Alma 24

Praising God Through Trials

In this part of the Book of Mormon, the people of Ammon--or the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's--were facing the Lamanite armies. Because these people had been washed clean through repentance they refused to defend themselves. The scriptures state, "...when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace" (vs.19). They placed God as their top priority--even if doing so meant that they would die. And that is exactly what they did. As the angry Lamanites came into the borders of their lands, these Anti-Nephi-Lehies went to meet them, and "prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude as the Lamanites began to fall upon them..." (vs. 21). A thousand and five of them were slain that day. What has touched my heart today is the phrase in the scriptures, "they would lie down and perish, and praised God even in the very act of perishing under the sword" (vs. 23).

This phrase caused me to think of my own life and my own responses to my trials. How do I respond when I am faced with trials and challenges? What do I do? Is my first response to praise God for the opportunity to struggle? Absolutely not. Nor, do I think God would expect this exact same response from me; however, it does teach a powerful perspective on our attitudes despite our trials. I do think that as we struggle we should seek God's hand, we should alter our perspectives to His. And possibly if we do that--we may find ourselves praising God through our trials.

I want my heart to be His. I want to align myself in such a way that I can be called blessed at the last day. In order to do so, I think I need to push the world aside a bit more often and seek Him a bit more often.

Joy

Happiness

I skipped  ahead in my scripture study today, because I wanted to read about the sons of Mosiah meeting up with Alma. I just love that part of scripture. In Alma 27:17 it states, "Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth." And then in 18 it reads, "Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness."

What does it mean to be a humble seeker of happiness?

I looked up happiness in the topical guide and--of course--the topical guide is  series of scriptures that all deal with happiness; however, in just scanning through the scriptures there were a few phrases that carried heavy meaning for me. For example:

-Psalms 146:5 Happiness is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help.
-Prov. 3:13 Happiness is the man that findeth wisdom.
-Prov. 4:21 Happiness is he that hath mercy on the poor.
-John 13:17 If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
-Romans 14:22 Happiness is he that condemneth not himself.
-James 5:11 We count them happy which endrure
-2 Nephi 2:13 If there be no righteousness there be no happiness.
-Mosiah 2:41 Look on the happy state of those that keep the commandments.
-Alma 41:10 Wickedness never was happiness.
-Alma 40:12 Righteous are received into a state of happiness.

Almost every single one of these phrases deals with finding joy and happiness through our Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Sometimes in life we can allow our circumstances that surrounds us to overshadow the gift of that we have been given. I truly believe that as we cling to the gospel, we will find joy--even amidst our trials. At this moment in my life, I am struggling. My vision is clouded by cares and worries of the world; however, I believe that if adjust my focus just a touch...focusing on the things of God, I will find peace and joy amidst my trials. Happiness can be found even in the darkest of moments, but only in and through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Suffering of Amulek

I was reading the account of Alma and Amulek today, and I was touched by the sacrifice that Amulek made. In the account, we are not entirely sure if his wife and children were killed with the other women and children in the scorching fire; however, we do know that he left Ammonihah alone with only Alma as a companion. Therefore, we can assume that his family either chose to turn their back on the teachings of the Lord, or they were also consumed by the fire. We do know in Alma 15:16 that his kindred and father turned their backs on the teachings as it states that he was rejected of them. Still, I wonder about his immediate family--his wife and children. Either way--Amulek's sacrifice to the gospel is one to be recognized. As I read this morning, I couldn't help but think if I were in his situation, would I have responded similarly? Is my testimony strong enough that the Lord would come first despite the sacrifice? Our families are our everything--as well they should be; however, the Lord should be even more.

Another thought I had this morning was the comparison of the women and children in the fire and that of Zeezrom and Amulek's perception. What if Amulek's family was amongst the women and children burned? And then to come to the city of Sidom and see Zeezrom "scorched with a burning heat" because of his sins. A group of people scorched without any sin, and then a man scorched that had grave sins hanging over him. The group of people without sin were not saved by the Lord, but then Zeezrom was saved by the Lord. I can't imagine the thoughts that Amulek must have had to process as he contemplated the differences. I think it would be difficult to not desire the same result for those women and children as Zeezrom received. With that being said, in the account, Amulek held to the course. At the end of chapter 15, the scriptures states that Alma strengthened Amulek in his tribulations.

I am grateful for Amulek and his example. To hold true to God despite not only being ridiculed by his loved ones, but also after watching those same people be destroyed in one way or another--would take great spiritual fortitude. I want to be strong in the Gospel, so strong that the every day little mundane experiences cannot and will not pull me away. What Amulek faced was far greater than anything I have ever faced, and yet he held true. There are so many other smaller situations that seem to cause us to lose sight of what matters most. I want to have the spiritual fortitude to never lose sight of my God.

Doubt Your Doubts

In October 2013 General Conference, President Uchtdorf said, "It’s natural to have questions--the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There are few members of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions. One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith--even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters--my dear friends--please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."

We all have doubts. Some of our greatest battles occur within our own minds. It's what we do with those doubts, which will determine the direction of our lives. While I'm a Sunday School class I was taught about a disciple of Christ who also doubted:

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

As Peter looked around at the boisterous sea, he was reminded of his doubts rather than his faith. As he took his eyes off the Savior, his carnal understandings took control of his reactions. He was a fisherman. He knew the properties of water and knew that walking on water wasn't meant to happen. And so it is with us--many things that require faith cannot be understood through our carnal understandings. Believing there is a God cannot be proven simply by science. Faith takes leaping away from the edge of understanding. It takes trust. It takes seeking God and then applying the feelings of the heart. It cannot be proven by science, but it can be felt within ourselves.

