As the New Year approaches we have a chance to look forward, a chance to learn from the past and put it behind us. A chance to set new goals for our selves and to look forward to becoming a better more Christ-like person one year at a time. Elder Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a great talk on exactly this. I would encourage you to read the talk and apply some of its principles in your life this year as you strive to look to the future.
The Best Is Yet To Be ~ Jeffery R. Holland
The Best is yet to Be! All we need to do is work on getting there.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas in Montana
It's Christmas in Montana,
Or so the saying goes,
When everything is white,
And the wind she really blows.
When temperatures are chilly,
Often way below the mark,
Anytime it's north of zero,
Seems like summer in the park.
When frost's upon the windows,
And the ice's upon the ground;
When breath looks like a summer cloud,
Waiting for thunder's sound.
When the snow is in the Rockies,
And glaciers start to grow,
And all the grain is hidden,
On the plains below.
When rivers they are frozen,
And the lakes are thick with ice,
And the dogs out on the Res,
Are anything but nice.
When the geese are in the stubble,
And the cattle are fed hay,
And the grizzlies hibernating,
For a cold long winter's stay.
When the missionaries are a working,
In the middle of this cold,
They are still out there sharing,
The message told of old.
But mostly all the people,
Put on their happy face,
And hurry 'bout the country,
At such a rapid pace.
They shout a friendly greeting,
As they hurry on their way,
They are way too busy,
No time for us to stay.
So we share a hurried thought,
As they trot along the path.
They'd slow a might and listen,
If we'd off them some cash.
But what we have is priceless,
Worth more than solid gold.
It's about the restoration,
Gospel truths that were foretold.
We hope that they will listen,
To us at Christmas time,
It's worth a whole lot more,
Than a nickel and a dime.
To us no present's better,
Than a pair of listening ears,
For if they truly listen,
It will bless them through the years.
And we will then bear witness,
Of the message that we share;
It's of the promised Savior,
His truth we do declare.
To watch a mighty change of heart,
There is no better sight,
Than standing in the water,
Humbly dressed in white.
So thank you for your efforts,
Throughout 2010,
Because of your commitment,
The miracle began.
We trust you all are happy,
As happy as can be,
As you dream of many wishes,
Beneath your Christmas tree.
So Merry Christmas to you all,
We bid you lots of cheer.
It's an honor to serve with you,
All throughout the year.
Or so the saying goes,
When everything is white,
And the wind she really blows.
When temperatures are chilly,
Often way below the mark,
Anytime it's north of zero,
Seems like summer in the park.
When frost's upon the windows,
And the ice's upon the ground;
When breath looks like a summer cloud,
Waiting for thunder's sound.
When the snow is in the Rockies,
And glaciers start to grow,
And all the grain is hidden,
On the plains below.
When rivers they are frozen,
And the lakes are thick with ice,
And the dogs out on the Res,
Are anything but nice.
When the geese are in the stubble,
And the cattle are fed hay,
And the grizzlies hibernating,
For a cold long winter's stay.
When the missionaries are a working,
In the middle of this cold,
They are still out there sharing,
The message told of old.
But mostly all the people,
Put on their happy face,
And hurry 'bout the country,
At such a rapid pace.
They shout a friendly greeting,
As they hurry on their way,
They are way too busy,
No time for us to stay.
So we share a hurried thought,
As they trot along the path.
They'd slow a might and listen,
If we'd off them some cash.
But what we have is priceless,
Worth more than solid gold.
It's about the restoration,
Gospel truths that were foretold.
We hope that they will listen,
To us at Christmas time,
It's worth a whole lot more,
Than a nickel and a dime.
To us no present's better,
Than a pair of listening ears,
For if they truly listen,
It will bless them through the years.
And we will then bear witness,
Of the message that we share;
It's of the promised Savior,
His truth we do declare.
To watch a mighty change of heart,
There is no better sight,
Than standing in the water,
Humbly dressed in white.
