Alma 25

God's Hand

I love verse 17 in Alma 25. It states, "And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni, and their brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which they had had among the Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had granted unto them according to their prayers, and that he had also verified his word unto them in every particular".

GOD hears us. If we have faith, we will be blessed. It may not be on our time frame. We may have to struggle through trials... But, I truly believe that if we hold on--we will see His hand in our lives. These brethren had gone through many trials prior to getting to this point. Life isn't going to be free from trials--we just must have the faith in God's timing, in His love, and in His answers.

Alma 24

Burying Our Sins

Yesterday, as I was reading chapter 24 in Alma, I cried. I cried for the sacrifice that these people made in order to be clean. As the Anti-Nephi-Lehies saw their brethren coming to kill them, they knelt down and prayed, an in this position the Lamanites began to kill them. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies no longer wanted to fight. They wanted to remain clean; therefore, they wouldn't defend themselves. They felt that if they lifted the sword--even in defense--they would again feel the pain of sin. In an effort to maintain a covenant with God and themselves, they buried their weapons of war. The king said to his people, "Since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean" (verse 15). The scriptures further describe this sacrifice in verse 18 when it says, "And this they did, it being a testimony to God, and also to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of many's blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands." So, that is what they did. They laid down their lives' for their beliefs. The mother and the father knelt in prayer, and they sacrificed not only themselves, but their children.

Two lessons keep running through my mind. First, they buried their weapons, or--in other words--they buried their sins. Do I have sins that I need to bury? As I read this, I keep evaluating my own life. What is it that I could do better? What is keeping me away from my Father in Heaven? Second, they loved God more than themselves, more than their families, more than their children for they were willing to sacrifice it all for their beliefs. I truly believe that our hearts need to be as pure as the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. We need to love God above all else.

I would like to think that my heart is as pure as these people; however, I know that it is not. I do try my best in all things; however, I know my heart still has more to change. I do not know if I could watch my children die. I think I could die for my belief, but I am not sure I could allow my children to die. As I read these verses in the scriptures, I cried. My soul ached at the thought. God's purposes were served as more people were converted. What a perspective this has offered me. What am I willing to do for my beliefs? What should I be willing to do for my beliefs? Do I have the faith to trust in God's purposes no matter what?

After I was finished writing a verse from Moroni was present in my thoughts it states, "Come unto Christ and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God" (Moroni 10:32). This is the formula to become like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies.

Alma 22

A CHANGE OF HEART

When King Lamoni's father and Ammon were on the roadside, King Lamoni's father promised Ammon half of his kingdom if Ammon would only spare his life. Because Ammon was not interested in riches, but rather loved King Lamoni--King Lamoni's father began to have a change of heart. When Aaron taught King Lamoni's father the Gospel he said, "What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou has spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy." The king had had a change of heart. He was now willing to give up his entire kingdom for the joy of eternal life. 

This story has always intrigued me. I have often put myself in this king's shoes and asked myself if I was willing to give up all my riches? And then I think of my own life, and I wonder--what riches/things are holding me back from being completely committed to God? I think of the rich young lawyer in the Savior's time who asked a similar question; however, had a different response--he loved his riches more than he loved God. I have often evaluated my own heart and have determined within myself that I too--want eternal life beyond anything this world has to offer. However, I also understand that in order for my heart to continue with this desire, I must continue on God's pathway. Satan is conniving, and he is good at guiding our hearts to desire "things" rather than eternal life--especially when eternal life seems so far away. I can't desire eternal life, and then do nothing--if I do this, my heart will wander. 

And what if it was not just riches holding me back, but what if there was also sin?King Lamoni's father again teaches us a lesson about spiritual preparedness in verse 18 when he states, "I will give away all my sins to know thee". President Ezra Taft Benson notes that "each of us must surrender our sins if we are to really know Christ. For we do not know Him until we become like Him. There are some. like this king, who must pray until they, too, have 'a wicked spirit rooted' from them so they can find the same joy" (Conference Report, October 1983, 63). In a few chapters, these people will bury their weapons of war. This act of "burying" their weapons is symbolic of us "burying" our sins. Am I holding on to a sin? Is there something in my life that needs to be removed so that I may know Christ? This journey to eternal life is a continual process. I truly believe that as we keep our hearts aligned with the things that matter most--we will continue on the pathway to eternal life, our hearts will continue to change, and we will continue giving up the sins that are holding us back. Each and every one of us have sins that keep us from God--its what we do about it that makes the difference. Do we use Christ's atonement to cleanse ourselves daily? If not, our hearts aren't fully committed.

Alma 20

"Don't Ever Let a Problem to Be Solved Become More Important than a Person to Be Loved." 

~President Monson

Lamoni's father's heart begins to change when he realizes the love Ammon has for his son. The scriptures say, "And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Because this is all that thou has desired...thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom; for I shall greatly desire to see thee" (Alma 20: 26-27).

To show love and concern for someone seems like a simple thing. In Ammon's case, he truly didn't think of himself. He loved Lamoni more than he loved himself. He was offered half the kingdom, and yet his only concern was for Lamoni's well-being. If Ammon had his hearts set on riches, I am sure this story would have had a different ending. Ammon's heart was turned to God--he was able to love because he chose daily to follow God's plan. President Monson has said, Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved" (Joy in the Journey, President Monson, October 2008).

