Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 27 Sep 2020

Online Elders Quorum
The discussion this week was on M Russell Ballard's talk "Shall We Not Go On In So Great A Cause"

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 20 Sep 2020

Online Sunday School
We continually choose Christ. When we choose when we are you we have a certain perspective. When we are older our perspective is different. When we first accept Chris our perspective is different than when we have been accepting him for years.

We can repent repeatedly until the final judgment. That is the plan and how we grow.

Online Stake Priesthood Meeting

Psalms 46:10

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

When starting a goal, sit down and ponder it.

DnC 9:6-9 - How to receive personal revelation

6 Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

The gathering of Israel “the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth. And we want to invite you to be part of it!” (Russell M. Nelson, “Hope of Israel” (worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018), HopeofIsrael.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)”

What assumptions do we have about our neighbors that are impeding us in ministering to them?

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 13 Sep 2020

Online Elders Quorum

The lesson was based on President Henry B. Eyring's talk "He Goes before Us"

you can find the talk at this link:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/35eyring?lang=eng

My thoughts

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Do we sometimes have trouble calling our personal revelations revelation?  We call it inspiration or a thought or feeling, but perhaps we dance around using the word revelation.

}

Someone proposed that the scattering of Israel happened so that Israel would be a leavening agent to the whole world.

In Abraham’s day the priesthood was not given in an organization but was given from father to son.  Abraham was not able to get the priesthood through the accepted way of the time, due to his family situation.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 6 Sep 2020

Online Sunday School

Helaman 13

2 And it came to pass that in this year there was one Samuel, a Lamanite, came into the land of Zarahemla, and began to preach unto the people. And it came to pass that he did preach, many days, repentance unto the people, and they did cast him out, and he was about to return to his own land.

3 But behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, that he should return again, and prophesy unto the people whatsoever things should come into his heart.

4 And it came to pass that they would not suffer that he should enter into the city; therefore he went and got upon the wall thereof, and stretched forth his hand and cried with a loud voice, and prophesied unto the people whatsoever things the Lord put into his heart.

5 And he said unto them: Behold, I, Samuel, a Lamanite, do speak the words of the Lord which he doth put into my heart; and behold he hath put it into my heart to say unto this people that the sword of justice hangeth over this people; and four hundred years pass not away save the sword of justice falleth upon this people.

Helaman 13:2-5

• Comparisons to Alma the Younger & Ammonihah

• The phase, "whatsoever thing should come into his heart"

• How determined was Samuel?

• The Lord doesn't give the how's, just the what's.

• How determined are we to what the Lord has asked us to do? Do we need the how's?

• How can we increase our resolve?

• What are the benefits?

Comparison is the thief of joy.

"Have you noticed how Satan works to capture the mind and emotions with flashing images, blaring music, and the stimulation of every physical sense to excess? He diligently strives to fill life with action, entertainment, and stimulation so that cannot ponder the consequences of his tempting invitations. Think of it. Some are tempted to violate the most basic commandments of God because of seductive actions portrayed as acceptable. They are made to seem attractive, even desirable. There seems to be no serious consequence, but rather apparent lasting joy and happiness. But recognize that those performances are controlled by scripts and actors. The outcome of decisions made is likewise manipulated to be whatever the producer wants. 

“Life is not that way. Yes, moral agency allows you to choose what you will, but you cannot control the outcome of those choices. Unlike the false creations of man, our Father in Heaven determines the consequences of your choices. Obedience will yield happiness, while violation of His commandments will not." (Elder Richard G. Scott, “How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil”, April 2004 General Conference)

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 23 Aug 2020

Online Elders Quorum

The lesson was based on "Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life" By Elder Ricardo P. Giménez. The link to the talk can be found here:  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/53gimenez?lang=eng

“Faith is the antidote for fear.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Let Your Faith Show”, April 2014 General Conference)

“Suffering is universal; how we react to suffering is individual. Suffering can take us one of two ways. It can be a strengthening and purifying experience combined with faith, or it can be a destructive force in our lives if we do not have the faith in the Lord’s atoning sacrifice” (“Your Sorrow Shall Be Turned to Joy,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, 66).

Do our challenges make us stronger or do we wallow in them?

“The Lord has said, ‘If ye are prepared ye shall not fear’ (D&C 38:30).

“The primary preparation is also set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, wherein it says, ‘Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come’ (D&C 87:8).”

Alma 28

13 And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.

“To one who has faith no explanation is necessary.  To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” (St. Thomas Aquinas)

Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8

7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

God is not a celestial butler.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 9 Aug 2020

Online Elders Quorum

The lesson was based on "Fulfillment of Prophecy" By Elder Ronald A. Rasband, the talk link is here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/41rasband?lang=eng 

Daniel 2:34 

34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

Daniel 2:34 is being fulfilled now.

