Ward Council
Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on President Uchtdorf’s conference talk "The Merciful Obtain Mercy".
When we use a computer program that has defaults set to things that are harmful or inconvenient to us it is frustrating and makes it
difficult for us. The same is true when our default as people is to think the worst of people when they say or do things the wrong way.
Sunday School
I visited my son's primary class today.
The Plan of Salvation
3 Nephi 8
2 And now it came to pass, if there was no mistake made by this man in the reckoning of our time, the thirty and third year had passed away;
3 And the people began to look with great earnestness for the sign which had been given by the prophet Samuel, the Lamanite, yea, for the time that there should be darkness for the space of three days over the face of the land.
Sacrament Service
Family History
“The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead. … For it is necessary that the sealing power should be in our hands to seal our children and our dead for the fulness of the dispensation of times—a dispensation to meet the promises made by Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world for the salvation of man. … Hence, God said, ‘I will send you Elijah the prophet’” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 475)
“Yet there are many members of the Church who have only limited access to the temples. They do the best they can. They pursue family history research and have the temple ordinance work done by others. Conversely, there are some members who engage in temple work but fail to do family history research on their own family lines. Although they perform a divine service in assisting others, they lose a blessing by not seeking their own kindred dead as divinely directed by latter-day prophets.” (Howard W. Hunter, "A Temple-Motivated People," Ensign, Feb. 1995, 2–5
)
Malchi 4
Moses 1:39
“In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves but measurably, saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation.” ( Elder John A. Widtsoe, Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934, p. 189; see also History of the Church, 6:59–61.)
"This spiritual guidance is available in all aspects of our lives, including education, employment, and marriage." (The Gospel and the Productive Life Student Manual - Religion 150 Chapter 2 - The Guidance of the Spirit)
“These are trying days, in which Satan rages, at home and abroad, hard days, evil and ugly days. We stand helpless as it seems before them. We need help. We need strength. We need guidance. Perhaps if we would do our work in behalf of those of the unseen world who hunger and pray for the work we can do for them, the unseen world would in return give us help in this day of our urgent need. There are more in the other world than there are here. There is more power and strength there than we have here upon this earth. We have but a trifle, and that trifle is taken from the immeasurable power of God. We shall make no mistake in becoming collaborators in the Lord’s mighty work for human redemption” (Elder John A. Widtsoe, in Conference Report, Apr. 1943, 39).
"Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives." (Elder David A Bednar, The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn, October 2011 General Conference)
Ward Council
John 15:13
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
This could mean dying for someone or it could mean lay down the things you live for, like hobbies, work, vacation, and so forth.
6.1 and 6.11 from handbook 2
First, be self reliant. Second, care for the poor and needy Third, give service. We often spend more time on 2 and 3 than on 1.
Elders Quorum/High Priest
The instructor mentioned there is a Mormons in America thing on TV this week. Something call Rock Center with Brian Williams.
Chapter 16 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith manual
The chapel is sometimes referred to as the sanctuary. It is like an exposure to a glimpse of the temple. Often we instead view the chapel as a socializing place.
One person shared that he heard of someone who kept a stopwatch on their kids in sacrament meeting and for every minute they acted up in the chapel was a minute that they would have to sit still on the couch when they got home.
I have often taught my kids that as boring and uncomfortable the chapel can be, the hallway is even more so. If I have to take them to the hall they will be very uncomfortable. Even a baby can be held and consoled in the hall, but face the wall with no scenery to look at. The chapel has people and things to look at and they can be there if they are quiet.
Sunday School
Alma 53, 56-58
The teacher talked about the Army of Helaman that was in the Bountiful, Utah Pioneer Day parade that has been posted by several people on YouTube.
Alma 56:47-48
47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
The people of Ammon buried their weapons, perhaps because if they got mad they would have to go dig up their sword and by the time they would be done, maybe they wouldn't be mad anymore.
The parents of the army of Helaman covenanted to not shed blood anymore. The army of Helaman covenanted to never give up liberty and in all cases to protect the nephites. These were lifelong covenants.
Sacrament Service
A young woman expressed that she saw missionaries on temple square speaking to others in languages other than English. She said that gospel is true, no matter what language it is spoken in.
A missionary that returned from a mission to Argentina nine months ago spoke to us.
There is a family in our ward whose house burned down recently. An account has been set up at Golden West Credit Union where people can make donations. The name of the account is the Leonard Handy Fund.
Elders Quorum
Chapter 15 Teachings of George Albert Smith manual.
“When George Albert Smith was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1903, Church membership stood at just over 300,000.” It makes me pause thinking that today Church membership grows by 300-400 thousand each year.
Much missionary work happened through military servicemen, who were LDS, during World War II, even though the official missionary program of the Church was greatly reduced due to the war.
The Mormon tabernacle choir has been a great missionary tool. Music and the Spoken Word is the longest running radio and also the longest running television program. It is also expanding to the Internet (http://musicandthespokenword.com/).