How many times in our lives do we take our eyes from the Savior? How many times do we allow ourselves to be tossed by the boisterious sea rather than taking hold of the truths of the Gospel? Sometimes it is easy to take in our circumstances without allowing the Savior to play an active role.

When my little brother died, it was these verses of scriptures that helped my daughter finally put her trust in God. It was through realizing that Peter took his eyes from the Savior, which caused him to struggle. This lesson encouragesd her to keep her focus on the Savior, which then helped her to overcome.

1 Nephi 3

TRUST IN THE LORD

When Nephi and his brothers were sent to get the plates, even though the Lord commanded them to do so--it still wasn't easy. They attempted to get the plates from Laban twice with complete failure and nearly dying in both of those attempts. It wasn't until their third attempt that Nephi actually obtained the plates. This experience causes me to reflect on our own lives. I think I mistakenly assume that when I am on the Lord's errand, the circumstances surrounding that errand will become easy. I assume that He wants me to accomplish the task; therefore, any or all difficulty will be avoided. However, this just simply isn't the case. We are taught that there must be opposition in all things. Understanding that opposition comes even when we are doing good is crucial in our success with whatever it is that we are endeavoring to accomplish.

As we understand the opposition we may face, it gives us the strength to preserver in faith. Believing that God truly is with us, and as we preserver he will create an opportunity for us to succeed. But faith isn't just a hope it requires action and the Lord can't help us unless we are continually moving our feet "acting" as He would need us to do so. As we "act", He will guide those actions into our accomplishing the task. It won't be easy. It won't necessarily happen on the first attempt; however, as we trust that He truly will help us despite the opposition we face, we will succeed.

I have been attempting to write a book for several years. I think I have been allowing the opposition to win. I trust in the Lord; however, my trust is lessoned as the enormity of the task overwhelms my senses. Only through faith and trust in Him will this goal be accomplished.

Ether 2

The brother of Jared is chastised in this chapter for not calling on the Lord more through prayer. It always hits me to think how important it is to pray to our Heavenly Father. It is easy for us to go about our daily lives and neglect that divine communication. And yet... the Lord speaks of this as a sin.

Verse 14 states:
"And it came to pass at the end of four years that the Lord came again unto the brother of Jared, and stood in a could and talked with him. And for the space of three hours did the Lord talk with the brother of Jared, and chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord.

Reading this is a chastisement to me. I know that I need to pray more often to my Father in Heaven. It is not my intention to neglect communicating with Him; however, I know that I do. I am going to pray for help to pray more .

Ether 3

PRAYERS

In verse 9, the Lord explains that because of the faith of the brother of Jared, he was able to see the Lord's finger. He then said that "never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast..."

I think about my own life and my quest for faith. Sometimes I think I have great faith, but then I realize just how far I have to go. It definitely is a quest of a lifetime that I am willing to continue to endeavor. When I was newly married, I remember believing that God was there, and believing that
He helped His children; however, I struggled to believe that He would directly help me. Then, one day I was in need. I knelt down and prayed. I told Him that I knew He was real. I knew He could hear me. And then I told Him how I desperately needed help.

I had promised to bring a meal to a family in need that day. I had thought I had the materials to prepare the meal, but as I began the task, I realized I did not. I was without a car, and the nearest store was miles away. If I walked to the store, I would not be home in time to prepare the meal for the family. I searched through my pantry for something different, but I was low on groceries. It was at this moment, I knelt in prayer. I desired to help the family in need, but I had no idea how I was going to accomplish it without help.

As soon as I finished my prayer, I began calling people in the ward. I hoped to find someone who had the ingredient; however, nobody seemed to answer my phone call. Then while I was still on the phone, the operator came through the line (I didn't know that happened), and asked if I was willing to accept a call from someone. This person was in my ward. I didn't know them well, but I knew of them. I immediately accepted the call to hear what this person may need wondering if there something I could do to help them and curious to find out why they would use an operator to get a hold of me. To my surprise, this person was calling as an answer to my prayer. She said that she did not know why it was so important to get a hold of me, but that she knew I was in need. She asked what she could do to help me? As I heard her explanation, I felt overwhelmed with love and gratitude. I knew the Lord had heard my prayers. I immediately knelt down and thanked my Heavenly Father for hearing my need.

From this moment on, I knew the Lord was aware of me individually. My faith began to grow in this thing and it continues to grow to this day. Someday, I want to have the faith of the Brother of Jared.

Ether 1

THE POWER OF PRAYER

I was touched as I read in the account of Ether today about the power of prayer. The brother of Jared continuously instructs his brother to ask of the Lord, and each time--the Lord answers. I was first impressed with the faith to seek the Lord, and second impressed with power of prayer. I keep thinking that because they first had the faith to seek the Lord, they must have had complete trust that the Lord would direct and answer.


Faith in the Lord is a powerful thing. There is a difference between believing in the Lord and believing that the Lord will direct our path. Many times in my life I lean more on the simply believing in the Lord, and then I go about my activities trying to accomplish all that I must without the Lord's divine intervention. It requires great faith to stop and realize how much better we would be with the Lord directing our path, and then to trust that He can and He will. It seems to me to be a circle of faith: to first have the faith to stop and counsel with the Lord, to then listen for His direction, and then to move froward with faith.