I think of this quote often. I need to remind myself of it even more than I think about it. There are so many times in my life when I find myself struggling with a problem, that I focus on the problem rather than loving the person involved. I think this is true for all of my kids. Whenever they have struggles, I find my mind consumed with solving their problems. I sometimes forget that the greatest remedy is love. I may not be able to take away all of their trials, I may not be able to solve anything for them, but I know I can love them. When we focus on the problem more than what we do have, I find myself beaten. Love truly is a remedy for many things. 

Alma 19 & 21

Changed Hearts = No More Desire to Sin

Alma 19

After the household of Lamoni had heard the Gospel, and repented of their sins, the scriptures say, "their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil." I think this is our goal; to have no desire to sin.

The other night at the dinner table, my kids were asking me about temptations, and repentance. I told them that as they are obedient to God's commandments, their hearts will change and they will not be tempted by the things that seem to tempt them now. I explained that obedience keeps our hearts in line with the Gospel. Of course we will all have struggles, and we will need to be continually repenting; however, as our hearts change, our desires change as well.

I feel this is a continual process. There are moments in my life where I feel much like the statement written in Alma--"having no more desire to sin", and all though that is my continual desire, I am learning that there are times when I am not even tempted, and other times when I am. It reminds me to continually be seeking after the things of God. It reminds me that my focus needs to be set on Him--all of the time.

Continue in Faith

Alma 21

When Ammon delivered his brethren from prison, they had suffered greatly. What impresses me most is what they did as soon as they were released. The scriptures say, "And they went forth withersoever they were led by the Spirit of the Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the Amalekites, or in every assembly of the Lamanites where they could be admitted." 

I love that they were patient in their afflictions. I love that they continued even though they had been beaten and naked. I love that they took no thought for themselves, but rather of God. I love that they knew what mattered most. I am struck by their conviction, their faith, their hearts, their desire to do the Lord's will. I want to be like that.

In the beginning, Aaron and his brethren didn't have much success. As just noted, they were cast into prison, they were beaten, and when Ammon found them--they were naked. As these men pushed forward, as they were patient in their trial, and they continued on God's path, they scriptures also say that the "Lord began to bless them, insomuch they brought many to the knowledge of the truth..." Sometimes in life, we may feel like we are doing all that we can to do what is right, and it may feel as if nothing seems to be going right. We may wonder why we are not being blessed when we are doing everything we should be doing. I love this example in the scriptures, because it demonstrates that sometimes those "blessings" do not always come quickly. Sometimes we are given the opportunity to have a "trial of our faith". We are blessed to endure, and as we endure--we are molded into better people. If we can remain faithful, our hearts become more refined. If we remain faithful, we become better. I truly believe the Lord is there waiting to give us the blessings we desire. I believe that He is watching and I believe that He is cheering us on. I can hear Him in my mind saying, "Just a little longer...hold on, don't give up". I believe that as we do HOLD ON, and as we refuse to give into the temptation of giving up--the Lord will bless us...after the trial of our faith--He will bless us. 

Faith

Conversion of Lamoni; Faith

I love the faith of King Lamoni when Ammon asked him if he would believe on his words, and the king said, "Yea, I will believe all thy words" (Alma 18: 23). And then a few verses later; after Lamoni had heard about the Gospel of Jesus Christ the scriptures state that he truly did believe the words of Alma (Alma 18:40), and Lamoni prayed saying, "O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy..." (Alma 18:41).

I love that Lamoni was filled with such great faith. He trusted in all that he was taught. He was ready to listen and take action. He heard the word, and then he asked for help.

I want to have that kind of faith. I want to trust in the Spirit of God. I want to take action in my life that will point me towards Heaven. I want to pray as Lamoni that God will have mercy, and keep me safe from Satan's temptations. I want to become all that God has in store for me.

O Lord, please guide me.

Sunday Session of General Conference

Sunday Session

Elder Eyring

Receiving Revelation: 

Nephi said I will go and do the things what the LORD has commanded me
Elder Eyring's mother counseled him when he came home. She prayed for her son. She asked that he would hear her counsel. Miracle of revelation through his mother. The value of revelation depends on the ones being led receiving continued revelation. 

Doctrine and Covenants:

Let bowels be full of charity of all men and houselhold of faith and let virtue garnish your thoughts, then shall your confidence wax strong....the Holy Ghost shall be your constant companion. Formula for receiving revelation.

Heavenly Father loves you. He knows your name. He will pour out revelation. 

Elder Nelson

How do we sustain a prophet?

Sustain by not only the lifting of the hand,but in deed and in truth. 

Our sustaining of prophets is a personal commitment that we will do our utmost to do their counsel. We recognize their calling to be binding upon us. It is a sacred sustaining. It means we will stand behind him, we will pray for him, we will defend his good name, adn we will strive to carry out his directions as the Lord will direct... (quote)

We sustain 15 men as prophets of God. They hold all the keys. The calling of 15 men provides great protection for us. Why? Because decisions must be unanimous. Can you imagine how the spirit needs to be upon 15 men to bring about unanimity?

The church has been organized by the Lord himself.

