I'm back!!
I spent the past week on vacation at a family reunion, and well, didn't quite keep up w/ my reading. I'm on page 89, 2 Nephi chapter 19. It doesn't help either than I'm getting bogged down with the Isaiah chapters.
My thoughts and prayers are going out to Cameron and Treyson. Are you two getting bogged down and behind as well? What page are you guys on? The best way to figure out where you should be if you want to stay on track is to subtract 5 (the day we started) from 19 (yesterday's date), then multiply that by 9 (number of pages per day), then subtract 7 (intro pages). This gives you 119, so today, we should be on page 119, or Jacob chapter 2.
How did everyone do in 2nd Nephi? I recently read in the Worldwide Training of the Church where Elder Perry asked President Packer the following question:
"People always talk to us about the scriptures and, some of them, how difficult it is to get through them. How do you make the scriptures come alive in your teaching?"
President Packer answered the following, admitting his early difficulty with reading the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi, but declaring his determination to get through them:
"Stay at it. I remember when I determined I was going to read the Book of Mormon. I was in my teens. I opened it and read, "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents" (1 Nephi 1:1). And I went on through the chapters, and I was learning things. It was interesting, and I could follow it until I got over to the Isaiah chapters and the Old Testament prophet language. So a few months later I decided to try again to read the Book of Mormon. I read, "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents," but every time I'd hit the barrier of those Isaiah chapters, and I wondered why they were in there. Finally I decided I was even going to read them. So when I was a teenager, I just had to look at the words. I didn't understand it, but I could turn the pages and then go on through. When you get over in Alma, you will sail on through. So you have to be determined to read them, and not just glean from them, but read them from beginning to end—the Book of Mormon, the New Testament, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price. For years I made it a practice to read the scriptures each summer when we had a little time off, to refresh the store that's there."
So keep crankin' away my young friends. Be faithful, be diligent, be determined, and I promise you that you will be blessed!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Our Spiritual Reservoirs
I have been so touched and edified by reading Scott's posts. Cameron and Treyson, I hope you have felt the tremendous love and concern that has gone into every one of his messages. What an example! When President Gordon B. Hinckley was called to be an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1958 at the age of 48, he said, "all of us in our various situations are the results, largely, of the the lives that touch ours." I think we can all agree that we have been divinely enriched by having Brother McKeon in all our lives.
It's now my turn to get into the act. First, I wanted to comment on the title of this blog. Remember, Remember is such an appropriate title because that is exactly what we want you (and all of us) to do. I have spent the last few weeks reminiscing on all of our great memories that were made when we served together in the young men's organization those many years ago. There are so many instances where you lived your testimonies, exhibited great acts of faith, and demonstrated the attributes of our Savior. There are many more than you may think. I will list only a few:
1. When Cameron begged us to sing the first verse of "We'll Bring the World His Truth" by himself in front of the entire stake priesthood body.
2. When Treyson committed to sticking up for a fellow quorum member that was being bullied at school.
3. When you both starred in the Christmas play we performed for the nursing home. If I remember correctly, Cameron was the narrator and Treyson was the Grinch's dog. Oscar-worthy performances for you both, I might add.
4. When Treyson had that powerful experience teaching with the missionaries during our Missionary Month (I think with Chris Froelick and Brother McKeon).
5. The countless times Cameron administered the sacrament to Lucy Mendes at her nursing home. She was so, so grateful for your visits, hugs, and priesthood service.
6. The way both of you loved and served Andrei Pulley as well as the kind and gentle way you interacted with your younger brothers.
7. The hours of service rended alongside your other quorum members (remember the infamous "Poison Ivey Cleanup").
I could go on and on and on. These are all tremendous acts of leadership, commitment to our Savior and honoring your priesthood. Remember these experiences and how you felt during each of these events. I know that they are powerful, faith-strengthening memories in my spiritual reservoir. Hold fast to these experiences. Build on them. Make new ones. Magnify your priesthood. When we visited together last week, I told you that the Lord needed your service. As I have said before, there are people in this world that are waiting to hear and accept the Gospel, that have been prepared specifically for you, that need your unique gifts and abilities. Prepare yourselves to be powerful instruments in the Lord's hands.
Remember, Remember.
It's now my turn to get into the act. First, I wanted to comment on the title of this blog. Remember, Remember is such an appropriate title because that is exactly what we want you (and all of us) to do. I have spent the last few weeks reminiscing on all of our great memories that were made when we served together in the young men's organization those many years ago. There are so many instances where you lived your testimonies, exhibited great acts of faith, and demonstrated the attributes of our Savior. There are many more than you may think. I will list only a few:
1. When Cameron begged us to sing the first verse of "We'll Bring the World His Truth" by himself in front of the entire stake priesthood body.