For me, I have the faith that this pattern in life works; however, I don't often use it. When I have exhausted all other scenarios, I then seem to turn to the Lord. Why not begin with the Lord? Why must I struggle on my own? I do believe the Lord trusts us in orchestrating our lives, but I don't think that means that we can't counsel with him in all things. In fact, in Nephi we are instructed to ...counsel with the Lord in all dealings...(1 Nephi 37:37).

At the end of this chapter two powerful messages seemed to cap off my original impressions. First, in verse 42 it states, "I will go before thee." This simply promise of the Lord reminds me that the Lord is willing to be with us. However, we must first seek Him in order to have that companionship. The second phrase that hit home was in verse 43 it states, "And thus I will do unto thee because this long time ye have cried unto me." The Lord here tells us that He will bless us when we seek Him. When we choose to allow Him in to our lives, He will make things happen to our benefit, but WE MUST trust in Him enough to first ask.

Scriptures

This past year has been a journey unlike any other I have experienced. I think the last time I posted was right before I had a skiing accident. And although the skiing accident only resulted in a torn ACL, I still found myself in a trial that was manufactured for me. After 7 months of recovery, I am looking into the face of another surgery, and although that is hard too--my determination to face it is resolute. I know it is through the Lord, Jesus Christ, that we can be carried through all of our afflictions. He is the answer to all of our trials. As we turn to Him, He will carry us. He is our balm in Gilead.
Through this trial, I have often turned to my scriptures. I haven't recorded my impressions as I did in year's past; however, the scriptures have truly been a source of peace that my Savior has offered to me. As I have turned each page, my spirit has been lifted and carried. I have found peace and comfort. I have been healed with each new realization. I almost feel saddened that I didn't record this journey as I should have; however, I do testify now of my gratitude of the scriptures. I am so grateful. So very grateful.

2 Nephi 9

There is so much in this chapter that it is difficult to be able to touch on everything. The main idea of this chapter is the Plan of Salvation--God's plan for us. One thing that seems to stand out in my mind is verse 21:

And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.

My heart rejoices as I read these scriptures. My heart is full towards my Savior. Because of Him, we can live again. Because of Him, we can be clean. Because of Him, we have eternal families. Because of Him, we are not captive to the devil, but rather we can have eternal life. Words cannot describe the miraculous atonement. I am so grateful to my Savior. My God. My King.

In counseling our hearts, I love how it reads in verse 39, "...Remember to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.

In verse 41 it reads, "O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it b by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name."

And in verse 42 it reads, "And whoso knocketh, to him will he open...

In verse 50, "Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price."

My Lord my God. I am so grateful for the condescension of my Savior. My heart is full. My heart rejoiceth. I am humbled, and I pray for His hand in my life.

1 Nephi 18

vs. 9: And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness.

Sometimes I think it easy to become casual in everything. The way we are and the way we act. Could we be so casual that at times our actions can be called rude? Perhaps.

In our home, fart jokes and burping occasionally exist. Is it so far stretched to assume that this kind of behavior invites the exit of the spirit? Could we ask ourselves to become more refined even in the seemingly unimportant things of life?

vs. 12 And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work.

I love that the compass works according to their righteousness. Isn't that exactly what the scriptures do for us? And aren't the scriptures are compass?

Think about it. If we simply read the scriptures without any effort to absorb them into our lives, without any desire behind our reading--can they guide us? Perhaps. I'm sure there might be a case or two where this act of simply reading has changed hearts. However, can we argue that diving into the scriptures with full purpose of heart can serve as a guide for our lives? Could the scriptures then become a compass to us as we live righteously? It is our actions or our intents in which allow the things of the Lord to guide us. These things  are there. They exist. However, they only serve to our benefit when we open our hearts to the Lord.

1 Nephi 9

When I first started reading this chapter, I almost stated zoning out. I have read it several times; I know what it is about. However, as I continued to read, the spirit touched me with an understanding that was just for me today.

Just recently, I asked the Lord, "What Lack I Yet?" It's a phrase spoken by a rich young ruler during the Savior's time in the New Testament. For years, I have been impressed to WRITE--write about my impressions while reading the scriptures, write about my personal experiences, and write about the Lord's blessings in my daily life. When I asked the Lord what I lacked, the distinct impression came that I needed to write how the Lord was blessing me. It is something I have started and stopped for years. I always start out with a strong determination, but then slowly fade. This morning as I was reading chapter 9, a verse touched my heart. It reads, "Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning ; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men..." I want to follow all that the Lord prompts me to do. My flesh is weak; however, I know that with the Lord--I can do all things. And so I pray again today, for His helping hand, and I start anew with the desire to follow my Savior.

1 Nephi 8

Lehi was desirous that Laman and Lamuel also partake of the fruit, so he looked for them, and he beckoned them to come, but they would not. I think about this scenario as a parent, and I think how I beckon to my children to come; however, ultimately it is up to them to choose the pathway of happiness. I cannot force them. I can only imagine how Lehi felt as a loving parent to see his two sons turn away from something he knew was right. I can only imagine the heartache he must have felt as he pleaded for them to come. Later in the story, he describes how he had seen this vision to them, and he admonishes them to not allow it to come to pass. I can—again—only imagine what it must have been like to see his children turn from the Gospel.