President Monson said, "Age eventually takes its tole on all of us. We say like King Benjamin, "I am like yourselves... (Mosiah 2:11)

Carol F McConkie

The Lord calls prophets. President Monson has the right to receive revelation for The Lord's Church. Whatsoever they speak, shall be scripture. 

Sacrifice a starving mother. She chose to believe the words of the prophet. 

We have been commanded to sustain the prophet. We heed prophetic word even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. Following the prophet is always right. Trust in the Lord with thine heart, and lean not unto thine understanding. For the widow of Zarapheth obedience to the prophet, saved her life. The Lord will feed those who trust Him. When we partake we are blessed, we are preserved. 

When we heed the words of the prophets, we build our homes on a sure foundation. We have a choice: we may choose to ignore, but the Savior taught that those who do so will be cut off from His covnenant people.

After several talks on following the prophet, I wonder if something is coming that will require great faith. My heart desires to follow all that God requires. I reflect on my life and wonder if I am following all that has been directed? Am I holding on to things that I shouldn't be? 

Robert D. Hales

I testify that we do what is necessary to know them, we will obtain the greatest gift of God--eternal life. 

The Father and the son are distinct individuals, but one in purpose. Jesus is a God, yet he continually separates himself by praying and saying he is doing his Father's will. 

When You shall receive these things, ask God if these things are not true...by the power of the HOLY GHOST you many know the truth of all things. Heavenly Father wants us to seek this knowledge now. Remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer who is Christ...

We will not fail if we build upon Christ. He is the rock of Heaven.

James J. Hamula

The sacrament is given in remembrance of the Savior. To those who would signify that they sustain the Savior, spiritual death would pass over them, and eternal life...

This shall you always  observe to do: Sacrament--a testimony unto he Father that you do remember me. 

The ordinance of the sacrament has been called one of the most sacred and holy ordinances in the Church. it needs to become more holy to us. it is to teach us how to avail ourselves of his redemption. We signify that we remember the body of Jesus Christ. We signify our belief that the body was raised again. And taking bread, we acknowledge like Christ, our body will rise again. With cup of water, we signify we remember the blood he spilled and spiritual suffering he endured. We remember the agony of Gethsemane. the bruising, scourging, the blood from hand feet and side. His personal reflection: ...how hard to bear you know not. We remember that his suffering atoned for our sins. Thus with bread and water we are reminded of Christ's redemption. Bread first, and Water Second. Bread--our own personal resurrection. All of us will be restored to the presence of God. The question for us: is not if we will live, but in whom we will live. Through mortality we all are soiled with sins. We will be unclean. The water: we are taught how we can become clean. He will make us clean if we repent. 

Through sacrament we express our commitment. First, our willingness to remember, and then; that we do remember. We are making solemn commitments of our Savior Jesus Christ. We further declare that we will keep His commandments. We recommit ourselves to align our lives with His. We declare that we are willing to take upon us His name. When we commit, we are promised that we will have His spirit to be with us.The Spirit purifies us. The most important event is the atonement of Jesus Christ. He has given us the sacrament to not only remember but be able to claim the blessings. The ordinance helps us faithfully endure to the end. 

Thomas S. Monson

We are all on a journey here in mortality. The primary purpose: to obtain a body, to gain an experience, to see if we would keep the commandments. 

We learn that decisions determine destiny. 

I am certain we left our Father with a desire to gain exaltation. He did not send us here without direction. He has given us the tools we need. To help guide us: we have the words of God, we have counsel and teachings of prophet, provided with example of Savior. We've been instructed to follow that example. 

What manner of men ought ye to be? Even as I am. Said the Savior.

As we look to Jesus, we can return home safely to live with Him forever. 

Nephi said, if a man does not endure to the end, he cannot be saved. 

Physically walking where Jesus walked is less important than walking as He walked. When Jesus extended the rich man to come follow Him... All of us can walk the path He walked, with His words ringing in our ears, with his teachings guiding our lives. We choose to follow him as we journey. As we examine His path: 

He walked the path of disappointment: Oh, Jerusalem. 

He walked the path of temptation

He walked the path of pain

Each of us who walks the path of disappointment, the path of temptation, the path of pain. 

We, with Jesus, can walk the path of obedience. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. The end result of disobedience is captivity and death. 

We can walk the path of service, like Jesus. 

We can walk the path of prayer.

Let our lights shine. Be morally clean in thoughts and actions. Lay up treasures in Heaven. Teaches us to love, and serve others. Talents: improve ourselves. Sheep: go to the rescue. As we strive to put Christ, at center of our lives, by learning his words, following His path--eternal life. There is no higher end than this. 

We too, can have the spirit of goodness as we walk the path of our Savior. Ponder the path of your feet. We will have the desire to walk the path that Jesus walked. 

M. Russell Ballard

1) Stay in The Boat
2) Wear a Life Jacket
3) Hang on with Both Hands

White water trip can be metaphorically like the rapids of White Water.

The Lord has provided a boat, supplies, and river guides on our way down the river of life. 

God is at the helm of the old ship Zion. 

1) Stay on the Boat

How do we stay?

We need to experience a continuing conversion by increasing faith to the Gospel Jesus Christ. Alma 5: Can you feel so now?
The guides of today can be likened unto the apostles, prophets, and leaders...

Leaders will not and cannot lead you astray. 

