Song: Come Follow Me click here
Bible Video clip: Follow Me, and I Will Make You Fishers of Men click here
Talk: “Follow Me” Joseph B. Wirthlin Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles click here
Ponder this:
Those who, in faith, leave their nets and follow the Savior will experience happiness beyond their ability to comprehend.
Jesus the Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life: no [one] cometh unto the Father, but by [Him].”9 As a special witness of Him, I testify to you this day that the time will come when every man, woman, and child will look into the Savior’s loving eyes. On that day, we will know with a surety the worth of our decision to straightway follow Him.
That each of us may hear the call of the Master and straightway leave our entangling nets and joyfully follow Him is my earnest prayer in the name of Jesus Christ,
April 30, 2018
April 25, 2018
To What Are You Tethered? April 23-30
Song: Lord, We Come Before thee Now
Talk: To What Are You Tethered? Trish Gannaway
Ponder this:
Three Categories of Trust
While habits are tools we use when we make choices, they aren't necessarily the basis for why we do what we do. We have to go a little deeper to see what our decisions are based on, what we trust, and what we have tethered ourselves to. I want to discuss three main categories of opposite sources of trust. Think of which of these opposing ideas you have used as the basis for your choices. What have you tethered yourself to, and, more importantly, what do you need to tether yourself to?
Faith or Doubts
Sacrifice or No Sacrifice
God's Plan or Philosophies of the World
Heavenly Father gave us agency not because He doesn't care, and not because He wants us to choose whatever we want, but because He wants us to be able to prove ourselves while we are away from Him. Our success is His work and His glory. He wants us to trust Him, and, more importantly, we should want Him to trust us.
Every decision we make either leads us closer to the Savior or away from Him. On which side of that line are your choices putting you? If they are taking you away from the Savior, His gospel, His teachings, and all He represents, I encourage you to start making choices that will bring you closer to Him. Start with the small choices.
The world would have you think that the most important things to seek after are the enticing, the exciting, and the fun; that your success and happiness depend on what you can do on your own without asking God for help; that there is no need for a Savior or repentance; that families aren't the basis for His plan to help us become who He wants us to be; and that making covenants is restrictive and unnecessary. Those are all lies, and you know none of those things are true. Do not trust things that aren't true.
When all is said and done, so many things come down to what you trust. What do you need to change in your life to more fully trust God and tether yourself to Him? Trust your faith. Trust making decisions that require some sacrifice. Trust in God's plan. He is the source of truth. He who created the entire universe can be trusted in every decision you make. Tether yourself to Him with heavy-duty carabineers because He is the tandem buddy that your life depends on. "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." "His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come."
Talk: To What Are You Tethered? Trish Gannaway
Ponder this:
Three Categories of Trust
While habits are tools we use when we make choices, they aren't necessarily the basis for why we do what we do. We have to go a little deeper to see what our decisions are based on, what we trust, and what we have tethered ourselves to. I want to discuss three main categories of opposite sources of trust. Think of which of these opposing ideas you have used as the basis for your choices. What have you tethered yourself to, and, more importantly, what do you need to tether yourself to?
Faith or Doubts
Sacrifice or No Sacrifice
God's Plan or Philosophies of the World
Heavenly Father gave us agency not because He doesn't care, and not because He wants us to choose whatever we want, but because He wants us to be able to prove ourselves while we are away from Him. Our success is His work and His glory. He wants us to trust Him, and, more importantly, we should want Him to trust us.
Every decision we make either leads us closer to the Savior or away from Him. On which side of that line are your choices putting you? If they are taking you away from the Savior, His gospel, His teachings, and all He represents, I encourage you to start making choices that will bring you closer to Him. Start with the small choices.
The world would have you think that the most important things to seek after are the enticing, the exciting, and the fun; that your success and happiness depend on what you can do on your own without asking God for help; that there is no need for a Savior or repentance; that families aren't the basis for His plan to help us become who He wants us to be; and that making covenants is restrictive and unnecessary. Those are all lies, and you know none of those things are true. Do not trust things that aren't true.
When all is said and done, so many things come down to what you trust. What do you need to change in your life to more fully trust God and tether yourself to Him? Trust your faith. Trust making decisions that require some sacrifice. Trust in God's plan. He is the source of truth. He who created the entire universe can be trusted in every decision you make. Tether yourself to Him with heavy-duty carabineers because He is the tandem buddy that your life depends on. "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." "His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come."