In today’s world, there are so many issues that can cause confusion. People are leaving the church because of hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Testimonies are weakened, and confusion is rampant. I keep testifying to my children to hold to the scriptures. I have complete faith that as we study the scriptures, we will be able to see more clearly. The scriptures are the very rod in which Lehi beckoned his boys to grasp a hold. As we do as Lehi directs, I know that the “world”—no matter how uncertain it may seem—cannot tear us away from our testimonies. As we study, we will know, and as we know—we cannot be moved. 

On another thought but somewhat similar--I like the description in verse 21 and 24 of those who held to the rod. The words "pressing forward" and "clinging" were used. I think in order for us to hold to the truths we know to be true we must PRESS and CLING. It's not going to be an idol participation, but rather a whole heart and soul action. I hope and pray that I will PRESS and CLING, and not only myself--but my sweet family will too.

New Testament Lesson 39 "For Perfecting of the Saints"

Lesson 39: “For the Perfecting of the Saints”

1.   What do the thread and the rope have in common? (Both are made of fibers or strands of material.) 

2.   How are they different? (The thread is a single strand, while the rope is made of many strands woven together.) 

3.   Explain: Like the piece of thread, we are weak when we depend on ourselves. However, like the rope, we can be stronger when we are united with others in faith and righteousness. In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul emphasized the importance of “perfecting … the saints” and reaching a “unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:12–13). This lesson discusses HOW as families and as a Church we can work toward perfection and unity by trusting in the Savior, following the apostles and prophets, developing strong families, and putting on the whole armor of God. (List these four things on the Board.)

THE DISPENSATION of TIMES

1.   Explain: To introduce these ways of unity, first we must talk about Paul’s instruction in the first chapter of Ephesians where Paul spoke of “the dispensation of the fullness of times”.

2.   Read: Ephesians 1:10

3.   Explain: In the Bible Dictionary it reads: A dispensation of the gospel is a period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the holy priesthood and the keys, and who has a divine commission to dispense the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth. When this occurs, the gospel is revealed anew, so that people of that dispensation do not have to depend basically on past dispensations for knowledge of the plan of salvation (See Bible Dictionary, “Dispensations,” 657-58).

4.   Explain: The dispensation of the fullness of times began with the restoration of the gospel and organization of the Church through Joseph Smith.

5.   President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “You and I are experiencing the profound and wonderful blessings of the dispensation of the fullness of times. In this day and time there have been restored to the earth all of the principles, powers, blessings, and keys of all previous dispensations” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 98; or Ensign, May 1992, 70).

6.   What blessings do we enjoy in this dispensation?

Jesus Christ as our Cornerstone

1.   Explain: Paul explains the difference in People who accept Christ and People who Don’t as we read these next two verses, look for those differences

2.   Read: Ephesians 2:12

3.   Read: Ephesians 2:19

4.   Watch Video: A demonstrations of these two differences—as we watch, look for these differences: A Secure Anchor

5.   What impressed you about this message? What does this video teach us about anchoring ourselves in Christ?

6.   Explain: In verse 20, Paul explains how the people who accepted Christ—as does this video—are built upon Christ’s anchor or cornerstone.

7.   Read: Ephesians 2:20

8.   What did Paul mean by Jesus being the chief cornerstone? (A cornerstone is a foundation stone placed at a corner where two walls meet. The cornerstone is essential for the strength and unity of the structure.)

9.   How do we make Christ our chief cornerstone?

a.       Christ has given us apostles and prophets to guide us in this endeavor.

b.      Read: Ephesians 4: 11-14

10.    President Boyd K. Packer taught: “The ministry of the prophets and apostles leads them ever and always to the home and the family. … The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 8; or Ensign, May 1995, 8).

a.       What are some teachings from latter-day apostles and prophets that help us progress toward perfection and unity? Past Conference?

11.    Paul explains in Ephesians 4:3 that we should endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit. As we unite ourselves with Christ, we do work towards perfection.

Unity between Husband and Wife and between Parents and Children

1.       Read: Ephesians 5:22-29

2.       What does Paul counsel wives to do in order to create marital unity?

3.       What does Paul counsel husbands to do in order to create marital unity?

4.       President Spencer W. Kimball taught:  “Can you find in all the holy scriptures where the Lord Jesus Christ ever failed his church? … Was he faithful? Was he true? Is there anything good and worthy that he did not give? Then that is what we ask—what he asks of a husband. …

“… Can you think of how he loved the Church? Its every breath was important to him. Its every growth, its every individual, was precious to him. He gave to those people all his energy, all his power, all his interest. He gave his life—what more could one give?” (Men of Example [address delivered to religious educators, 12 Sept. 1975], 4–5).

5.       If husbands and wives relationships are compared to Christ and His church, what are some ways in which we can build unity?

6.       Read: Ephesians 6: 1-4

7.       Tad R. Callister taught: “We might all ask ourselves: do our children receive our best spiritual, intellectual, and creative efforts, or do they receive our leftover time and talents, after we have given our all to our Church calling or professional pursuits? In the life to come, I do not know if titles such as bishop or Relief Society president will survive, but I do know that the titles of husband and wife, father and mother, will continue and be revered, worlds without end. That is one reason it is so important to honor our responsibilities as parents here on earth so we can prepare for those even greater, but similar, responsibilities in the life to come.”

“As parents, we can proceed with the assurance God will never leave us alone. God never gives us a responsibility without offering divine aid—of that I can testify” (Tad R. Callister, “Parents: The Prime Gospel Teachers of Their Children, October 2014).