DnC 58

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

Joseph Smith wasn’t told how to do everything.  He had to go through a process of figuring it out and making mistakes.

Rev 14:6

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Rev 14:6 was fulfilled when Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith and set into motion the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the gathering of Israel around the world.

Malachi 4:5-6 

5 ¶ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Malachi 4:5-6 was fulfilled when Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and restored the keys of gathering Israel on the other side of the veil.

Isaiah 2:2

2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Isaiah 2:2 

Was fulfilled when the Salt Lake temple was built and the saints from all over the world emigrated to it.  Isaiah chapter 2 opens by saying it is concerning Judah and Jerusalem.  It describes that this emigration will happen because Judah and Jerusalem had followed idols and pride.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 2 Aug 2020

Online Sunday School

Alma 39-42

“With worldly sex, anything goes. With marital intimacy, exquisite care is taken to avoid anything and everything—from language to music to movies—that offends the Spirit, your spirit, or your spouse’s.

While worldly sex is lustful and kills love, marital intimacy generates more love.

Worldly sex degrades men and women and their bodies, while marital intimacy honors men and women and celebrates the body as one of the great prizes of mortal life.

With worldly sex, individuals can feel used, abused, and ultimately more lonely. With marital intimacy, spouses feel more united and loved, more nurtured and understood.

Worldly sex ravages and eventually ruins relationships. Marital intimacy strengthens marriages. It supports, heals, and hallows the lives of spouses and their marriage.

Worldly sex has been likened to the toot of a flute, while marital intimacy has been likened to the grandeur of an entire orchestra.

Worldly sex becomes a total obsession because it never fulfills its promises. God-ordained marital intimacy is glorious and will continue eternally for covenant-keeping husbands and wives.” (Wendy Watson Nelson, “Love and Marriage”, Worldwide Broadcast Jan 2017)

“Let me point out the need to differentiate between two critical words: worth and worthiness. They are not the same. Spiritual worth means to value ourselves the way Heavenly Father values us, not as the world values us. Our worth was determined before we ever came to this earth. ‘God’s love is infinite and it will endure forever.’

“On the other hand, worthiness is achieved through obedience. If we sin, we are less worthy, but we are never worth less! We continue to repent and strive to be like Jesus with our worth intact. As President Brigham Young taught: ‘The least, the most inferior spirit now upon the earth … is worth worlds.’ No matter what, we always have worth in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.”(Joy D. Jones, “Value beyond Measure”, Oct 2017 General Conference)

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 26 July 2020

Sunday School Online

The lesson was based on Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf’s General Conference talk "Come and Belong":  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/54uchtdorf?lang=eng

Where does the responsibility lie for belonging?

Nobody came up and said hello to me.  1. People should’ve welcomed them.  2.  The new person needs to also reach out and be welcoming. 

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 9 July 2020

Missionary Farewell

She was first called to Fortaleza, Brazil, then Covid hit.  She did online MTC.  She is now called to Roseville, CA

Mosiah 2:17

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Words of Mormon 7:7

7 And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end.

Alma 29

8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.

Although this time is a trial, it is still a time to grow our faith.

“Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith. We are also responsible for our lack of faith. The choice is yours.” 

...

“I have never witnessed the removal of an actual mountain. But because of faith, I have seen a mountain of doubt and despair removed and replaced with hope and optimism. Because of faith, I have personally witnessed a mountain of sin replaced with repentance and forgiveness. And because of faith, I have personally witnessed a mountain of pain replaced with peace, hope, and gratitude. Yes, I have seen mountains removed.” (Bishop Richard C. Edgley, “Faith—the Choice Is Yours”, October 2010 General Conference)

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 5 July 2020

Sunday School Online

Why is hatred and anger a favorite tool of Satan?

What does it accomplish?

What are the opposite tools that God uses?

“The vision of the tree of life shows us how the effects of casualness can lead us away from the covenant path. Consider that the rod of iron and the strait and narrow path, or the covenant path, led directly to the tree of life, where all the blessings provided by our Savior and His Atonement are available to the faithful. Also seen in the vision was a river of water representing the filthiness of the world. The scriptures describe that this river “ran along” the path yet passed only “near” the tree, not to it. The world is laden with distractions that can deceive even the elect, causing them to be casual in living their covenants—thus leading them near the tree, but not to it. If we are not careful in living our covenants with exactness, our casual efforts may eventually lead us into forbidden paths or to join with those who have already entered the great and spacious building. If not careful, we may even drown in the depths of a filthy river.”

