave. I loved my teacher; I loved my music.
For me, it wasn't that I simply needed to practice and go through the actions, it was that I needed to find and renew my DESIRE. When my desire returned full-force, everything else fell into place.
For us to find and access the Atonement of Jesus Christ, for us to receive His grace, we must have a desire first and foremost. That desire will be gained and strengthened as we read the scriptures, especially The Book of Mormon, and pray daily. Going to church, seminary, institute and applying the talks in General Conference will also help to kindle or rekindle a desire to bring our lives more into accordance with the things that God expects of us and has commanded us to do. As we seek for a greater desire to obey the commandments, we are promised that God will bless us. He also promises that we will find that, "...[His] grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before [Him]..." (Ether 12:27)
Thursday, January 2, 2014
All things are possible!
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we are commanded to share the Gospel with everyone! At times that commandment seems more than a little daunting. However, we have been given all of the tools that we need in order to accomplish this great work that the Lord has called us to perform.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church gives four ways to share the Gospel - especially when we're scared or nervous. (A Word for the Hesitant Missionary, Liahona, February 2013). The first is "Be a Light." As we are examples to those around us, they will notice. Someone in this day and age who is living a clean lifestyle, who doesn't smoke or drink, who goes to church on Sunday and is a constant disciple of Jesus Christ will be noticed.
"...a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before this people that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, emphasis added) We are a light! People cannot help but see that light and through righteous examples, millions of others may be brought to a greater knowledge of the truth and of God's plan for all of His children.
The second way President Uchtdorf gave to share the Gospel is "Be Conversational." It can be scary to bring up religion to friends and family. If the Gospel is a part of our life, the topic of religion can come up in normal conversation. President Uchtdorf gave the following example: 'My wife, Harriet, is a wonderful example of this. When we were living in Germany, she would find a way to work Church-related topics into her conversations with friends and acquaintances. For example, when someone asked about her weekend, she would say, “This Sunday we had an impressive experience in our church! A 16-year-old young man gave a beautiful talk in front of 200 people of our congregation about living a clean life.” Or, “I learned about a 90-year-old woman who knitted more than 500 blankets and gave them to our Church’s humanitarian program to be shipped to people in need all around the world.”'
What a perfect way to start a conversation! Church is an enormous part of our lives. Why should we not tell our friends - in normal conversation - about something that we do every day, every week, every month of the year? When we take courage and talk about our Sunday in church, the youth activities, Relief Society activities and other church activities, automatically people will begin to ask questions. Thus, normal conversation is a perfect way to begin a Gospel discussion in a non-threatening way.
"Be Full of Grace" is the third idea President Uchtdorf gave us. It is far too easy to become disagreeable when others do not agree with us or when we are asked difficult questions regarding our faith and beliefs. However, do not let these things get to you! The Lord has commanded that we "...esteem [our] brother as [ourselves]..." (Doctrine and Covenants 38:24) If you wouldn't like someone pushing you to do something, don't push them. If you would like a friend to be honest with you because they love you, be honest with them about the Gospel because you love them!
The final idea to share the Gospel is "Be Filled With Faith." Without faith, we cannot accomplish anything. Faith is how God works His miracles. It was through faith that people were healed by Christ. It is through faith that people are healed today. Christ told the people of the ancient Americas that "...So great faith have I never seen among all the Jews; wherefore I could not show unto them so great miracles..." (3 Nephi 19:35) As we are filled with faith, our words, though seemingly small and insignificant, can help others to feel of the Spirit and allow the Spirit to begin to soften their hearts.
"President Brigham Young said he knew the gospel was true when he “saw a man without eloquence, or talents for public speaking, who could only say, ‘I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of the Lord.’” President Young said when he heard that humble testimony, "The Holy Ghost proceeding from that individual illuminate[d] my understanding, and light, glory, and immortality [were] before me."'
Through our faith, the Lord will make our words great and our testimonies strong.
All we are asked to do is to open our mouths and the Lord has promised that "...[our mouths] shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance..." (Moses 6:32)
If we go forth with faith, if we are filled with grace and love, if we are conversational and if we are a light to those around us, the Lord will bless us with many opportunities to share the Gospel and to assist in this great work of bringing the Gospel to all the world. For, "...all things are possible to him [or her] that believeth." (Mark 9:23)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church gives four ways to share the Gospel - especially when we're scared or nervous. (A Word for the Hesitant Missionary, Liahona, February 2013). The first is "Be a Light." As we are examples to those around us, they will notice. Someone in this day and age who is living a clean lifestyle, who doesn't smoke or drink, who goes to church on Sunday and is a constant disciple of Jesus Christ will be noticed.
"...a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before this people that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, emphasis added) We are a light! People cannot help but see that light and through righteous examples, millions of others may be brought to a greater knowledge of the truth and of God's plan for all of His children.
The second way President Uchtdorf gave to share the Gospel is "Be Conversational." It can be scary to bring up religion to friends and family. If the Gospel is a part of our life, the topic of religion can come up in normal conversation. President Uchtdorf gave the following example: 'My wife, Harriet, is a wonderful example of this. When we were living in Germany, she would find a way to work Church-related topics into her conversations with friends and acquaintances. For example, when someone asked about her weekend, she would say, “This Sunday we had an impressive experience in our church! A 16-year-old young man gave a beautiful talk in front of 200 people of our congregation about living a clean life.” Or, “I learned about a 90-year-old woman who knitted more than 500 blankets and gave them to our Church’s humanitarian program to be shipped to people in need all around the world.”'
What a perfect way to start a conversation! Church is an enormous part of our lives. Why should we not tell our friends - in normal conversation - about something that we do every day, every week, every month of the year? When we take courage and talk about our Sunday in church, the youth activities, Relief Society activities and other church activities, automatically people will begin to ask questions. Thus, normal conversation is a perfect way to begin a Gospel discussion in a non-threatening way.
"Be Full of Grace" is the third idea President Uchtdorf gave us. It is far too easy to become disagreeable when others do not agree with us or when we are asked difficult questions regarding our faith and beliefs. However, do not let these things get to you! The Lord has commanded that we "...esteem [our] brother as [ourselves]..." (Doctrine and Covenants 38:24) If you wouldn't like someone pushing you to do something, don't push them. If you would like a friend to be honest with you because they love you, be honest with them about the Gospel because you love them!
The final idea to share the Gospel is "Be Filled With Faith." Without faith, we cannot accomplish anything. Faith is how God works His miracles. It was through faith that people were healed by Christ. It is through faith that people are healed today. Christ told the people of the ancient Americas that "...So great faith have I never seen among all the Jews; wherefore I could not show unto them so great miracles..." (3 Nephi 19:35) As we are filled with faith, our words, though seemingly small and insignificant, can help others to feel of the Spirit and allow the Spirit to begin to soften their hearts.
"President Brigham Young said he knew the gospel was true when he “saw a man without eloquence, or talents for public speaking, who could only say, ‘I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of the Lord.’” President Young said when he heard that humble testimony, "The Holy Ghost proceeding from that individual illuminate[d] my understanding, and light, glory, and immortality [were] before me."'
Through our faith, the Lord will make our words great and our testimonies strong.
All we are asked to do is to open our mouths and the Lord has promised that "...[our mouths] shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance..." (Moses 6:32)
If we go forth with faith, if we are filled with grace and love, if we are conversational and if we are a light to those around us, the Lord will bless us with many opportunities to share the Gospel and to assist in this great work of bringing the Gospel to all the world. For, "...all things are possible to him [or her] that believeth." (Mark 9:23)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)