So thank you for your efforts,
Throughout 2010,
Because of your commitment,
The miracle began.
We trust you all are happy,
As happy as can be,
As you dream of many wishes,
Beneath your Christmas tree.
So Merry Christmas to you all,
We bid you lots of cheer.
It's an honor to serve with you,
All throughout the year.
~President Larry H. Gardner
Monday, December 20, 2010
The True Meaning of Christmas
This is why we celebrate Christmas! This is why people seem to be happier when this season rolls around. Everyone feels a sense of this spirit that the season holds. Because we were given this Great Gift we feel happen during the Christmas season because even though we may not know Christ, he knows us and he loves us and lets us know in numerous ways.
Let us remember the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate appropriately.
Merry Christmas to all!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Christmas Story
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
The Greatest Gift
As the holidays approach we all begin to think of putting up the decorations, getting the right tree, shopping for the right gifts, and making sure we have everything for the Christmas feast. These are all good things to make sure we have prepared so we can have a wonderful Christmas, but do we take time to stop and remember the gift that we have all been given?
"Heavenly Father gave this gift to all of us, young or old, rich or poor. We did not have to search the shops for it. It did not cost us a single penny. It did not come wrapped in shiny wrapping paper. The most treasured gift of all was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. It was sent to all of us with love from our Heavenly Father." ~Joan M. Olenycz
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift given to us all from our loving Heavenly Father. So remember this season the reason we celebrate Christmas.
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift given to us all from our loving Heavenly Father. So remember this season the reason we celebrate Christmas.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Our Purpose as an Online Missionary
As a missionary for the lord Jesus Christ our purpose is to invite everyone to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel. Every day we go around and try to share the gospel with everyone we meet. We talk with them and teach them about Jesus Christ and how he has again called a prophet to the Earth today, Joseph Smith. And how through him Jesus Christ restored his church to the Earth. The same church that he set up when he was here.
In order for us to truly invite everyone to hear our message we have began to use the Internet as well as a medium to spread our message. Everyone has access to the Internet and has the opportunity now to talk with us missionaries on there. As a missionary we are called to certain missions throughout the world and have been limited to that area when it comes to sharing the message we have. I have been called to serve in the Montana Billings Mission which covers most of Montana and the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming, and until now have been confined to those borders to share the gospel. Now that we are using the Internet as well I have the opportunity to share the gospel with anyone, any where in the world.
Another reason for us being online is to help people have a source of truth. There are many groups who would try to destroy what we are doing by publishing and distributing falsehoods about the church. We now have the ability to share our story the way it really happened. We can teach people the truth and flood the Internet with it. We can finally take back this tool that has been given to us from the adversary who has been using it to destroy the human mind with all the vulgar things that he has placed on here.
I love my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and know that he has called us to spread his word. Through a Prophet of God I have been commissioned to spread the good news that he has given to his children. I hope that all of you can find this same happiness, it only comes through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
In order for us to truly invite everyone to hear our message we have began to use the Internet as well as a medium to spread our message. Everyone has access to the Internet and has the opportunity now to talk with us missionaries on there. As a missionary we are called to certain missions throughout the world and have been limited to that area when it comes to sharing the message we have. I have been called to serve in the Montana Billings Mission which covers most of Montana and the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming, and until now have been confined to those borders to share the gospel. Now that we are using the Internet as well I have the opportunity to share the gospel with anyone, any where in the world.
Another reason for us being online is to help people have a source of truth. There are many groups who would try to destroy what we are doing by publishing and distributing falsehoods about the church. We now have the ability to share our story the way it really happened. We can teach people the truth and flood the Internet with it. We can finally take back this tool that has been given to us from the adversary who has been using it to destroy the human mind with all the vulgar things that he has placed on here.
I love my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and know that he has called us to spread his word. Through a Prophet of God I have been commissioned to spread the good news that he has given to his children. I hope that all of you can find this same happiness, it only comes through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Elder Tabor (Montana Billings Mission)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
God is There
Ammon: Believest thou that there is a God?