...

“Are we careful in our temple worship, and do we carefully and deliberately live the covenants we made both at baptism and in the temple? Are we careful in our appearance and modest in our dress, especially in sacred places and circumstances? Are we careful in how we wear the sacred temple garments? Or do the fashions of the world dictate a more casual attitude?” (Becky Craven, “Careful versus Casual”, April 2019 General Conference)

Alma 24:7-19

John 6:66-69

66 ¶ From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

DnC 87:8

8 Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.

“When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation...and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival”, October 2016 General Conference)

How have you come to understand this in your life?

What might you say to someone who does not feel joy in the gospel of Christ?

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 28 June 2020

Online Elders Quorum

The lesson was based on "Hear Him" By President Russell M. Nelson.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/45nelson?lang=eng

1 Nephi 22

Ether 12:5-6

5 And it came to pass that Ether did prophesy great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they saw them not.

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 21 June 2020

Online Sunday School

We often hear that we will never be tempted beyond what we can resist.  But the scripture actually states:
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

He will make a way for us to escape, but we have to take it.  He will make it so we can bear it, but we have to reach for his power.

“The Lord is with all power to control our lives, save us pain. prevent all accidents,...even [protect us] from death, if he will. But he will not. ...’If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith....”... If we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience,

long-suffering, and self-mastery. ...”... I am grateful that even through the priesthood I cannot heal all the sick. I might heal people who should die. I might relieve people of suffering who should suffer. I fear I would frustrate the purposes of God. "Had I limitless power, and yet limited vision and

understanding, I might have saved Abinadi from the flames of fire when he was burned at the stake, and in doing so I might have irreparably damaged him. He died a martyr and went to a martyr's reward—exaltation...“I fear that had I been in Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844, I might have deflected

the bullets that pierced the body of the Prophet [Joseph Smith] and the Patriarch (Hyrum Smith]. I might have saved them from the sufferings and agony, but lost them to the martyr's death and reward. ... "With such uncontrolled power, I surely would have felt to protect Christ from the agony in Gethsemane, the insults, the thorny crown, the indignities in the court, the physical injuries. I would have administered to his wounds and healed them, giving him cooling water instead of vinegar. I might have saved him from suffering and death, and lost to the world his atoning sacrifice. ..."In the

face of apparent tragedy we must put our trust in God, knowing that despite our limited view his purposes will not fail" ( Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [20061. 14-17,20).

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 14 June 2020

Online Elders Quorum

Lesson based on Elder Gerrit W. Gong's April 2020 General Conference talk, “Hosanna and Hallelujah—The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter”

Is it true that “people never change”?

Christ’s atonement not only forgives our sins but through it He gives us the strength to overcome our sins, weaknesses, tendencies, heartache, illnesses, the way we were born, the way we were raised…

Do we consider trials, temptations, illnesses, etc. as tools God uses to strengthen or heal us through Christ’s atonement?

“A week following Palm Sunday is Easter Sunday. President Russell M. Nelson teaches that Jesus Christ ‘came to pay a debt He didn’t owe because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay.’ Indeed, through the Atonement of Christ, all God’s children ‘may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.’”

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 7 June 2020

Online Sunday School

Alma 1 - 4

Nehor teaches false doctrine, introduces priestcraft Amalici seeks to become king, he and followers make war and join the Lamanites Alma baptizes thousands of converts in the waters of Sidon...church is hindered, and Alma devotes himself to ministering.

Alma 5 - 6

Alma gives a sermon on being born again in Christ. keeping the the Lord’s commandments, remaining humble and stripped of pride The Church in Zarahemla is cleansed and Alma goes to Gideon.

Mosiah 7

Alma's sermon the people of Gideon. Alma discusses the birth of Christ, and his atonement tor all mankind. Faith, repentance, and baptism and keeping commandments required for salvation.

Someone shared this link on children benefiting from knowing about their relatives:
http://shared.web.emory.edu/emory/news/releases/2010/03/children-benefit-if-they-know-about-their-relatives-study-finds.html?fbclid=IwAR1Eedsxg2ndolJqQ9K_AZv01oarbvZKHc3DvYxAXeNT3nbJ53YDmeJsTxo#.Xt0hkeQieEe

2 Timothy 3

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

"An 'image' is not just an outward visual impression but also a vivid representation, a graphic display, or a total likeness of something. It is a person or thing very much like another, a copy or counterpart. Likewise, countenance does not simply mean a facial expression or visual appearance. The word comes from an old French term originally denoting (‘behavior,' 'demeanor,' or 'conduct.' In earlier times the word countenance was used with these meanings in mind