Those who become lost and confused, they forget that the first presidency and quorum of the 12 speak the will of the LORD. ...whether it be my voice, or the voice of my servants--it is the same (D&C); church leaders have been tutored. And tutored by the Lord himself. 

There is something about the individual and combined experiences of church leaders. They have experienced it all. We are not out of touch with your lives.

Rule #2 and #3 Life Jacket and Hold On

The scriptures will help us hold on with both hands. we need to become like the stripling warriors by searching the scriptures diligently and the words of past and present apostles. Loving the words of Christ. In addition we need to be like the sons of Mosiah, and give ourselves to much prayer and fasting. Stay focused on the simple things, and avoid becoming distracted. Those people who haven't held on with both hands, many have them have lost their focused on the central truths of the Gospel. Joseph Smith taught, the fundamental truths of our the religion are the testimonies of the apostles that He died--all other things are appendages. Wherefore, ye must push ... 2 Nephi 

Sometimes we focus on the appendages instead of the fundamental principles. Satan tempts us to become distracted. 

The important question is to focus on what matters most. Our church should lead us to become kind, dedicated disciples. To bear another burdens means: helping, supporting, ...

STAY IN THE BOAT; HOLD ON WITH BOTH HANDS

Richard G. Scott

Adam and Eve took of the fruit: We are able to feel peace because we feel turmoil. The atonement helps us to feel peace. Each of us is aware of our own struggles and trials. Our purpose in coming here is to be tested, tried, and stretched. We woudl face evils of the adversary. We may feel more aware of the negative things of mortality then of the positive. LEhi taught tha there must be an opposition in all things. Despite all of teh negative, we must take time to actively exercise our faith. Such exercise invites teh postive atonement into our lives. Our Father has given us tools to help us come unto Christ, when these tools become habbits, they provide the easiest way to find peace in mortality. 

Four Tools in helping us:

1) Prayer: Choose to converse with Father in Heaven Often. Share him your thoughts and feelings. Tell him everything that concerns you.Mundane facets and most important. Share with Him your feelings. He will never force you to pray, but as you exercise that agency, and include Him--your heart will feel peace. BUOYANT Peace! It will help youto manage those challenges from an eternal perspective.

Parents: safe guard your family with family prayer! Protect them with family prayer. It should be a non-negotiable priority. 

2) Study the Word of God in Scriptures and Words of Living Prophets: He most often communicates through His written word. Read His Word. Study and Ponder the scriptures. An integral part of every day life. You must study the scriptures if you want your children to understand the spirit. Feasting on scriptures is more important then sleep, school work, television, ... Many prophetic promises: As you dedicate time every day, personally, with family to study God's word, peace will prevail in your life. Peace won't come from outside world, it will come from within. It will be a gift of the Spirit. It will radiate out to you. 

challenges are important part of mortality: you will find peace and ability to resist temptation, you will experience faith, and know that all will be right according to God's time through the atonement. 

3) Weekly FHE: Decide that on Monday Night, your family will be together. Do not let extra-curricular or anything else become more important then that time you spend together at home with your family. It should be taught both formally and informally. It is a precious time to bear testimony in a safe environment. To strengthen family bonds. To develop family traditions. To talk to each other. To have a marvelous time together.

Sister Reeves said, These are the very practices that help take away stress, give direction...and add protection to our home. 

4) Go to the Temple

Use your recommend often. Listen to the words of ordinances. Ponder them. Pray about them. The temple is the best way to understand the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Many more blessings come from providing your own family names. Fundamental habits for securing the atonement in your life. 

When we are doing these things, we are actively coming unto Christ. We exercise our agency to access the atonement. The atonement makes it possible. As we come unto him we can endure every challenge.

Carlos A. Godoy

Uchtdorf has said, Through years in serving the Lord, the difference in happiness often comes down to an error of only a few degrees.

If you continue to live as you are living, Will the blessings in your patriarchal blessing be fulfilled? I never evaluated how I was living. After some pondering I felt some changes were necessary. It wasn't a decision between what was right and wrong. It was between good or better. As Elder Oaks talked. 

How can we ensure we are making the best decision:

1) We need to consider our options with the end in mind: Understanding who we are and why we are here will help give us the broader vision that we need. What does the Lord expect from each one of us: we have inspired leaders, temple, personal revelation, scriptures 

2) We need to be prepared for the challenges that will come. The best path in life are often not the easiest. Are we willing to pay the price for our decisions? Are we willing to expand outside of our comfort zones for a better place? We are children of almighty God. He loves us. He has a plan for us. He wants us to grow and achieve our potential. Each of us has the opportunity for us to learn and to grow.

3) We need to share this vision with the people we love.

Just because things are going well, we should from time to time evaluate whether or not there are more things for us to consider.

Allan F. Packer

As we work on exaltation, we cannot come distracted by other things. If we needed, we must be willing to change. 

The plan of salvation includes all of items needed for exaltation: 

The church helps but cannot do it for us. It becomes a quest of a lifetime. 

God set the requirements for exaltation. 