April 16, 2018
Integrety April 16-22
Song: Choose The Right (Hymn #239) click here to sing along with the words
Talk: " I Will Not Remove Mine Integrity From Me" by David Bednar
Ponder This:
The words "integrity" and "honesty" are closely associated and often used interchangeably. In fact, in my message this afternoon I will frequently refer to both integrity and honesty. We must remember, however, that these terms are related but are not synonymous.
Integrity is the quality or condition of being whole, complete, unbroken, and undivided. The word integrity comes from the Latin root word "integer" and is related to other words with the same root such as entire and integrate. All of these expressions share the notion of being intact, sound, uncorrupted, and perfect. As Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin has explained:
. . . integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more important, in our thoughts and in our hearts. Personal integrity implies such trustworthiness and incorruptibility that we are incapable of being false to a trust or covenant ("Personal Integrity," Ensign, May 1990, p. 30).
Honesty is the quality or condition of being truthful, sincere, candid, and worthy of honor. The word honesty comes from the Latin root word "honestus" and is related to other words with the same root such as honor and honorable. Each of these expressions shares the notion of being genuine, trustworthy, upright, respectable, and decent. As President James E. Faust has taught:
We all need to know what it means to be honest. Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving ("Honesty--A Moral Compass," Ensign, November 1996, p. 41).
The thirteenth article of faith begins, "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing go
od to all men . . . ." Brothers and sisters, it is significant to me that the first trait listed in this inspired summary of cardinal Christian virtues is honesty. Indeed, the very fountain and the foundation of our daily discipleship are integrity and honesty.
Closely associated with becoming men and women of integrity and honesty is reaching a point where we no longer are driven or directed by rules; instead, we learn to govern our lives by principle. To be sure, we keep the rules; but we also begin to ask ourselves, "What is the principle involved here?" Such a person becomes less dependent upon external scaffolding and structure and more dependent upon quiet and ongoing divine direction. As the Prophet Joseph Smith explained, "I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves" (Teachings of Joseph Smith, eds. Larry E. Dahl and Donald Q. Cannon, Bookcraft, 1997, p. 32).
I believe the definitive test of our integrity and honesty is when we personally enforce in our own lives that which ultimately cannot be enforced. There are so many aspects of being honest, of obeying... and of living the gospel that simply cannot be enforced in our lives by anyone else. In the final analysis, you and I bear the responsibility to become men and women of integrity and honesty--men and women who are true and trustworthy when no one is watching and when no one else is around.
Talk: " I Will Not Remove Mine Integrity From Me" by David Bednar
Ponder This:
The words "integrity" and "honesty" are closely associated and often used interchangeably. In fact, in my message this afternoon I will frequently refer to both integrity and honesty. We must remember, however, that these terms are related but are not synonymous.
Integrity is the quality or condition of being whole, complete, unbroken, and undivided. The word integrity comes from the Latin root word "integer" and is related to other words with the same root such as entire and integrate. All of these expressions share the notion of being intact, sound, uncorrupted, and perfect. As Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin has explained:
. . . integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more important, in our thoughts and in our hearts. Personal integrity implies such trustworthiness and incorruptibility that we are incapable of being false to a trust or covenant ("Personal Integrity," Ensign, May 1990, p. 30).
Honesty is the quality or condition of being truthful, sincere, candid, and worthy of honor. The word honesty comes from the Latin root word "honestus" and is related to other words with the same root such as honor and honorable. Each of these expressions shares the notion of being genuine, trustworthy, upright, respectable, and decent. As President James E. Faust has taught:
We all need to know what it means to be honest. Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving ("Honesty--A Moral Compass," Ensign, November 1996, p. 41).
The thirteenth article of faith begins, "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing go
od to all men . . . ." Brothers and sisters, it is significant to me that the first trait listed in this inspired summary of cardinal Christian virtues is honesty. Indeed, the very fountain and the foundation of our daily discipleship are integrity and honesty.