8.       As we unify our relationships with our husbands, wives and children, we work towards perfection.

Putting on “the new man” and “the whole armour of God”

1.   Read:  Ephesians 4: 21-24

2.   What did Paul mean when he encouraged the Ephesians to “put on the new man”?

3.   Explain: Paul is now going to list characteristics of becoming new through the atonement. I invite you to underline his counsel in your scriptures.

4.   Read: Ephesians 4: 25-32

5.   What are some characteristics you noticed?

6.   Explain: Paul continues in chapter 6 to exhort the people to become new by putting on the whole armor of God.

7.   Read: Ephesians 6:10-12

8.   What kind of spiritual wickedness do we face in this life?

9.   Read: 13-18 (Verse 13 holds a promise)

10.      President N. Eldon Tanner taught: President N. Eldon Tanner (1898–1982), First Counselor in the First Presidency, observed that “those who are clothed in such armor, which means keeping all the commandments of God, are able to withstand the adversary.”

He continued: “Are we studying the scriptures so that we can increase our knowledge and faith and testimony regarding the gospel? … Are we honest and truthful in our dealings? Do we keep the Sabbath day holy? Do we observe the Word of Wisdom? Do we pay an honest tithing? … Are we virtuous and clean and pure in heart and mind and deed?

“Do we fight against the evils around us … ? Do we have the courage to stand up for our convictions? Can we truly say we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Do we live peaceably with our neighbors and avoid gossip and backbiting and spreading unfounded rumors? Do we truly love our neighbors as ourselves?

“If we can answer yes to these questions, then we will have on the whole armor of God, which will protect us from harm and preserve us from our enemies” (“‘Put on the Whole Armor of God,’” Ensign, May 1979, 44, 46).

11.    What can we do to put on this armor every day?

a.       Personal Experience with scripture study: Hailey going to which school and Amber explaining her feelings of reading before school.

12.    Video: Come Unto Christ

13.    Object Lesson: Oranges

14.    CHART: Robert D. Hales taught: We have the responsibility to stand strong with a shield of faith against the fiery darts of the adversary. WE are role models to the world, protecting God-given, inalienable rights and freedoms. We stand in defense of our homes and our families…How will you resist [Satan’s] aggressive tactics? Put on the whole armor of God” (Elder Robert D. Hales, “Stand Strong in Holy Places”, April 2013 General Conference).

As we put on the armor of God, we will be on the pathway to perfection.

Conclusion: AS we trust in the Savior, following the apostles and prophets, develop strong families, and put on the whole armor of God, we will be on the pathway to perfection. I know that our Heavenly Father does not expect perfection from us. However, I know that He desires our best efforts. For me, it means everything to know that as I strive to rely on my Savior, I can have confidence that all will be well—no matter my imperfections. AS, I trust in him, I will be on that pathway of righteousness, and all His promised blessings will be mine.

IN speaking about these chapters Elder Utchdorf said, “Does the Spirit of God dwell in your hearts? Are you “rooted and grounded” in the love of God and of your fellowmen? Do you devote sufficient time and creativity to bringing happiness to your marriage and family? Do you give your energies to the sublime goal of comprehending and living “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height”⁹ of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?” (Dieter F. Utchdorf, “Lord is it I”, October 2014).

Moroni 7

This chapter had so many nuggets of truth is hard to know where to begin:

In verse 12 we learn that "all things which are good cometh of God". I love this statement, because of its simplicity.  ALL things good=from God. ALL THINGS. On this statement Moroni expounds his thoughts when he says in verse 13, "that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."

I also like that in verse 16 it explains that "the Spirit of Christ" is given to every man, that he may know good from evil. In this life, we will need that spirit to be with us. There are many things inviting us to "do" to "come"--things that need to be discerned through the Spirit of Christ. I have watched with sadness as people--I love--have fallen away from the church. I believe it is because they focused on things that were not important. Much like the Jews in Jerusalem, they have focused beyond the mark of the Savior. Jacob, in The Book of Mormon, explains this when he says, "the Jews...despised the words of plainness,...and sought the things they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall; for God hath taken sway his plainness from them..." (Jacob 4: 14). Neal A Maxwell explains, "The gospel is plain and simple. The Jews rejected the simple gospel and God's plan by "'looking beyond the mark' (Jacob 4:14)--the mark of Christ who is the center of it all" (Neal A. Maxwell, "Not My Will, But Thine," 7).

We continue to learn that "it is by faith that miracles are wrought " (vs. 37), "no man can be saved...save they shall have faith" (vs. 38), "he (the man) cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart" (vs. 43), and "if a man be meek and lowly of heart...he must needs have charity for if not charity he is nothing" (vs. 44).

We also learn what it means to have charity in verse 45 when it says, "charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things endureth all things. I love this description or this checklist--so to speak--of charity. My mind works in formulas and checklists. As I read through this checklist, I notice similarities to the 13 article of faith. I also notice the importance to seek the good and positive in life. Just recently I have learned a lesson on charity that I hope to never forget:

I haven't been here for a while. It's not that I don't have more to say, but perhaps I've needed time...

Today I am writing about Brandon again. I was recently informed of someone speaking in a sacrament meeting about service. In his talk, he spoke of my little brother, and the example Brandon had been to him. I just received the talk, and it has caused me to reflect on life.