The family is the center of the Plan of Salvation. Family History and Temple Work has been increased by our brethren. Your response will... (check)

We cannot be made perfect without our ancestors neither can they without us. Family History also includes the present as we record our own. Quenton L. Cook said  it is much easier. It is dependent on the members willing to do it. To assist members it can now be done in our own homes. Most obstacles have been removed. One obstacle: an individual's hesitation to do the work. Make the decision to take a step. The names you find will become the records for "The Book". We need to have a change in our priorities. We need to find our family. 

Elder Bednar has promised that you will be protected against the adversary as you participate in this holy work. 

We must not sacrifice our exaltation. 

Hugo E Martinez

The savior focuses on the individual and the family. He recognizes the worth of each of His Father's children. And each individual is ministered and strengthened. Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God... D&C

Every soul is of great worth to our Heavenly Father. 

The teachings of the Lord shows us the way. Linda K. Burton said, "First observe, then serve." President Monson is a great example of this. 

Go and do Thou Likewise is the word of our Lord to us. Are we going? 

Being a good example of a disciple of Jesus Christ. AS we open our mouths, we become His undershephards. We come the simple fishers of men. Our service and personal ministry are not limited to those on this Earth. We can also do work for the dead. We can also keep a journal and record our own personal history. Its all about linking our family. We become Saviors on Mount Zion.

Larry S. Kacher

There are many currents in this earthly life.There are powerful forces in our own lives. These forces are real. We should never ignore them. There is opposition in all things. 

Wiser for man to accept simple truths of Gospel, and accept by faith the things we may not understand. By asking sincere questions, we learn line upon line. There is room for honest inquiry. We turn to truth to our God. 

Ask Heavenly Father for answers and not secular answers. 

Our choices affect not only us, but others as well. Are the currents we choose to follow important? Do your examples matter? Are my decisions firmly planted in the rich soil of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

David A. Bednar

Why are Latter-day Saints so Eager to tell me about what they believe? Every one who follows Jesus Christ wants to share it. 

Bring all that you know, and test this message. We invite you to come and see. We feel a solemn responsibility to carry this message. 

Our desire is a reflection of how important these truths are to us. 

We want to give to those what benefits us. Many of us act in the same way when we find something that helps us. Sharing with other people what has helped us is not unusual. 

Lehi's instant response of partaking of the fruit was a desire to share with his family.

Absolute truth exists. We witness He lives. The invitation grow out of positive effects of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come and See. 

Thomas S. Monson

May we remember the elderly.

Follow the mandate to suffer the weak.

May we be people of honesty and integrity.

May we be faithful followers of Christ examples of righteousness.

Thank you for your prayers in my behalf. 

May we all ponder the truths we've heard. 

Saturday Session of General Conference

SATURDAY SESSION

Lynn G Robbons

Which way do you face?The Savior always told others to go and tell no one. Are we looking to be recognized by men, or are we facing the Savior and doing His will, because we love him?

I liked this talk, because I felt it hit on some of my weaknesses. Do I sometimes want the praise of men? Do I need to focus my heart on what matters most to God? 

I try not to do things for the praise of men, but I also realize that I do like compliments in my life. We are living in a society where compliments are handed out through a "like" button on the computer. Pictures are posted, and "likes" are received--self-worth is being purchased through these means. I evaluate this in myself, and I try to be careful to keep myself from this temptation; however, this still doesn't keep me safe from allowing compliments to go to my head. I like what Elder Uchtdorf said in his talk, "Pride and the Priesthood". He said , "When I was called as a General Authority, I was blessed to be tutored by many of the senior Brethren in the Church. One day I had the opportunity to drive President James E. Faust to a stake conference. During the hours we spent in the car, President Faust took the time to teach me some important principles about my assignment. He explained also how gracious the members of the Church are, especially to General Authorities. He said, “They will treat you very kindly. They will say nice things about you.” He laughed a little and then said, “Dieter, be thankful for this. But don’t you ever inhale it.”

That is a good lesson for us all, brethren, in any calling or life situation. We can be grateful for our health, wealth, possessions, or positions, but when we begin to inhale it—when we become obsessed with our status; when we focus on our own importance, power, or reputation; when we dwell upon our public image and believe our own press clippings—that’s when the trouble begins; that’s when pride begins to corrupt.

There are plenty of warnings about pride in the scriptures: “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” ¹⁰

The Apostle Peter warned that “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” ¹¹ Mormon explained, “None is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.” ¹² And by design, the Lord chooses “the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” ¹³ The Lord does this to show that His hand is in His work, lest we “trust in the arm of flesh.” ¹⁴

We are servants of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are not given the priesthood so that we can take our bows and bask in praise. We are here to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We are enlisted in no ordinary task. We are called to prepare the world for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We seek not our own honor but give praise and glory to God. We know that the contribution we can make by ourselves is small; nevertheless, as we exercise the power of the priesthood in righteousness, God can cause a great and marvelous work to come forth through our efforts. We must learn, as Moses did, that “man is nothing” ¹⁵ by himself but that “with God all things are possible.” ¹⁶ (Deiter F. Uchtdorf, "Pride and the Priesthood", October 2010).

This is definitely a temptation. I need to be constantly be evaluating my heart, and turning it to my Savior. Am I doing things for praise, or am I doing it to build up His Kingdom? Doing things for the right reasons can make all the difference.

1. 10.  Proverbs 13:10.
2.  
   11.  1 Peter 5:5.
3.  
   12.  Moroni 7:44.
4.  
   13.  1 Corinthians 1:27.
5.  
   14.  Doctrine and Covenants 1:19.