Ammon: This is God. Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things which are in heaven and in the earth?
King Lamoni: Yea, I believe that he created all things which are in the earth; but I do not know the heavens.
Ammon: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.
All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.
So, believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them. And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come. And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.
Believe in you Heavenly Father, and humble yourself before Him so He can bless you! He loves you and wants opportunities to give you all that He has in store for you.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Follow the Straight and Narrow
We all have been given the ability to choose our own path. "Each of us has come to this earth with all the tools necessary to make correct choices." "We all know where we want to go, and it does matter which way we go, for by choosing our path, we choose our destination."
As we choose to follow the Great Mediator of all we choose eternal life, I know that by choosing the right we can all enjoy the peace, happiness and the blessings that our Heavenly Father has in store for us!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Forgiveness
"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." D&C 64:10
"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them." D&C 58:42-43
Forgiveness is not easy but it is a commandment given to us from our Father in Heaven. As we forgive others the things they have done to "wrong" us the lord promises that we can also be forgiven if we repent of the sins we have committed.
We are commanded to forgive everyone, even if they may have deeply hurt us, but God will forgive those whom he will forgive. He will forgive only those who desire to be forgiven. If we forgive then we are able to let go of that bitterness we are holding inside which keeps us from being happy. I think this video give a great example of this.
"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them." D&C 58:42-43
Forgiveness is not easy but it is a commandment given to us from our Father in Heaven. As we forgive others the things they have done to "wrong" us the lord promises that we can also be forgiven if we repent of the sins we have committed.
We are commanded to forgive everyone, even if they may have deeply hurt us, but God will forgive those whom he will forgive. He will forgive only those who desire to be forgiven. If we forgive then we are able to let go of that bitterness we are holding inside which keeps us from being happy. I think this video give a great example of this.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Rest Unto Your Souls
"And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; and thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God." Mosiah 27:25-26
It is through the healing Atonement of Jesus Christ that we may have the strength to stand tall and strong and to have our souls be filled—with light, understanding, joy, and love. His invitation is extended to "all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him"
It is through the healing Atonement of Jesus Christ that we may have the strength to stand tall and strong and to have our souls be filled—with light, understanding, joy, and love. His invitation is extended to "all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him"
Friday, October 29, 2010
Jesus Suffered for You
"Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Mosiah 14:4-5
Jesus Christ has borne our griefs, and he know how we feel. He has "gone forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11,12) He has suffered all so that we don't have to.
Elder Holland of the Twelve Apostles helps us understand this point:
Jesus loves you and because of His love for you he suffered everything you can imagine and more. Come unto Him and He will give you rest.
Jesus Christ has borne our griefs, and he know how we feel. He has "gone forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11,12) He has suffered all so that we don't have to.
Elder Holland of the Twelve Apostles helps us understand this point:
Jesus loves you and because of His love for you he suffered everything you can imagine and more. Come unto Him and He will give you rest.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Natural Man
"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." Mosiah 3:19
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom." 2 Nephi 2:27-29
We have the ability to choose our own path, the Devil cannot choose it for us. If we choose to put off the natural man and follow the great Mediator we will be able to receive eternal life. Listen to President Monson's talk this last confrence, he helps us understand The Three R's of Choice.
What does it mean to put off the natural man? It means that we use our agency to choose good rather than evil, that we don't give in to temptation but that we resist and choose to overcome it.
Is it easy? No, but it is possible. "I never said it would be easy; I only said it would be worth it." Christ has prepared a way for us and all we need to do is follow it.
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom." 2 Nephi 2:27-29
We have the ability to choose our own path, the Devil cannot choose it for us. If we choose to put off the natural man and follow the great Mediator we will be able to receive eternal life. Listen to President Monson's talk this last confrence, he helps us understand The Three R's of Choice.