2. When Treyson committed to sticking up for a fellow quorum member that was being bullied at school.
3. When you both starred in the Christmas play we performed for the nursing home. If I remember correctly, Cameron was the narrator and Treyson was the Grinch's dog. Oscar-worthy performances for you both, I might add.
4. When Treyson had that powerful experience teaching with the missionaries during our Missionary Month (I think with Chris Froelick and Brother McKeon).
5. The countless times Cameron administered the sacrament to Lucy Mendes at her nursing home. She was so, so grateful for your visits, hugs, and priesthood service.
6. The way both of you loved and served Andrei Pulley as well as the kind and gentle way you interacted with your younger brothers.
7. The hours of service rended alongside your other quorum members (remember the infamous "Poison Ivey Cleanup").
I could go on and on and on. These are all tremendous acts of leadership, commitment to our Savior and honoring your priesthood. Remember these experiences and how you felt during each of these events. I know that they are powerful, faith-strengthening memories in my spiritual reservoir. Hold fast to these experiences. Build on them. Make new ones. Magnify your priesthood. When we visited together last week, I told you that the Lord needed your service. As I have said before, there are people in this world that are waiting to hear and accept the Gospel, that have been prepared specifically for you, that need your unique gifts and abilities. Prepare yourselves to be powerful instruments in the Lord's hands.
Remember, Remember.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Who Do We Serve? Who Do We Obey?
We just finished reading the first book in the Book of Mormon. As I pondered, I thought to myself, Laman & Lemuel “did” all the same things as Nephi…they left Jerusalem; they went back to get the plates; they returned to the wilderness; they went back to Jerusalem to get Ishmael’s family; they traveled in the wilderness for years; they helped build the boat; they sailed to the promised land.
How could Laman & Lemuel “go and do” the exact same things as Nephi and yet be so far off the mark?
I think there were a few key scriptures in this book that illustrate their lack of understanding who they were serving and who they were obeying:
I Nephi 3:5 “And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord”.
I Nephi 7:20-21 “And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before me, and did plead with me that I would forgive them of the thing that they had done against me. And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness…”
I Nephi 17:54-55 “And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand unto my brethren, and they did not wither before me; but the Lord did shake them, even according to the word which he had spoken. And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us (but even as they claim to understand that it is the Lord’s power, they bow down to Nephi, as though that power were his…). And they fell down before me, and were about to worship me, but I would not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord they God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee.”
Laman and Lemuel missed the mark because they failed to realize that all along it was the Lord who was commanding them, directing them, and delivering them.
Do we ever do the same?
Do we fail to see every command to “go and do” as a commandment from God?
Do we miss opportunities to serve because we just don’t think it’s that important, or that it’s just not convenient for us right now, or that some day we’ll serve, or that the person needing our service will get along just fine without us, or that someone else will take care of it?
The Lord summed it all up in just a few short verses when He taught us who we serve and who we obey:
Matthew 25:34-40 “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
How could Laman & Lemuel “go and do” the exact same things as Nephi and yet be so far off the mark?
I think there were a few key scriptures in this book that illustrate their lack of understanding who they were serving and who they were obeying:
I Nephi 3:5 “And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord”.
I Nephi 7:20-21 “And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before me, and did plead with me that I would forgive them of the thing that they had done against me. And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness…”
I Nephi 17:54-55 “And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand unto my brethren, and they did not wither before me; but the Lord did shake them, even according to the word which he had spoken. And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us (but even as they claim to understand that it is the Lord’s power, they bow down to Nephi, as though that power were his…). And they fell down before me, and were about to worship me, but I would not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord they God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee.”
Laman and Lemuel missed the mark because they failed to realize that all along it was the Lord who was commanding them, directing them, and delivering them.
Do we ever do the same?
Do we fail to see every command to “go and do” as a commandment from God?
Do we miss opportunities to serve because we just don’t think it’s that important, or that it’s just not convenient for us right now, or that some day we’ll serve, or that the person needing our service will get along just fine without us, or that someone else will take care of it?