Cheryl A Esplin

The sacrament provides a time for a truly spiritual experience. We receive strength as we strive to take the sacrament approximately.

Remember the Savior's enabling power. We make progress as He enables us. As we seek Him, spiritual healing will come. There is a spirit that attends the administration of the sacrament. Comfort and Happiness comes to the soul to one who is worthy.

The sacrament tells us that He will always be our bread of life. The spirit heals and renews our souls. The promise blessings of the sacrament says that we will always have his spirit to be with us. 

The more we ponder the significance of the sacrament... you will partake of His love, repentance, and hope. (Towards the end... reread.)

Chi Hong Wong

We can reach out and rescue. Mark 1-5; A man with palsy. This man had to wait for help. In our day, we may be assigned to go rescue. The Work in Saving Souls should not be too demanding. Every individual and every calling are important. We must work together. 

Do we know anyone who is spiritually paralyzed by himself or herself?

When Jesus saw their faith, our combined faith will also impact the well-being of others. We can always help one another. We should always be anxiously engaged in serving those in need. Savior has the power to save and heal both physically and spiritually. When we assist him, in his mission of saving souls--we too will be rescued in the process.

D. Todd Christofferson

Who bears the responsibility that happens in our own lives? 

God intends that His children act in accordance with His commandments. God will not live our lives for us, or control us. God does not save us just as we are. Just as we are--we are unclean. God will not act to make us something we do not choose by our actions to become. He loves us. He helps us. He guides us. The commandments are a real manifestation of God's love. 

We can choose to become the kind of person we will. The gospel of Jesus Christ opens the path to what we may become. Through the atonement our failures can be erased. Justice demands that it can't happen without our willing agreement. Thus, salvation is not the result of a divine whim; neither by divine will. We can have faith in God.

God cannot be arbitrary in saving some and banishing others. He cannot look upon sin with allowance. 

Because He is Just; He allows Mercy. 

It is the requirement and the opportunity of repentance that permits mercy to not trample justice. Acting to repent is a self-willed. God remains it up to us to repent. Mercy satisfies Justice. Faith unto repentance brings about the plan. 

In matters both temporal and spiritual the opportunity to assume responsibility is a god given gift. We must defend accountability against programs that would make us dependent. It's God's will that we be free able to rise to our full potential. This cannot be achieved by our own merits. We know that it is by grace that we are saved after all we can do. Divine help can be ours any time of day. We must exert ourselves, repent, and choose God in order for lives to be in line. Take responsibility. Go to Work. 

Deiter F. Uchtdorf

Our ability to see the universe changed dramatically, and mankind was introduced to glorious vistas that we have never imagined. If we went back a thousand years and explained what we can see now, people would think we were foolish. These people would be mistaken even if they were well meaning. They wouldn't be able to see clearly, because they hadn't seen the light of truth. We seem to assume we are right, even when we are wrong. 

The purpose: That God Himself Has given His Children that they can Know Truth for Themselves.

The everlasting and Almighty God will speak to those who approach Him with sincere heart and real intent. Ind reams visions thoughts and feelings. He will give them divine direction and answers for their personal lives. 

God cares about you. He will listen. He will answer your personal questions. They will come in His own way and in His won time. You need to learn to listen to His voice. God wants you to find your way back to Him, and the Savior is the way. 

Experiment:

First, you must search the word of God! That means reading and studying the words of ancient as well as modern prophets. Not with an intent to criticize with a sincere desire to discover truth. Ponder on what you feel, and prepare your minds. Let desire work in you.

Second, you must consider ponder fearlessly strive to believe, and be grateful how merciful the Lord has been upon his children by providing prophets seers and revelators.

Third, you must ask you HF in the name of His son to manifest the truth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unto you. Ask with sincere heart and real intent.
Fourth, If any man will do God's will, he shall know of the doctrine. Put the teachings to the test. 

If you will do these things, you have a promise that He will manifest the truth by the power of the Holy Ghost. If you want to recognize spiritual truth, you have to use the right instruments. The more we incline our minds upon God, the more heavenly light instills upon our souls. The more we seek, we communicate to God and we receive more light. If we remove ourselves, our own light begins to dim. 

The process of gathering spiritual light is a quest of a lifetime. I promise you this: if you do your part, it will come, and it will be glorious. Spiritual truth will fill your heart. 

If you seek, that which seems distant, will become glorious vistas. This spiritual light is within your reach.

Elder Oaks

Jesus: A new commandment: Love One Another As I Have Loved You!

A challenge that is unique. Love is the essence of the Gospel, and Jesus Christ is our exemplar. His life is a legacy of ... (Monson)

It is difficult because we must live with those who don't share our beliefs. 

Keep the Commandments: 

The father of contention is the devil. Even as we seek to avoid contention, we must not compromise our belief to the truths we understand. There is no middle ground in that contest. The Savior showed the way with the example of the women taken in adultery. The Savior treated her with kindness, and also directed her to sin no more. A follower of Christ will be firm with the truth.

Neil L. Anderson

Why does God allow persecution? Opposition for things of God sends seekers of truths to their knees. Spiritual questions deserve spiritual answers.