"According to Alma, the mighty change of heart must be 'experienced.' Perhaps that is why the concept of spiritual rebirth, 'being born again,' is considered by some to be difficult to talk about. In fact, it was never intended to be merely 'understood' intellectually or in a passive sense. It must be personally experienced. Alma wanted his audience to be active participants. Those who experienced it, said Alma, have 'felt to sing the song of redeeming love.' Other scripture confirms that it was so in ancient times as well. Alma hoped that his

people would retain this blessed and favored state; for only by remaining   'steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works' can celestial glory be guaranteed." (Skinner, Andrew C. "Alma's 'Pure Testimony.'" Essay. In Studies in Scripture, Volume 7: 1 Nephi to Alma 29, edited by Kent P. Jackson, 301-302. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book co., 1987.)

“To endure to the end, we need to be eager to please God and worship Him with fervor and passion. This means that we maintain faith in Jesus Christ by praying, studying the scriptures, partaking of the sacrament each week? and having the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. We need to actively help and serve others and share the gospel with them. We need to be perfectly upright and honest in all things, never compromising our covenants with God or our commitments to men, regardless of circumstances. In our homes we need to talk of, rejoice in, and preach of

Christ so that our children—and we ourselves—will desire to apply the Atonement in our lives. We must identify temptations that easily beset us and put them out of reach—way out of reach. Finally, we need to frequently biopsy our mightily changed hearts and reverse any signs of early rejection. (Dale G. Renlund, “Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change”)

"From Adam to Moses and from Moses to Christ, God's prophets and priests offered sacrifices. Such were in the similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father who was to come. When Moses lifted the serpent on the pole in ancient Israel and told the Israelites that those who would look would live when they were bitten by poisonous serpents, it was in similitude of the fact that the Son of God would be lifted up on the cross and that all who would look to him might live eternally. Every ordinance of the gospel is designed to point and center the attention of men in Christ... Every prophet that there has been in the world has borne record that he is the Son of God, because in its very nature that is the chief calling of a prophet.  The testimony of Jesus is synonymous with the spirit of prophecy."

(McConkie, Bruce R. "What Think Ye of Christ?" General Conference October 1948.)

"Our Savior's Atonement does more than assure us of immortality by a universal resurrection and give us the opportunity to be cleansed from sin by repentance and baptism. His Atonement also provides the opportunity to call

upon Him who has experienced all of our mortal infirmities to give us the strength to bear the burdens of mortality. He

knows of our anguish, and He is there for us." - Dallin H Oaks

"The Savior has suffered not just for our sins and iniquities— but also for our physical pains and anguish, our weaknesses and shortcomings, our fears and frustrations, our disappointments and discouragement, our regrets and

remorse, our despair and desperation, the injustices and inequities We experience, and the emotional distresses that

beset us...There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I ever confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first" - David A Bednar

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 24 May 2020

Elders Quorum Online

The lesson was based on Sister Jean B. Bingham, ”United in Accomplishing God’s Work” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/34bingham?lang=eng ; and President Dallin H Oaks, “The Melchizedek Priesthood and the Keys.” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/36oaks?lang=eng 

D&C 121: 34 - 46

34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—

36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.

39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.

40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen.

41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

Be careful of our opinions and remember the Lord is in charge.  Remember that even if we are sure of ourselves, it doesn’t mean we are right.

Relief Society Online

The lesson based on Elder James R. Rasband, “Ensuring a Righteous Judgment”, April 2020 General Conference.

“As President Nelson has taught, ‘The Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere.’ The more we understand about the Savior’s supernal gift, the more we will come to know, in our minds and in our hearts, the reality of President Nelson’s assurance that ‘the truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls.’”

“I have seen something similar happen to people I have known. I have seen some who have spent a long winter of guilt and spiritual starvation emerge into the morning of forgiveness.

“When morning came, they learned this:

“‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.’

“‘I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.’

“‘I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.’

“‘For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.’”

What are the demands of Justice?

What does justice require of you?  Can you pay it?

“The thought that rescued Alma, when he acted upon it, is this: Restoring what you cannot restore, healing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that which you broke and you cannot fix is the very purpose of the atonement of Christ.” (President Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness”, October 1995 General Conference)

“As natural men and women, we all bump, or sometimes crash, into each other and cause harm. As any parent can testify, the pain associated with our mistakes is not simply the fear of our own punishment but the fear that we may have limited our children’s joy or in some way hindered them from seeing and understanding the truth. The glorious promise of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice is that as far as our mistakes as parents are concerned, He holds our children blameless and promises healing for them.”

Mosiah 27:25-26

25 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;

26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.