The Lord summed it all up in just a few short verses when He taught us who we serve and who we obey:
Matthew 25:34-40 “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Remembrance = Gratitude = Generosity = Charity
If ever in our lives we are not feeling the pure love of Christ, which is charity, then I think we can sound the alarms in our minds that perhaps we are falling into the fateful trap of forgetfulness. It’s a trap that so easily and so quickly ensnares us, just as it did for so many in the Book of Mormon.
In chapter 18 of 1 Nephi, the family set sail after just having experienced the miraculous construction of a ship which the “workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine”, one that was not built after the manner of men, and they all knew it was yet another of Lord’s miracles graciously extended for the deliverance of His covenant people. It was so miraculous, in fact, that even the hard-hearted duo, Laman and Lemuel, did “humble themselves again before the Lord” (v. 4).
However, just a few short verses later, they failed to remember their blessings. In I Nephi 18:9, it reads, “…yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness.”
There’s a powerful quote by President Eyring that came to my mind when I read this verse. He said, “Remembrance is the seed of gratitude, which is the seed of generosity. Gratitude for the remission of sins is the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ” (“To Draw Closer To God”, 1997).
So when we truly remember the great things God has done for us, we feel grateful; when we feel that gratitude in our hearts—especially gratitude for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His atoning sacrifice for the remission of our sins, then we are filled with the love of Christ which leads to an overwhelming desire to serve others.
This is a powerful formula that can work for us in reverse to help us identify where we might be struggling so that we can quickly turn that around and get back on course. Sometimes I hear young men say things like, “I’m not sure a mission is right for me”….or “I’d like to go, but the timing’s just not right yet”….or “I have a testimony of the gospel and of Jesus Christ, I just don’t feel the desire to serve a mission”….whenever I hear this I immediately think, “This is a young man who needs help remembering, because once he remembers, there’s not a thing in this world that could hold him back from serving the Lord.”
That’s why we are carrying out this challenge, to help us all remember, and especially, to help Cameron and Treyson to remember. That’s also why Nephi and all the holy prophets wrote what they did in the Book of Mormon….we even saw it again in today’s reading: I Nephi 19:18, “And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer.”
I sure hope Cameron and Treyson are reading the Book of Mormon right now, and I hope they are reading these postings. Last week was Fast Sunday, but I’m going to fast again tomorrow that the Lord will inspire them to carry out this challenge, and that He will soften their hearts and bring them to a remembrance of all the blessings the Lord has given them, that they will have charity and the desire to serve a mission.
In chapter 18 of 1 Nephi, the family set sail after just having experienced the miraculous construction of a ship which the “workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine”, one that was not built after the manner of men, and they all knew it was yet another of Lord’s miracles graciously extended for the deliverance of His covenant people. It was so miraculous, in fact, that even the hard-hearted duo, Laman and Lemuel, did “humble themselves again before the Lord” (v. 4).
However, just a few short verses later, they failed to remember their blessings. In I Nephi 18:9, it reads, “…yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness.”
There’s a powerful quote by President Eyring that came to my mind when I read this verse. He said, “Remembrance is the seed of gratitude, which is the seed of generosity. Gratitude for the remission of sins is the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ” (“To Draw Closer To God”, 1997).
So when we truly remember the great things God has done for us, we feel grateful; when we feel that gratitude in our hearts—especially gratitude for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His atoning sacrifice for the remission of our sins, then we are filled with the love of Christ which leads to an overwhelming desire to serve others.
This is a powerful formula that can work for us in reverse to help us identify where we might be struggling so that we can quickly turn that around and get back on course. Sometimes I hear young men say things like, “I’m not sure a mission is right for me”….or “I’d like to go, but the timing’s just not right yet”….or “I have a testimony of the gospel and of Jesus Christ, I just don’t feel the desire to serve a mission”….whenever I hear this I immediately think, “This is a young man who needs help remembering, because once he remembers, there’s not a thing in this world that could hold him back from serving the Lord.”
That’s why we are carrying out this challenge, to help us all remember, and especially, to help Cameron and Treyson to remember. That’s also why Nephi and all the holy prophets wrote what they did in the Book of Mormon….we even saw it again in today’s reading: I Nephi 19:18, “And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer.”
I sure hope Cameron and Treyson are reading the Book of Mormon right now, and I hope they are reading these postings. Last week was Fast Sunday, but I’m going to fast again tomorrow that the Lord will inspire them to carry out this challenge, and that He will soften their hearts and bring them to a remembrance of all the blessings the Lord has given them, that they will have charity and the desire to serve a mission.
Friday, July 9, 2010
True Joy and Happiness
How do we know what brings us true joy and happiness?