What does it mean to put off the natural man? It means that we use our agency to choose good rather than evil, that we don't give in to temptation but that we resist and choose to overcome it.
Is it easy? No, but it is possible. "I never said it would be easy; I only said it would be worth it." Christ has prepared a way for us and all we need to do is follow it.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Never Give Up
The Race
by D. H. Groberg
They shout at you and plead
"There's just too much against you
This time you can't succeed".
And as I start to hang my head
In front of failures face
My downward fall is broken by
The memory of a race
And hope refills my weakened will
As I recall that scene
Or just the thought of that short race
Rejuvenates my being
Childrens race, young boys
Young men, how I remember well
Excitement sure, but also fear
It wasn't hard to tell
They all lined up so full of hope
Each thought to win that race
Or tie for first, or if not that
At least take second place
The fathers watched from off the side
Each cheering for his son
And each boy hoped to show his dad
That he could be the one
The whistle blew and off they went
Young hearts and hopes afire
To win and be the hero there
Was each young boys desire
And one boy in particular
Whose dad was in the crowd
Was running near the lead and thought
"My dad will be so proud"
But as they speeded down the field
Across a shallow dip
The little boy who thought to win
Lost his step and slipped
Trying hard to catch himself
With hands flew out to brace
And amid the laughter of the crowd
He fell flat on his face
But as he fell his dad stood up
And showed his anxious face
Which to the boy so clearly said
"Get up and win the race"
He quickly rose, no damage done
Behind a bit that's all
And ran with all his night and mind
To make up for the fall
So anxious to restore himself
To catch up and to win
His mind went faster than his legs
He slipped and fell again
He wised then that he had quit before
With only one disgrace
"I'm hopeless as a runner now
I shouldn't try to race"
But in the laughing crowd he searched
And found his fathers face
That steady look which said again
"Get up and win the race"
So up he jumped to try again
Ten yards behind the last
If I'm going to gain those yards he though
I've got to move real fast
Exerting everything he had
He regained eight or ten
But trying hard to catch the lead
He slipped and fell again
Defeat, he lay there silently
A tear dropped from his eye
There's no sense running anymore
Three strikes, I'm out, why try?
The will to rise had disappeared
All hope had fled away
So far behind so error prone
A loser all the way
"I've lost, so what", he thought
I'll live with my disgrace
But then he thought about his dad
Whom soon he'd have to face
"Get up" the echo sounded low
"Get up" and take your place
You were not meant for failure here
"Get up", and win the race
With borrowed will "Get up" it said
"You haven't lost at all"
For winning is no more than this
To rise each time you fall
So up he rose to run once more
And with a new commit
He resolved, that win or lose
At least he shouldn't quit
So far behind the others now
The most he'd ever been
Still he'd give it all he had
And run as though to win
Three times he'd fallen, stumbling
Three times he'd rose again
Too far behind to hope to win
He still ran to the end
They cheered the winning runner
As he crossed the line first place
Head high and proud and happy
No falling, no disgrace
But when the fallen youngster
Crossed the line, last place
The crowd gave him the greater cheer
For finishing the race
And even though he came in last
With head bent low, unproud
You would have thought he'd won the race
To listen to the crowd
And to his dad he sadly said
"I didn't do too well"
"To me you won", his father said
"You rose each time you fell"
Just like the father in this poem, your Heavenly Father is there the whole time cheering you on. And he is so much more happy with us if we finish the race than if we give up even if we are in last place.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
There is a God
"...all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it..."