I always knew the things that this person shared of Brandon, but I was too busy to really "see". As I have contemplated his divine nature, I have wondered if I am neglecting an important portion of loving the people around me--if I am not taking the time to bask in their light. I think--as a mom, it is easy to always correct my children with behaviors that need correcting, and easy to neglect to praise the good. I think I am missing the process of truly seeing others as God sees them. I think I have been defining others by their trials rather than their strengths, and I need to start defining others by their strengths and not by their trials--my children included. 

I remember on Brandon's frequent visits to my home, him taking a multitude of pills. I remember watching him as he counted out the various pills that he needed to sustain his life. I remember asking him about his medical condition, about his well-being (which quite often focused on his medical condition), and about his life in general. I remember anxiously asking him of his work--always afraid that another company would view his "medical" history to be too difficult to continue employing him. I remember watching him struggle as he talked. I remember hating that his vocal chords were ruined. It was difficult for Brandon to push enough air through his throat to speak. I often worried about other people judging Brandon's difficulties, and I desired to protect him from their scrutiny.Whenever Brandon came to visit, I thought often of his medical trials, but I forgot to enjoy the person Brandon truly was... In retrospect, in my effort of protecting Brandon, I became the problem I desired to protect him against. Perhaps this is a story about loving a person entirely--the good and the bad. In my limited understanding previous to Brandon's passing, I was loving Brandon entirely; however, now--as I reflect on his life, I wonder if there could have been more charity, more love, and more joy if I had only taken the time to bask a bit in his great strengths? I wonder how I could have grown as a sister, and as a mother--if I had only allowed myself the opportunity of being the student rather than being the teacher all of the time?

Seeing people for their good qualities is a gift. This gift in which I speak is the gift of charity. Seeing others as they truly are is a lesson that will not be lost on me. 

The TALK (or a portion of it) by Greg Slevin about Brandon Elkington:

(Greg worked as a pharmacist at a Camp where Brandon was a counselor.):

Brandon was another person I met at Camp.  He was also a counselor, who had type 1 diabetes.  He was about 20 something.  Unlike Zach--Brandon also had another condition.  One of the things that the pharmacy students and I do on the Saturday that we get to camp is to set up the infirmary and package all of the staff medications in bubble packs.  The first time I met Brandon was when I was helping a student package his medications.  Not only was Brandon cursed with Type 1 diabetes--he also had another auto-immune condition that affected his other organs.  His own body would attack his other organs.  He was on some very powerful medications to prevent this from happening.  When you take powerful medications there are always side effects, sometimes powerful side effects.  He had multiple things going on that he dealt with every single day.  I can tell you that I have never seen Brandon with anything on his face other than a smile.  He was always positive.  You would never have known that he was battling multiple diseases.  He would often be giggling with a friend on the other side of the room and you would just wonder what they were talking about.  He had a gift.  Like Zach, he would do anything to help you out.  He wouldn’t even hesitate.  Didn’t care what it was.  If you asked for help he would just jump up out of his seat and say let’s go.  When I was helping to prepare for camp, I was surprised to not see his name on the roster this year.  We had talked the previous year and he thought for sure that he would be coming to camp this year.  I just assumed something came up.  It was certainly not uncommon for people to miss a year.  Sometimes if someone can’t come for the entire week they get permission to come for part of a week.  Their name may not always be on the roster.  It could have been that he was in the "maybe column"--that he hadn’t committed yet.  The roster always changes right up until camp.  Sometimes even during camp people have to go home for an unexpected reason.  At teen camp Saturday evening, we had just finished getting the medical stuff set up, and all of us headed to the lodge for staff meeting and training.  One of the first things that Alan, our camp director, said was that he had to make an announcement.  He wanted to let us know that Brandon had died.  He ended up getting a respiratory infection… I think it was the flu.  Because Brandon had to take medications to prevent his body from attacking his other organs, he could not fight infection very well.  I really don’t know a lot of the details.  I didn’t know that it had happened.  Many of the others there had known.  I was in shock.  Brandon was such a nice guy.  Brandon lived in eastern Idaho, so I didn’t really know him that well.  I just knew him one week out of the year, and can tell you he has had a tremendous effect on my life.  It is people like him and Zach that make it easy for me to be positive when I am performing service.  My words don’t even come close to describing him.  When I got back from camp, I tried to learn more about what had happened to him.  When I went to his Facebook page there were hundreds of people that had commented about him.  This is what they had to say:  1) He was truly a gift of God.   2) He is an example of the sort of positive influence that I hope to be.  3) Brandon was a great guy and a true friend to everyone he came across.  4) He was such a fun loving guy.  5) I had only a few brief interactions with Brandon. I remember being impressed with his unrelenting optimism in the face of great difficulty.  6) With the many struggles that had come your way you fought threw it, always smiling anytime I saw you. 7) You were a man people could count on, always willing to help others before yourself.  8) What an amazing guy you were! So full of life and fun!  9) He has always been so strong and a friend to everyone.  10) His kind, sunny personality will be greatly missed. The messages went on and on.  There were Hundreds of messages.  I do believe that Brandon stands blameless before God.

Gospel Doctrine Lesson:

Jesus Christ: “The Author and Finisher of our Faith”

Even though the Jerusalem conference had decided before 50 AD that Gentile converts did not have to obey certain requirements of the Law of Moses to become Christians, in 60 AD there were still Jewish members who were “zealous of the law” (Acts 21:20). This letter is Paul’s effort to convince Jewish members that significant aspects of the Law of Moses had been fulfilled in Christ, and that the higher law of the gospel had replaced the old law (see Pauline Epistles; Hebrews, on page 746 in the Bible Dictionary).