The Savior Said: Bless them that curse you. Pray for them despitefully use you and criticize you. You may question what you hear on the news, but you need never doubt a testimony of the Lord's prophet. 

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit.

Each believer needs a spiritual confirmation

Caution: you won't be of much help to others if your own faith isn't securely in place. 

Challenge to Youth: Gain a testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith: 1) find scriptures that you feel and know are true and then share them 2) read the testimony of Joseph Smith in Pearl of Great  or in pamphlet. Consider recording the testimony in your own voice. It will help bring a witness that you seek. 

Tad R. Callister

A mother magnified her calling as a parent. Parents duty to teach their children repentance, faith in God, baptism, faith in Holy Ghost. We are the prime examples and teachers. As their prime gospel teachers, we can teach them of their identity. Give them a rock foundation. The home is the ideal forum for teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Mother was her prime Gospel Teacher. 

Gospel questions at the dinner table.
Cards in pocket with Gospel scriptures.

One of the most meaningful things we can do for our children is teach them the power of prayer.As parents we can teach our kids to pray for eternal things. remain morally clean. courage to stand for the right. As parents we can teach our kids to pray in the morning. Which parent would have let the stripling warriors without prayer? Our kids are in the same situation, and need a sword and shield through prayer. Pray always that you may conquer Satan. 

Teach our children to use time wisely. Technology can monopolize their lives. 

Do our children see our best spiritual efforts or do they receive the left overs? Mother and Father will survive in the eternities. 

God will never leave us alone.

Jorg Klebingat 

On a scale 1-10 how would you rate your spiritual confidence before God?
The adversary knows that faith in Christ goes hand in hand with personal confidence that you are striving to choose the right. Satan will seek opportunity to tell you lies.  As long as you allow these voices to eat away at your soul, you cannot approach the throne of God. 

Six suggestions dissipate these voices:

1) Take responsibility for your own spiritual well being, stop blaming others, and stop justifying

Spiritual confidence increases when you take responsibility

2) Take responsibility for your own physical well being. It can lead to lowered self esteem. Control our diet. Our body and spirit are combined in such a way that in can affect spiritual well-being. Spiritual 

3) Embrace Obedience as Part of Your Life

Selective obedience results in selective blessings
When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. Abraham Lincoln

4) Become really really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly. You should apply it often and generously. Care more about what the Savior thinks of you. 

5)Become really really good at forgiving. Forgive everyone. All the time. Don't be easily offended. Don't hold grudges.

6) Accept trials, set back, and surprises as part of your mortal experience. 

Acknowledge and face your weaknesses but don't be immobilized by them. The moment when you choose daily repentance, and by striving to be your best you can be, the atonement envelopes you. You can receive a remission of your sins every day and every hour. Yours is the privilege to come to know that you are pleasing God despite of your short comings.

Eduardo Gavarret

Never ever again follow the wrong voice. Yes, Lord...I will follow thee.

The Savior's sheep know his voice and follow Him. The Lord invites us: Come, Follow, Walk--it's an invitation to act. 

Come Unto Me all ye that Labor and are Heavy Ladened...

I invite you to listen and accept the message by saying: Yes, Lord, I will follow thee. 

We renew this invitation each week in commandments. We covenant to keep the commandments. Yes, Lord, I will follow thee. The rich young lawyer received an invitation; however, even though the invitation was simple it had sacrifice. 

Am I making those kinds of sacrifices, or am I holding on to things that keep me away from Christ?

Can we follow Jesus unless we are willing to keep the commandments? 

As you strive to come to Him, you will gain the power to make you happy.

The decision to "come" is personal. The fruit of our accepting the invitation. 

1. Feed Knowledge
2. Pray
3. Obtain
4. Make decision today to follow: Turn knowledge into action
5. Persevere

Elder Holland

We have been given a call to join him and lift the burden of the people. We need to help the needy.

What can we do? The master offered an answer:

When Jesus head was anointed prior to crucifixion: "She hath done what she could"

Cease withholding means, because we see the poor as bringing it upon themselves. But aren't we all beggars? Don't we all beg for forgiveness? Don't we all implore that grace? At least in our case... We obtain a remission by pleading to God, but we retain by compassionately responding to the poor who plea to us. We should also pray for those in need.

We can always pray. 

We are to do what we can when others are in need.

I know that God knows what you should do, if you are consciously looking. 

All who are physically able are to observe the Law of the Fast.

President Monson has done all that he could to the poor. Are you holding back? Are you giving all that you can, or are you thinking of yourself?

L. Tom Perry

Our journey through life has both good and bad times. How we adjust to these depends on the foundation in which we build. It is constructed piece by piece as we gain knowledge of His plan. We follow the Savior. 

The only way to find lasting peace is to look to him and live. We need to fix our eyes on Him.

Matthew 13

We must never let the noise of the world over power the still small voice. Our challenge will be on how we prepare for these events. As members we have the responsibility to persevere and protect the family!!!

Let our example sustain and support the Lord's plan. Greatest teaching must be done by righteous example. Our homes must be holy places. The most powerful teaching a child will ever receive will come from MOTHERS.

GORDON B Hinckley: Mothers: Woe who make  house a home make a far greater contribution to society than those who stand...who can put a price tag on the influence of that of a mother...we cannot begin to measure or calculate the influence of women who do everlasting good for generations of the future.