Alma 30:44
He was just a little lad, and on a fine Lord’s day,was wandering home from Sunday school and dawdling on the way.He scuffed his shoes into the grass; he found a caterpillar;he found a fluffy milkweed pod and blew out all the filler.A bird’s nest in the tree o’erhead, so wisely placed and high,was just another wonder that caught his eager eye.A neighbor watched his zigzag course and hailed him from the lawn,asked him where he’d been that day, and what was going on."Oh, I’ve been to Sunday school", he carefully turned the sod,and found a snail beneath it "I’ve learned a lot ‘bout God.""M’m, a very fine way," the neighbor said, "for a boy to spend his time.If you’ll tell me where God is, I’ll give you a brand-new dime."Quick as a flash his answer came, nor were his accents faint,
"I’ll give you a dollar, Mister, if you can tell me where God ain’t." This poem helps me remember how much God really loves us. Everything He has created He has created for us.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
What Matters Most
What really matters most in your life? Is it your Job? Cars? Money? If so, it is time to rethink your priorities. If you have your priorities in line then you will begin to see your life run more smoothly, you will feel a joy in your life that you may have lost or may never have felt before. I testify to you that if you put your Savior and your family first all other things in your life will begin to work out.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Joy of Modern Scripture
It is amazing to me to think that we can have scripture given to us for our time now here on this earth. I am so thankful to know that we can receive instruction from God now just as he gave it to Moses of old. We have a prophet on the earth today, Thomas S. Monson is that man. He has been called of God to declare His words for us today. And this is what the Lord wants us to know now:
President Monson
(click watch on the right hand side of the page this is linked to to listen to his message)
This is his most current address to all of us, God's children. It is what God wants all of us to know now.
President Monson
(click watch on the right hand side of the page this is linked to to listen to his message)
This is his most current address to all of us, God's children. It is what God wants all of us to know now.
Friday, October 15, 2010
God wants us to return to Him
I was thinking this morning about how much our Father in Heaven loves us. As I was reading this morning it just started to dawn on me that God really wants all of us to come home. His "work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." And he will do anything to get us home.
As I thought about this and how he had reached out many times to some of the vilest of sinners and helped them return to Him and repent of their sins. I wanted to share some examples of this to help you understand that God wants all to come home no matter what you have done or how bad you think you are.
First, my personal favorite, Alma the younger. His father was the prophet, the leader of the church, and he was doing every thing he could with his friends to tear down everything his father was doing. He was spiritually killing people by leading them away from the correct principles of the gospel and even though he was one of the most vilest of sinners God still stretched forth his hand to touch his life and return him to the straight path. Alma turned his life around, he did a complete 180 and instead of going about to tear down the church he tried to build it up.
Second, Zeezrom. He was a lawyer who tried to convince a whole city that what Amulek, a missionary, was teaching them about the doctrine of Christ was wrong and that there was no Christ. But, the Lord touched Zeezrom's heart and helped him see the truth. Zeezrom then became a great missionary for Christ.
So my point is that no matter who you are, where you live, or what you have done, you have not strayed too far so as to have God not love you. He will forgive you, all you have to do is want to be forgiven and want to change your life to follow His teachings. He wants all of his children to come home, and you are one of his children.
As I thought about this and how he had reached out many times to some of the vilest of sinners and helped them return to Him and repent of their sins. I wanted to share some examples of this to help you understand that God wants all to come home no matter what you have done or how bad you think you are.
First, my personal favorite, Alma the younger. His father was the prophet, the leader of the church, and he was doing every thing he could with his friends to tear down everything his father was doing. He was spiritually killing people by leading them away from the correct principles of the gospel and even though he was one of the most vilest of sinners God still stretched forth his hand to touch his life and return him to the straight path. Alma turned his life around, he did a complete 180 and instead of going about to tear down the church he tried to build it up.
Second, Zeezrom. He was a lawyer who tried to convince a whole city that what Amulek, a missionary, was teaching them about the doctrine of Christ was wrong and that there was no Christ. But, the Lord touched Zeezrom's heart and helped him see the truth. Zeezrom then became a great missionary for Christ.
So my point is that no matter who you are, where you live, or what you have done, you have not strayed too far so as to have God not love you. He will forgive you, all you have to do is want to be forgiven and want to change your life to follow His teachings. He wants all of his children to come home, and you are one of his children.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Rock of our Salvation
The Oak Tree
by Johhny Ray Ryder Jr
A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree's leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind gave up and spoke.