A visitor traveling through rural Utah many years ago brought his car to a halt near a large orchard surrounded by a beautiful white fence. He stared in disbelief at the scene beyond the fence. A farmer in overalls and a straw hat stood under an apple tree with a 200-pound sow in his arms. He carried the animal from branch to branch, allowing her to feast on the fruit within reach. The sweat rolled off of him but the pig seemed insatiable and so the meal continued for nearly a quarter of an hour. Finally the stranger could restrain himself no longer. Driven by curiosity he climbed the fence and approached the man. “What in the world are you doing?” he asked the gasping and perspiring worker.

“I’m feeding this pig,” the man replied, moving within reach of a new branch.

“Isn’t that an awfully time-consuming way to feed a pig?”

“Aw, shucks.” the fellow responded. “What’s time to a pig?”

The fact is that there are better ways to feed pigs that by carrying them around in your arms looking for low-hanging apples.

The Book of Hebrews is also Paul’s testimony that the gospel of Jesus Christ is better way than the Law of Moses. For those laboring under the burden of the specifications of this law, and determined to require Gentile Christians to obey it, Paul offers the purity and fullness of the Gospel of Christ as a better way.

1. JESUS CHRIST: THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF HEAVENLY FATHER IS OUR SAVIOR

In the first two chapters, Paul gives a description of Jesus Christ (write on board):

Read and List on Board the Descriptions: Hebrews 1:2, 3, 5, 6, 8-10

Explain: To most Jews angels were exalted beings who deserved special reverence because they were involved in giving the Law at Sinai–which law was for the Jews the supreme revelation.  In Hebrews 2:2-4 the context shows that there was question as to whether or not the angels were higher than the Messiah.

*READ and explain: Paul teaches that the Son of God is “made so much better than the angels” Hebrews 1:4

EXPLAIN: And then Paul explains something more in comparing Jesus to the angels. Read Hebrews 2:9

Now, we are going to read verses 17-18, which further explains Jesus being lower than the angels. As we read, notice in what way was Jesus made a little lower than the angels?

SO, in what way was Jesus made lower than the angels?

And all of this, was for one great purpose: Read 4: 15-16
SO THAT WE MIGHT BE SAVED.

 Video: The One Ture God and Jesus Christ Whom He sent by Elder Holland

What impressed you about the Savior as you listened to Elder Holland’s testimony?

Paul encouraged the saints to live righteously, so that they could enter into God’s rest.

*Read Hebrews 3:7-19; Read 3 Nephi 27:19 (YOU READ and then ask… ; What does it mean to enter into God’s rest?

What can we do to keep our hearts from hardening, so that we might enter into his rest?

What things are you doing to keep you/ and your family living righteously?

What did you learn from Conference that helps you enter into his rest?(Look at QUOTE SHEET)

For 5 minutes, what have our latter-day prophets taught us that will help us enter into his rest?

2. THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD IS A PART OF THE FULLNESS OF THE GOSPEL

*Read Hebrews 5:1-4; Why must a priesthood holder be called of God?

*READ 5:5-6; What priesthood authority did Jesus Christ hold?

EXPLAIN: When Jesus came and fulfilled the law of Moses, he also restored the Melchizedek Priesthood prior to that—the Aaronic Priesthood also called the Levitical, lesser or preparatory priesthood, which accompanied the Law of Moses.*READ Hebrews 7:11

*READ QUOTE #1
Why was it necessary to have the Melchizedek Priesthood restored?

Why was the greater priesthood called the Melchizedek Priesthood? Read D&C 107:2-4

How has the Melchizedek and the Aaronic priesthood blessed your life?

~Personal Story

3. THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IS THE NEW COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND HIS CHILDREN

EXPLAIN: Paul reminded the members that worship under the law of Moses had pointed to the Lord Jesus Christ:

*Read Hebrews 8:5

Explain: According to this verse, the Lord tells Moses that the ceremonies in the tabernacle symbolize heavenly things:

*What can we learn from this chart? (LOOK AT CHART)

Explain: Paul explains that the Law of Moses was the old covenant between God and His people.
*Read Hebrews 8:6-8; Watch for the New Covenant

What are these scriptures teaching us about the new covenant?

*Read 10: 1-4

Why was the old covenant unable to make its participants perfect?

Why does the new covenant give us greater hope for perfection? *Read Heb. 10:10 (through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ we care sanctified)

4. THOSE WHO EXERCISE FAITH IN JESUS WILL INHERIT A PLACE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Paul exhorts the people to follow the new and living way by putting their faith in Jesus Christ. *Hebrews 10:19-22

Why is faith in Jesus Christ essential to our salvation?

How has faith helped you deal with adversity?

*Video:  Mountains to Climb by Elder Eyring

President Monson quote

Personal Experience

Handout:

Jesus Christ: “The Author and Finisher of our Faith”

1. “Neither the law of Moses nor the priesthood of Aaron which administered it was capable of bringing God’s children unto perfection. The Aaronic Priesthood is a lesser authority, and it administers the preparatory gospel only. The Melchizedek Priesthood, on the other hand, is the higher priesthood, commissioned to minister the gospel ordinances in their fulness and capable of purifying our lives so that we can again enter into the presence of the Lord” (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles [Church Educational System manual, 1979], 385–86; see also D&C 107:18–20).