The influence of women in this generation: The mother's of today have no greater opportunity then to strengthen the home. 

Father: Father's give blessings and give sacred ordinances.One on One visits. Value of Work. Set example. Sacred calling most important is a calling for which you are never released.

A successful parent should never be too busy to capture a moment when an important lesson can be taught. 

We must instill an ever stronger reliance on the teachings of our Lord of our Redeemer. WE must build our foundation on the Savior.

Teaching with the Spirit

With the Lord All Things are Possible

In chapter 17 of Alma, it speaks of what it takes to be a good missionary, or it rather speaks of what the sons of Mosiah did to have success in their missionary work. We have been counseled to be missionaries within our own communities. We do not have to be serving a full-time mission to be a missionary. Although the focus of this chapter is on missionary work, the thought that continued to present itself in my mind was that this chapter is a formula not only for missionary work, but also for anyone serving the Lord. It could be direction for teaching our children, teaching the youth, speaking, or whatever it is that we are called to do.

I like in Alma 17:2 it states, "they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God." And then in verse 3 it states, "they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught they taught with the power and authority of God." So, as we study our scriptures, pray, and fast, the Lord blesses us with His spirit. I seek this blessing--not only for my church calling, but also for my family. I need to have the spirit with me in order to help my children through this life. I know that I cannot, nor can my family, become what the Lord intends of us--unless we are led by His spirit.

These scriptures remind me of a saying that I have been taught from my youth--"With the Lord, all Things are Possible!" When Jesus was talking to his disciples, they were desirous to know how they could possibly be saved. In Gospel of Mark it states, "But Jesus answered, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."  [See Matthew 19:16–26; see also the Joseph Smith Translation in Matthew 19:26, footnote a, and Mark 10:27, footnote a.]

I believe this to be true in all things. If we have God as our guide, we will surely succeed!

Alma and Amulek

Faith to Move Mountains

Alma and Amulek had been in prison for several days. They had been beaten, and spit upon. They were naked and hungry. When they had carried this burden for several days, Alma said, "O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance" (Alma 14:26). And Alma and Amulek were given power to break the bands which held them, and the prison shook, and tumbled and all that were inside died--except Alma and Amulek who walked from the rubble. "And it was said, "For the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ" (Alma 14:27).

I like the phrase "according to our faith". It causes me to wonder about my own faith. Do I have the faith to ask a miracle from my Lord? What kind of faith is needed in my day to day life, and am I acquiring it? How can I increase my faith?

I want to have that kind of faith. I want to be close to the spirit just like Alma and Amulek. I want to be the Lord's servant.

I think of the moment in the New Testament when the man approaches the Savior to heal his son, adn the Savior asks if he has faith enough for the miracle, and the man answers, "I believe; help thou mine unbelief"(Mark 9:24). I think of myself similar to this man. I want to believe; however, I need the Lord to help me with what I lack.

I do have the faith that as I continue reading my scriptures, saying my prayers, and putting God first in my life, that when the time comes that my faith may be challenged--the Lord will have made my faith whole.

For right here and now, I do have faith in Him. I know that He is there. I know that He can do all things. As I read the scriptures, and as I read the words of the latter-day prophets, I know that He is there, and He strengthens me. I have no doubt that as I persist in these things, it will make all the difference.

Amulek's Decision

AMULEK FOLLOWS GOD's WILL

Amulek is an example to me in The Book of Mormon. In Alma 10:11 we find that Amulek, in relating the ministerings of an angel to him regarding Alma, declares: "For behold, he hath blessed mine house, he hath blessed me, and my women, and my children, and my father and my kinsfolk; yea, even all my kindred hath he blessed, and the blessing of the Lord hath rested upon us according to the words which he spake." 

Then, in chapter 15 we find that after Amulek is rejected by the very people in whom Alma blessed. The scriptures state,  "Amulek, having forsaken all his gold, and silver, and his precious things, which were in the land of Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred." (Alma 15:16, 18)

As I put myself in Amulek's shoes, I cannot imagine the turmoil his soul must have gone through. He was the ultimate example of loving God more than man. After having been converted, his heart turned to God, and he was willing to give up everything in order to serve him. But "everything" was more than just gold and silver--"everything" also included his family. I think of my own family. I think of how much I love them, and my heart breaks for Amulek as I realize the magnitude of his decision. And although my heart breaks, I am also strengthened in my determination to put the things of God first, to do the will of the Lord over my own will, and to live a righteous life. 

This process of purifying my heart isn't something I can do alone. I am grateful to the scriptures for teaching me the pathway I should go. I pray that I will continue to be guided. I pray that Heavenly Father will help me to seek His will over my own. I think this is a huge challenge of my mortal experience--placing God's will above my own. I never intend on placing my will above God's. My heart desires to always do his will. However, as I have looked back on my life, I know there have been prideful moments in which I followed my own will. Thankfully, these moments haven't been moments of open rebellion against God for I didn't realize at the time what I was doing; however, as I grow in my understanding, I now see my prideful moments in my life. This life is a constant battle. A battle against Satan. I hope that I can follow the example of Amulek. It is the desire of my heart to always put the will of God first in my life--to purify my heart in Him, to be all that He REQUIRES.