How can you still be standing Oak?
The oak tree said, I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two
Carry every leaf away
Shake my limbs, and make me sway
But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since my birth
You'll never touch them, for you see
They are the deepest part of me
Until today, I wasn't sure
Of just how much I could endure
But now I've found, with thanks to you
I'm stronger than I ever knew
This is a great poem that helps us see where our strength really comes from, from our roots. Our strength comes from our foundation. If our foundation is built upon Jesus Christ, the Rock of our Salvation, our strength will be above that of the adversary.
As the scriptures state,
"...this stone (Jesus Christ) shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the [we] can build."and
"...it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
If we build our selves on the principles and teachings of Jesus Christ we will not fall before the adversary, on the contrary we will stand tall and all his mighty power will be as nothing before us. I know that we shall triumph over the devil and be able to return to live with our Father in Heaven again. Let us not have a weak foundation.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The 5 Steps to Happiness
In 2 Nephi chapter 31 God the Father gives us a promise that if we do these these 5 steps that we will inherit eternal life, living forever with God and our families. These steps are first having faith in Jesus Christ, second repenting of the things we have done wrong in our lives, third being baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God, fourth receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and fifth endure to the end.
1) Faith in Jesus Christ means believing in him and the power he has to forgive our sins. Follow the example he set and keep his commandments.
2) Repenting, change the way we live. Everyone of us is imperfect and can only begin to become perfect by aligning our lives whit that of Jesus Christ. Repentance is a process that probably won't happen over night, it takes time and effort, but we are promised forgiveness if we complete the steps. First we need acknowledge that we have done some thing wrong, second we need to be sorry for what we have done, third is to confess the sin to God, fourth is to correct the wrong we have done or make restitution, and last do not do it again. If we do this God has promised all of us forgiveness for everything we have done.
3) Baptism is the "gate" as Nephi calls it to the path which leads to eternal life. After we are baptised by some one holding the priesthood authority of God, which has been restored to this earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith, then they have entered the gate and begin their journey back home.
4) Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is the ability we are given to actually receive that comforter that is promised to us by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The Holy Ghost will purify us and lead us through our lives and help us make the right choices.
5) Enduring to the end means to keep pushing forward. Even though Satan will do all he can to get you off that path, you can overcome his temptations and keep going. That is one of the greatest gifts of the Spirit (or Holy Ghost) to help you over come temptations.
And as it says in 2 Nephi 31:20 if you will do all this you shall have eternal life!
I know this is true and i know each one of us is capable of getting there.
1) Faith in Jesus Christ means believing in him and the power he has to forgive our sins. Follow the example he set and keep his commandments.
2) Repenting, change the way we live. Everyone of us is imperfect and can only begin to become perfect by aligning our lives whit that of Jesus Christ. Repentance is a process that probably won't happen over night, it takes time and effort, but we are promised forgiveness if we complete the steps. First we need acknowledge that we have done some thing wrong, second we need to be sorry for what we have done, third is to confess the sin to God, fourth is to correct the wrong we have done or make restitution, and last do not do it again. If we do this God has promised all of us forgiveness for everything we have done.
3) Baptism is the "gate" as Nephi calls it to the path which leads to eternal life. After we are baptised by some one holding the priesthood authority of God, which has been restored to this earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith, then they have entered the gate and begin their journey back home.
4) Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is the ability we are given to actually receive that comforter that is promised to us by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The Holy Ghost will purify us and lead us through our lives and help us make the right choices.
5) Enduring to the end means to keep pushing forward. Even though Satan will do all he can to get you off that path, you can overcome his temptations and keep going. That is one of the greatest gifts of the Spirit (or Holy Ghost) to help you over come temptations.
And as it says in 2 Nephi 31:20 if you will do all this you shall have eternal life!
I know this is true and i know each one of us is capable of getting there.
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