2.  “Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rain may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandment… My beloved brothers and sisters fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith” (Thomas S. Monson, Be of Good Cheer, General Conference April 2009).

1."Exaltation is our goal; discipleship is our journey."     
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

2. "People wonder if there is going to be anything new, anything exciting in the way of a new announcement or a new tradition. The interesting thing is that everything we teach is old."
~Russell M. Nelson

3. "He takes us as we are--and makes us more than we ever imagined."   
 ~Neill F. Marriott

4. "Your responsibility now is to be worthy of the person you want to marry. If you want to marry a wholesome, attractive, honest, happy, hardworking, spiritual person, be that kind of person. If you are that person and you are not married, be patient. Wait upon the Lord. I testify that the Lord knows your desires and loves you for your faithful devotion to Him. He has a plan for you, whether it be in this life or the next. Listen to His Spirit."
~Robert D. Hales

5. "There is no darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light."
~Vern P. Stanfill

6. "Your faith will grow not by chance, but by choice."                 
~Neil L. Anderson

7. "Our adversary wants us to fail. He spreads lies as part of his effort to destroy our belief. He slyly suggests that the doubter, the skeptic, the cynic is sophisticated and intelligent, while those who have faith in God and His miracles are naive, blind, or brainwashed. Satan will advocate that it is cool to doubt spiritual gifts and the teachings of prophets. I wish I could help everyone to understand this one simple fact: we believe in God because of things we know with our heart and mind, not because of things we do not know. Our spiritual experiences are sometimes too sacred to explain in worldly terms, but that doesn't mean they are not real."
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

8. "My message to you tonight is straightforward. It is this: Keep the commandments. God's commandments are not given to frustrate or to become obstacles to our happiness. Just the opposite is true. He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just what we need and when we need it, in order to obtain the greatest happiness possible. He has provided us with guidelines which, if we follow them, will see us safely through this treacherous mortal journey. We remember the words of the familiar hymn: 'Keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace.'"
~President Thomas S. Monson

9. "May I say to all of you, and particularly to you young people, that the world moves further and further away from the principles and guidelines given to us by loving Heavenly Father, we will stand out from the crowd because we are different..."
~President Thomas S. Monson

10. "The culminating act of all Creation was the creation of woman!"   
  ~Russell M. Nelson

11. "We can, if we live worthy of it, have the blessings of the Spirit to be with us."
~Henry B. Eyring

12. "It's important to recognize that God's ultimate purpose is our progress. His desire is that we continue from grace to grace, until we receive a fullness’ of all that He can give. That requires more than being nice or feeling spiritual. It requires faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism of water and of Spirit, and enduring in faith to the end."
~D. Todd Christofferson

13. "God never loses sight of our eternal potential, even when we do."    
~Carole M. Stephens

14. "Your Heavenly Father loves you--each of you. That love never changes."
~President Thomas S. Monson

15. "Focus not on what I can't do but rather what I can do."    
  ~Gary E. Stevenson

16. "Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time for one will dispel the other."     ~Thomas S. Monson

17. "As the literal spirit children of our loving Heavenly Father, we have unlimited divine potential.
~M. Russell Ballard

18. "If our lives are centered on Jesus Christ, He can successfully mold us into who we need to be."
~Richard J. Maynes

19. "As we make Christ the center of our lives, our fears will be replaced by the courage of our conviction."   
  ~Thomas S. Monson

20. "Do not give up! Never give up!"             
~Elder Martino

21. "Our Heavenly Father knows our divine potential. He rejoices every time we take a step forward."     
~Larry R. Lawrence

22. "We need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith." 
~Russell M. Nelson

23. "To all the mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle--and all will--I say, "Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are.'"           
~Jeffrey R. Holland

24. "Once we begin to see the divinity in ourselves, we can see it in others."   
  ~Rosemary M. Wixom

25. "One man or woman who is willing to testify when the world is going in the opposite direction, can make a difference."    
~Gregory A. Schwitzer

26. "No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child."
~Jeffrey R. Holland

27. "If you do your best, it will all work out."              
~Neill F. Marriott

28. "What lack I yet?"    
~Larry R. Lawrence

29. "Straighten up and fly right."   
~Robert D. Hales

30. "None of us marry perfection, we marry potential."    
~Robert D. Hales

31. We need to engage in intentional parenting...I've been where you are--I'll help you get through it.
~Bradley D. Foster

32. "When you do your part, He will magnify you."
~Henry B. Eyring

33. "Step forward and take your place."   
~Russell M. Nelson

34. "True disciples are not looking to make excuses for the doctrine. True disciples represent the Lord when it's not convenient."    
~Gregory A. Schwietzer

35. "Don't be critical of the barrier, it's offering you protection."    
~Elder Keetch

36. "Ponderize one verse of scripture each week."
~Devin G. Durrant

ORDINANCES IN THE TEMPLE	WHAT IT SYMBOLIZES
The priests offered animals as sacrifices to God (Hebrews 10:1–4, 11).	Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:26–28; 10:4–12).
The priests placed blood from the sacrificed animals on the altar to symbolize the cleansing and purification of the people (Hebrews 9:6–7, 19–23).	Jesus’ blood, shed during the Atonement, cleanses and purifies us from sin (Hebrews 9:11–15).
The high priest went through the veil into the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:1–7).	Jesus, the great high priest, went through the veil into the heaven itself (Hebrews 9:24).