Saturday, November 30, 2013
How Can I Be a Missionary Now?
Come Follow Me, suggests that we study Alma 17:2-3. What is the difference between the preparation of the sons of Mosiah and your preparation for your missions?
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
What Does It Mean to Be Self-Reliant?
As you read Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the ten virgins, how did the wise virgins show they were self-reliant? Was it selfish of them to not share their oil? Why or why not?
Elder Oaks commented on this parable in his talk about the Second Coming in 2004. This is what he said, "The arithmetic of this parable is chilling. The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came. But only half were ready when he came."
If half of the young men in our quorum are prepared, how do you know if you are prepared? Are you in the group of 5 that were prepared or unprepared?
Doctrine & Covenants teaches in 45:56-57
56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived--verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.
This says the wise are those that have received the truth and taken the Spirit for their guide are the wise virgins. Are you doing that? Do you love and honor the "For Strength of Youth?"
The foolish virgins do their own thing. The wise want to know what the prophet has said and seek to follow him and Christ's other servants, no matter how difficult it is to follow them.
Where do you stand? Are you self-reliant and able to stand when The Lord comes again?
Elder Oaks commented on this parable in his talk about the Second Coming in 2004. This is what he said, "The arithmetic of this parable is chilling. The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came. But only half were ready when he came."
If half of the young men in our quorum are prepared, how do you know if you are prepared? Are you in the group of 5 that were prepared or unprepared?
Doctrine & Covenants teaches in 45:56-57
56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived--verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.
This says the wise are those that have received the truth and taken the Spirit for their guide are the wise virgins. Are you doing that? Do you love and honor the "For Strength of Youth?"
The foolish virgins do their own thing. The wise want to know what the prophet has said and seek to follow him and Christ's other servants, no matter how difficult it is to follow them.
Where do you stand? Are you self-reliant and able to stand when The Lord comes again?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Tree of Life: On the Path but not Holding onto the Rod
Recently Elder Bednar has pointed out that there were two types of people holding onto the rod of iron. One was clinging (1 Nephi 8:24). These fell away when they were ashamed because of those mocking and scoffing at them. He suggests that clinging represents a desperate attempt to come to God every so often. I think it might suggest that when times are tough these turn to the word. The other group is found continually holding fast to the word of God (1 Nephi 8:30). These continue to partake of the fruit because they continually rely upon God and obey His great commandments in good and bad times. Always looking to and obeying "every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God" (D&C 84:44).
One other significant thing stuck out to me as I read about this dream. There were many that started in the path that was by the rod of iron but then wandered off (1 Nephi 8:19-23). I believe it is significant that there is no mention that they ever grab the iron rod. They are in the path next to the rod of iron but never grab hold of the iron rod. In other words, they are going through the motions of discipleship but not fully grasping "[living] by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God" (D&C 84:44). We must ask ourselves if we are just going to church, mutual, seminary, etc. and participating in "Mormon culture" or if we are fully engaged in seeking to learn the commandments and live them more fully by studying the word of God. If we aren't learning and living the word of God then we are bound to drift off the path and wander off and become lost (1 Nephi 8:23).
One other significant thing stuck out to me as I read about this dream. There were many that started in the path that was by the rod of iron but then wandered off (1 Nephi 8:19-23). I believe it is significant that there is no mention that they ever grab the iron rod. They are in the path next to the rod of iron but never grab hold of the iron rod. In other words, they are going through the motions of discipleship but not fully grasping "[living] by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God" (D&C 84:44). We must ask ourselves if we are just going to church, mutual, seminary, etc. and participating in "Mormon culture" or if we are fully engaged in seeking to learn the commandments and live them more fully by studying the word of God. If we aren't learning and living the word of God then we are bound to drift off the path and wander off and become lost (1 Nephi 8:23).
Saturday, January 7, 2012
I think you'll like this short video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzjvE0ehnEI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Monday, December 12, 2011
Reverence Invites Revelation
Here is a great talk by Pres. Boyd K. Packer.
What is the first thing Pres. Packer says that a military will do to conquer their enemy? What does he say the adversary does in our lives to accomplish the same purpose?
Go to 1 Nephi 17:45, what does it mean to not be able to "feel his words?" What can you do in your life to be able to "feel his words?"
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
2 Nephi 32:1-5. One Slight Difference
In these verses (3 and 5) it explains that the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost guide us to know all things what we should do. There is one slight difference between what the words of Christ will do and what the Holy Ghost will do, what is it? Why do you think that difference might be significant?
The Gift of the Holy Ghost, pgs.65-66 of Preach My Gospel
D&C 130:22-23 speaks of the Holy Ghost descending upon us but not tarrying with us. Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the fruits of the Spirit or how we feel when we have the Spirit. What have you noticed invites the Spirit into your life? When have you felt the fruits or the effects of the Spirit in your lives? If you were giving your younger brother or sister advice about what to do to feel the Spirit, what would you tell him or her to do?
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