Today's Friday, it's almost the weekend....we all love weekends because we get to do fun things, and that makes us happy, right? Perhaps we have a fun toy or possession that we get to go out and play with. Those are the things we enjoy, right?
But how do we feel afterwards?
Do you ever get that sort of empty feeling after doing something really "fun"? When I was younger, I was blessed with a lot of really fun possessions and I used to love adventures and doing fun things: riding motorcycles, surfing, hiking, boating, jet skiing, snow skiing, vacations, movies, parties....you name it, I loved to do it!
As fun and exciting as that all was, I never really felt truly fulfilled. Although I enjoyed all those things, they never really brought true and sustaining joy.
Alternatively, every time I did service, I felt good afterwards. It was never very easy to do, and often my attitude towards such opportunties was in stark contrast to my attitude towards "fun" activities. However, no matter what the circumstances, every time I finished a good deed, or a service project, or something spiritually challenging, I always felt good afterwards. It's that feeling that brings me true joy and happiness. I'm not saying that it's easy to skip out on a Dodger game in order to help the Elder's Quorum move someone in, I'm simply saying that it's worth it, and that it will bring us far more joy and lasting happiness than anything else.
I thought of this principle when I read this morning in I Nephi 17:21, where Laman and Lemuel complained about leaving Jerusalem. They said, "Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilderness, which time we might have enjoyed our possessions and the land of our inheritance; yea, and we might have been happy."
They were confused at what brings us true joy and happiness, much like I was as a youth.
Further into the Book of Mormon, we learn from Ammon where true happiness lies. Mormon wrote of Ammon's joy at the conclusion of his mission in Alma 27:16-18, "And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting. 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. Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness."
True joy and happiness comes when we obey, sacrifice, and put the Lord's will ahead of our own.
True joy and happiness comes when we serve and spread the gospel.
Today's Friday, it's almost the weekend....we all love weekends because we get to do fun things, and that makes us happy, right? Perhaps we have a fun toy or possession that we get to go out and play with. Those are the things we enjoy, right?
But how do we feel afterwards?
Do you ever get that sort of empty feeling after doing something really "fun"? When I was younger, I was blessed with a lot of really fun possessions and I used to love adventures and doing fun things: riding motorcycles, surfing, hiking, boating, jet skiing, snow skiing, vacations, movies, parties....you name it, I loved to do it!
As fun and exciting as that all was, I never really felt truly fulfilled. Although I enjoyed all those things, they never really brought true and sustaining joy.
Alternatively, every time I did service, I felt good afterwards. It was never very easy to do, and often my attitude towards such opportunties was in stark contrast to my attitude towards "fun" activities. However, no matter what the circumstances, every time I finished a good deed, or a service project, or something spiritually challenging, I always felt good afterwards. It's that feeling that brings me true joy and happiness. I'm not saying that it's easy to skip out on a Dodger game in order to help the Elder's Quorum move someone in, I'm simply saying that it's worth it, and that it will bring us far more joy and lasting happiness than anything else.
I thought of this principle when I read this morning in I Nephi 17:21, where Laman and Lemuel complained about leaving Jerusalem. They said, "Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilderness, which time we might have enjoyed our possessions and the land of our inheritance; yea, and we might have been happy."
They were confused at what brings us true joy and happiness, much like I was as a youth.
Further into the Book of Mormon, we learn from Ammon where true happiness lies. Mormon wrote of Ammon's joy at the conclusion of his mission in Alma 27:16-18, "And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting. 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. Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness."
True joy and happiness comes when we obey, sacrifice, and put the Lord's will ahead of our own.
True joy and happiness comes when we serve and spread the gospel.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Being a Covenant People is of Great Worth
I really enjoyed the verses in today's reading. We should be through page 29 today.
Verse 23 of I Nephi 13 says, "...The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews...nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the Gentiles."
Why are they of great worth?
Why was it so important that Lehi and his family have these covenants?
Why are these covenants of the Lord so important, and of great worth unto the Gentiles, and to us today?
The answer is found in the very next chapter in I Nephi 14:14, "...I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."
So, God's covenant people are blessed with power and armed with righteousness. But is there even more that God's covenant people are given? And what are those covenants that God's people make?
Fortunately, all these critical questions and answers were found in today's reading (isn't this great?)....in I Nephi 13:37, it reads, "And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be."
So there we have it....we covenant with God to be missionaries....to bring forth Zion and to publish peace, and in turn, He blesses us with the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, arms us with righteousness, extends us tidings of great joy and beauty upon mountains, and promises us everlasting salvation in the kingdom of the Lamb!
