Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-13
Elders' Quorum
Chapter 33: The Spiritual Gifts of Healing, Tongues, Prophecy, and Discerning of Spirits 379–89
Every gift of the spirit must be cultivated. It is not enough to just be given them.
From the manual:
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“We crossed the public square, and entered Brother [Elijah] Fordham’s house. Brother Fordham had been dying for an hour, and we expected each minute would be his last. I felt the power of God that was overwhelming his Prophet. When we entered the house, Brother Joseph walked up to Brother Fordham, and took him by the right hand. … He saw that Brother Fordham’s eyes were glazed, and that he was speechless and unconscious.
“After taking hold of his hand, [the Prophet] looked down into the dying man’s face and said: ‘Brother Fordham, do you not know me?’ At first he made no reply; but we could all see the effect of the Spirit of God resting upon him.
“[Joseph] again said: ‘Elijah, do you not know me?’ With a low whisper, Brother Fordham answered, ‘Yes!’ The Prophet then said, ‘Have you not faith to be healed?’
“The answer, which was a little plainer than before, was: ‘I am afraid it is too late. If you had come sooner, I think I might have been.’ He had the appearance of a man awaking from sleep. It was the sleep of death. Joseph then said: ‘Do you not believe that Jesus is the Christ?’ ‘I do, Brother Joseph,’ was the response.
“Then the Prophet of God spoke with a loud voice, as in the majesty of the Godhead: ‘Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole!’"
Do we ourselves find that our trials have gone on too long and get hopeless that God will not help?Faith applies to not just being healed from physical illness, also from spiritual weaknesses that continually work on us. Just like an illness may not be removed from us, so it is with spiritual weakness. We may have to continue to endure them to make us stretch our faith and our character.
Sunday School
Lesson 19: The Plan of Salvation 105
How does knowing the plan of salvation help us to make big decisions in our lives? It may be hard, but we have made decisions to do hard things before (when Father gave us the choice to choose the plan of salvation and come to earth to be tested).
Someone shared that they had a tattoo that they hoped was removed in the resurrection. We all have tattoos on our souls. The goal is to stop injecting ink into them and to repent in order to have the atonement fade them off our soul.
Sacrament Service
“ ‘The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them’ (D&C 20:53). This is the mandate of the Lord. I hope that home teachers and visiting teachers will experience two things: first, the challenge of the responsibility that is in their great calling, and second, the sweetness of results from their work, particularly with those among us who are less active. I hope that these teachers will get on their knees and pray for direction, and then go to work to bring these wandering prodigals back into the fold of the Church. If home and visiting teachers respond to this challenge, I honestly believe that they will taste the sweet and wonderful feeling which comes of being an instrument in the hands of the Lord in leading someone back into activity in His church and kingdom.
“I am making a plea for us to reach out to our brethren and sisters who have known the beauty and the wonder of this restored gospel for a brief season and then for some reason have left it.
“May all home teachers recognize that they have an inescapable responsibility to go into the homes of the people and teach them to live the gospel principles more faithfully, to see that there is no iniquity or backbiting or evil speaking, to build faith, to see that the families are getting along temporally. That is a very serious responsibility; it really is. But it is not a heavy burden—it just takes a little more faith. It is worthy of our very best effort.” (Instruments of the Lord, Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign May 1997)
“Remember, both quality and quantity home teaching are essential in being an effective home teacher. You should have quality visits, but you should also make contact with each of your families each month. As shepherds to all of your families, both active and less active, you should not be content with only reaching the ninety and nine. Your goal should be 100 percent home teaching every month” (Ensign, May 1987, 51).
From the BulletinThis weekend and this month we celebrate and honor both our heroes, ancestors, and the restoration of the Priesthood of God.
On this weekend and beyond, let us remember those many persons who have gone before us-those who paid the price for our freedoms and religion-and on whose shoulders we stand. If we are to retain our freedoms and opportunities, we must seek consistent and exacting obedience to our Father in Heaven-for He holds nations in His hands and so Eagerly Yearns to Bless the Obedient.
Though said every week and though we may almost become numb to the message sometimes, exacting and consistent obedience to God's laws and principles will bring us peace, power, capacity, healing, and joy. There is no other way. Through exacting obedience, we will be optimistic and healing, and joy. There is no other way.
Through exacting obedience, we will be optimistic in the face of all issues since we know we are completely on the Lord's side and HE will support us.
Hence, with this REAL optimism and faith built on consistent obedience, we will be aware of problems, but recognize solutions; know about difficulties but, believe
they can be overcome; see negative, but accentuate positives; be exposed to the worst, but expect the best; have reason to complain, but choose to smile.
Know is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. (Johan Wolfgang von Goeth)
THANK YOU to all who understand sacrifice NOW so that others may stand on your shoulders. I am humbled to be numbered among you, the noble and great ones.
The Bishop
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