"And then there are those who accept nominal membership in the Church but who seem to feel themselves exempt from rendering any kind of service. But sooner or later they find themselves uneasy in their hearts, and doubtful in their thoughts, as we all do when we fail to do what we know to be our full duty. A man who is living in accordance with the gospel of Jesus Christ is never in doubt about its success; but the man who neglects his duty, who fails to keep his covenants, loses the Spirit of the Lord" - from the manual.
Sunday School
Alma 43-52
Moroni gives the army of Zerahemnah the opportunity to make a covenant to give up the weapons and never come to war again. Moroni had stopped his armies even though they could've overpowered them. They give up their weapons, but Zerahemnah refuses to make the covenant of peace. Moroni gives them back their weapons.
Alma 44:10
10 And now when Zerahemnah had made an end of speaking these words, Moroni returned the sword and the weapons of war, which he had received, unto Zerahemnah, saying: Behold, we will end the conflict.
Alma 46:10-12
10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake.
11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
Moroni posts this title of liberty all over town to remind the people what they are fighting for. Things that were not on the title of
liberty: destroy, take captive, get revenge.
Sacrament Service
“On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Lovest thou me?” Each time Peter’s reply was the same: “Thou knowest that I love thee.” And each time the Savior instructed Peter: “Feed my lambs. … Feed my sheep. … Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17).” (M Russell Ballard, “The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work”, April 2003 General Conference)
Doctrine and Covenants 88:81
81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
Moroni 9:6
6 And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.
I don’t think this means that we rest when we are done. I think it means that we gain rest while laboring. Just as with the Sabbath being a day of rest, I think we need a better understanding of the word rest.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
He states for all those who are heavy laden to take a yoke upon then. That initially seems like taking on more work, but a yoke allows two oxen to pull together. These verses also talk about finding rest while being yoked, which would seem to indicate continuing to labor.
One of the definitions of rest in the dictionary is “mental or spiritual calm; tranquillity”. This does not necessarily mean you are doing nothing. It just means that your mind and spirit are at ease.
We don’t have to focus on making sure people join the Church. The scriptures just say that we are to warn or bring them opportunities to learn for themselves.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:81
81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
Sharing the gospel is not about you. It is about them, so talk about them.
Choose to see people as innocent children, no matter their behavior, then you can more easily feel the love father has for them.
2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:8
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
“I wish that every member of this Church would put those words where he might see them every morning as he begins his day” (“Be Not Afraid,” Friend, Feb. 2005, 2)
From the Bulletin
“Missionary work is the lifeblood of the Church and the lifesaving blessing to all who accept the message.” (Elder Ronald A Rasband, The Divine Call of a Missionary, Ensign, May 2010, 51)
Employment Specialist Meeting
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
Ward Council
Someone gave a thought based on Elder Jeffrey R Holland’s Ensign article, Standing Together for the Cause of Christ
Training was from Handbook 2 section 3.1
3.1 The Savior’s Way of Leading
All Church leaders are called to help other people become “true followers of … Jesus Christ” (Moroni 7:48). To do this, leaders first strive to be the Savior’s faithful disciples, living each day so that they can return to live in God’s presence. Then they can help others develop strong testimonies and draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Church programs and activities help achieve these purposes.
Leaders can best teach others how to be “true followers” by their personal example. This pattern—being a faithful disciple in order to help others become faithful disciples—is the purpose behind every calling in the Church.
When leaders serve according to this pattern, they help Church members desire to be worthy of temple marriage and the blessing of an eternal family.
Elders Quorum
The Elders Quorum presidency reviewed how to bless/dedicate a baby.
1. Addresses Heavenly Father.
2. States that the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
3. Gives the child a name.
4. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Lesson was based on the First Presidency message by President Monson from August 2012, The Savior’s Call to Serve
Moses 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
“...whom the Lord calls, He qualifies.” (ELDER CLAYTON M. CHRISTENSEN, Seven Lessons on Sharing the Gospel, Ensign February 2005)
1 Nephi 3:7
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
Luke 1: 37
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
“O Cromwell, Cromwell!
Had I but served my God with half the zeal
I served my king, He would not in mine age
Have left me naked to mine enemies.” (William Shakespeare, “King Henry the Eighth”, Act 3, scene 2, lines 455–58)
One of Satan's best tools is keeping good men busy with good things and getting them to neglect better or best things.
Sunday School
Alma 41-42
The Plan of Salvation
Alma calls it the plan of restoration and the plan of salvation and the great plan of happiness and the plan of redemption and the great
plan of mercy.
"“The Lord has described his plan of redemption as the Plan of Happiness. … Conversationally, we reference this great design almost too casually at times; we even sketch its rude outlines on chalkboards and paper as if it were the floor plan for an addition to one’s house. However, when we really take time to ponder the Plan, it is breathtaking and overpowering!” (Elder Neal A Maxwell, “Thanks Be to God,” Ensign, July 1982, 51)
Satan tries to play on out built in desire for agency and say that we can choose whatever we want. He also tries to minimize our agency's impact on our salvation.
Topical Guide Problem-Solving