Is there anything worth more than that to forgo the opportunity to serve a mission?
I can't wait to see Cameron's and Treyson's names on the back of that Innsbrook Ward Program...
Verse 23 of I Nephi 13 says, "...The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews...nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the Gentiles."
Why are they of great worth?
Why was it so important that Lehi and his family have these covenants?
Why are these covenants of the Lord so important, and of great worth unto the Gentiles, and to us today?
The answer is found in the very next chapter in I Nephi 14:14, "...I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."
So, God's covenant people are blessed with power and armed with righteousness. But is there even more that God's covenant people are given? And what are those covenants that God's people make?
Fortunately, all these critical questions and answers were found in today's reading (isn't this great?)....in I Nephi 13:37, it reads, "And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be."
So there we have it....we covenant with God to be missionaries....to bring forth Zion and to publish peace, and in turn, He blesses us with the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, arms us with righteousness, extends us tidings of great joy and beauty upon mountains, and promises us everlasting salvation in the kingdom of the Lamb!
Is there anything worth more than that to forgo the opportunity to serve a mission?
I can't wait to see Cameron's and Treyson's names on the back of that Innsbrook Ward Program...
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Obedience
As I read these first several chapters of the Book of Mormon, I am reminded of the importance and power of obedience. Nephi possessed several Christlike attributes, but I think the one that stands out the most to me is his faithful dedication to obeying the commandments of God.
It reminds me of a quote by Heber J. Grant:
"There is but one path of safety to the Latter-day Saints, and that is the path of duty. It is not testimony, it is not marvelous manifestations, it is not knowing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true,...it is not actually knowing that the Savior is the Redeemer, and that Joseph Smith was His prophet, that will save you and me, but it is the keeping of the commandments of God, the living the life of a Latter-day Saint." (Improvement Era, November 1936, p. 659).
It reminds me of a quote by Heber J. Grant:
"There is but one path of safety to the Latter-day Saints, and that is the path of duty. It is not testimony, it is not marvelous manifestations, it is not knowing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true,...it is not actually knowing that the Savior is the Redeemer, and that Joseph Smith was His prophet, that will save you and me, but it is the keeping of the commandments of God, the living the life of a Latter-day Saint." (Improvement Era, November 1936, p. 659).
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Power of Persuasion
Nephi's brothers were about to turn back in I Nephi 3:14, but Nephi was able to persuade them to stay, "And it came to pass that after this manner of language did I persuade my brethren, that they might be faithful in keeping the commandments of God." (v. 21)
How was he able to persuade them?
What was it between v. 14 and v. 21 that made Nephi's brothers change their heart and decide to press forward in keeping the commandments of God?
I think there are two key principles at play here that are paramount to the power of persuasion:
1- Faith: Demonstrating faith and a firm conviction to the cause.
2- Vision: Reminding all involved of the purpose and vision behind the cause.
Nephi boldly declared, "As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down...until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord commanded us." This statement was an ancient oath that basically meant, "we will all die before giving up on carrying out this commandment"....pretty powerful demonstration of principle #1!
For principle #2, Nephi reminded them (Remember...great word, isn't it?) that God told them Jerusalem would be destroyed and that they must have the records in order to:
1- Preserve their language.
2- Preserve the words of the prophets that contain all the covenants and commandments given by God to His people since the beginning of time.
I think we will be much more effective and successful in all areas of our lives if we can remember to apply these two key principles to our teaching and our persuading: Faith & Vision.
How was he able to persuade them?
What was it between v. 14 and v. 21 that made Nephi's brothers change their heart and decide to press forward in keeping the commandments of God?
I think there are two key principles at play here that are paramount to the power of persuasion:
1- Faith: Demonstrating faith and a firm conviction to the cause.
2- Vision: Reminding all involved of the purpose and vision behind the cause.
Nephi boldly declared, "As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down...until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord commanded us." This statement was an ancient oath that basically meant, "we will all die before giving up on carrying out this commandment"....pretty powerful demonstration of principle #1!
For principle #2, Nephi reminded them (Remember...great word, isn't it?) that God told them Jerusalem would be destroyed and that they must have the records in order to:
1- Preserve their language.
2- Preserve the words of the prophets that contain all the covenants and commandments given by God to His people since the beginning of time.
I think we will be much more effective and successful in all areas of our lives if we can remember to apply these two key principles to our teaching and our persuading: Faith & Vision.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Monday, 7/5/10: First Official Day
Today's the first official day of our 60-day challenge. There are 531 pages in the Book of Mormon, plus, there are 7 intro pages, so in all, 538 pages. The challenge runs 60 full days and will end on September 2nd, therefore, we'll each need to read just under 9 pages per day. Be sure to stay on top of it because days missed will stack up fast! President Eyring said, "Learning to start early and to be steady are the keys to spiritual preparation. Procrastination and inconsistency are its mortal enemies." (Ensign, November 2005) That's why I love challenges like this, they remind me of the importance of steady diligence in all we do....especialy in the work of the Lord!
To be on track, we should all have completed the intro pages and have read through page 2. Remember also, it never hurts to "lay up in store" and get yourself ahead for a busy day in the future when you don't have as much time to get through all 9 pages. And please, feel free to share any of your thoughts or insights as you go along so that we can all grow and learn something new together.
Happy reading; Happy feasting; Happy remembering!
To be on track, we should all have completed the intro pages and have read through page 2. Remember also, it never hurts to "lay up in store" and get yourself ahead for a busy day in the future when you don't have as much time to get through all 9 pages. And please, feel free to share any of your thoughts or insights as you go along so that we can all grow and learn something new together.
Happy reading; Happy feasting; Happy remembering!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Remember, Remember
Cameron & Treyson –
It was such a joy to see the two of you at church today—ties around your necks, smiles on your faces, and the Spirit of the Lord burning in your hearts!
We are so excited for this new challenge that you two have accepted to read the Book of Mormon with us over the next 60 days.
In order to help you both achieve this goal, we set up a Blog at the following location:
http://remember512.blogspot.com/
The 5th Chapter of the Book of Helaman relates an inspiring story of two brothers who decided to quit their jobs and leave everything behind in order to preach the word of God. They remembered the things their father taught them and they became powerful missionaries, convincing thousands of people to repent and come unto Christ.
We know that as you fulfill this challenge to read the Book of Mormon over the next 60 days, that you will also be blessed to remember.
You will be blessed to remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that you must build your foundation;
You will be blessed to remember the many miracles that the Lord performs for his covenant people;
You will be blessed to remember your own personal covenants to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places;
You will be blessed to remember your powerful, faith-building experiences as Aaronic Priesthood holders in the Innsbrook Ward;
And finally, through such profound remembrance, you will be blessed to experience the joy it is to serve the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength as Elders and missionaries in Zion.
It is our hope and prayer that you two will draw inspiration from those two brothers in Helaman 5, and that you will also decide to quit your jobs and leave everything behind in order to preach the word of God. We have faith, and we expect that the next time we come to visit the Innsbrook Ward we will see the names of Cameron Mitchell and Treyson Burke on the back of that program.
May we all be blessed as we continue to lose ourselves in the service of the Lord.
We love you,
Brother McKeon, Brother Whiteley, Brother Holdaway
It was such a joy to see the two of you at church today—ties around your necks, smiles on your faces, and the Spirit of the Lord burning in your hearts!
We are so excited for this new challenge that you two have accepted to read the Book of Mormon with us over the next 60 days.
In order to help you both achieve this goal, we set up a Blog at the following location:
http://remember512.blogspot.com/
The 5th Chapter of the Book of Helaman relates an inspiring story of two brothers who decided to quit their jobs and leave everything behind in order to preach the word of God. They remembered the things their father taught them and they became powerful missionaries, convincing thousands of people to repent and come unto Christ.
We know that as you fulfill this challenge to read the Book of Mormon over the next 60 days, that you will also be blessed to remember.
You will be blessed to remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that you must build your foundation;
You will be blessed to remember the many miracles that the Lord performs for his covenant people;
You will be blessed to remember your own personal covenants to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places;
You will be blessed to remember your powerful, faith-building experiences as Aaronic Priesthood holders in the Innsbrook Ward;
And finally, through such profound remembrance, you will be blessed to experience the joy it is to serve the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength as Elders and missionaries in Zion.
It is our hope and prayer that you two will draw inspiration from those two brothers in Helaman 5, and that you will also decide to quit your jobs and leave everything behind in order to preach the word of God. We have faith, and we expect that the next time we come to visit the Innsbrook Ward we will see the names of Cameron Mitchell and Treyson Burke on the back of that program.
May we all be blessed as we continue to lose ourselves in the service of the Lord.
We love you,
Brother McKeon, Brother Whiteley, Brother Holdaway
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)