Closely associated with becoming men and women of integrity and honesty is reaching a point where we no longer are driven or directed by rules; instead, we learn to govern our lives by principle. To be sure, we keep the rules; but we also begin to ask ourselves, "What is the principle involved here?" Such a person becomes less dependent upon external scaffolding and structure and more dependent upon quiet and ongoing divine direction. As the Prophet Joseph Smith explained, "I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves" (Teachings of Joseph Smith, eds. Larry E. Dahl and Donald Q. Cannon, Bookcraft, 1997, p. 32).
I believe the definitive test of our integrity and honesty is when we personally enforce in our own lives that which ultimately cannot be enforced. There are so many aspects of being honest, of obeying... and of living the gospel that simply cannot be enforced in our lives by anyone else. In the final analysis, you and I bear the responsibility to become men and women of integrity and honesty--men and women who are true and trustworthy when no one is watching and when no one else is around.
April 09, 2018
April 9-15
Song: "What Child Is This" chick here for a fantastic rendition by a married couple
Talk: Knowing, Remembering and Serving the Lord
by David Frischknecht click here to listen
Ponder Brother Frischknecht words:
How well do you know the Redeemer of mankind? How would you explain to someone else who He is - for you?
Anciently the Israelites were careful not to read the name of God aloud. The Bible Dictionary indicates that, “Jehovah was ‘the covenant or proper name of the God of Israel.’ It denotes the ‘Unchangeable One,’ ‘the eternal I AM’ (Exodus 6:3; Psalms 83:18, Isaiah. 12:2; 26:4). The original pronunciation of this name has possibly been lost, as the Jews, in reading, never mentioned it.” To avoid pronouncing His name in former times, they substituted one of the other names of God, usually Adonai (see Bible Dictionary, “Jehovah,” 710–11).
Can you imagine having so much reverence for the name of the God of Israel that you never, ever pronounced His name aloud? If you could not speak His name, how would you refer to Him? How would you describe who He is? What name or expression would you use?
One way we can come to know the Lord better is through studying the names and titles used for Him in the scriptures. The writers of scripture used many names, titles, and descriptions to refer to the Son of God. In many cases they seemed to use the name or title that reinforced the doctrine they were teaching or the action they were encouraging.
For example, the expression “the Holy One of Israel” emphasizes His sanctity and should inspire our reverence and respect. It also recalls His miraculous deliverance of ancient and modern Israel, His covenant people. Another expression, “the Good Shepherd,” reminds us that He cares for and loves us as a true shepherd does his sheep (see John 10:14-15). The Good Shepherd has a fold - the Church, a safe refuge to which He invites us. The Good Shepherd calls after us in His own name (see Alma 5:38). He commands us to keep ravenous wolves away (see 3 Nephi 14:15).
The title “the Lamb of God” connotes His innocence and sacrifice. The Lamb, “without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19), “taketh away the sins of the world [and] is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness” (Alma 7:14). The use of the term “Lamb” must have been particularly poignant for those who lived the law of Moses and sacrificed their lambs in anticipation of the great and last sacrifice. And the expression “the Lamb of God” reminds us who provided the Lamb for that great and last sacrifice.
There are many other names or images that help us understand the Lord. For example, He said He is the Bread of Life (see John 6:48-51). And that Bread is essential to our eternal soul, like physical food is essential to our physical body. He said He is the vine and we are the branches (see John 15:1-8). How does that image help you know Him better? Does it help you understand that we need to be connected to Him to survive, just as branches must be connected to the vine to live and to bear fruit?
In addition to the figurative language that helps us know the Messiah better, we can study the titles that describe His place and service in the plan of happiness. King Benjamin declared that He is “the Creator of all things from the beginning” (Mosiah 3:8), “both in heaven and in earth” (Mosiah 4:9). Lehi referred to Him as “the great Mediator of all men” (2 Nephi 2:27). The Father gave Him “power to make intercession for the children of men,” to stand “betwixt them and justice” (Mosiah 15:8–9), to be our Advocate with the Father and plead our cause before Him (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:3).
The Savior of the world is called the Messiah, the Anointed One, because He was chosen and prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem His people (see Ether 3:14). With each name or image, we learn something more about who He is. Each name or image expresses specific aspects of His character or mission. As we study and ponder His many names, we can learn more about Him and come to know Him better.
Today we pray to the Father in the name of His Son, and perform priesthood ordinances and preach and teach and worship in His name. But, if you were not allowed to pronounce His name aloud, what expression would you use to speak of Him? How would you refer to the Lord God Omnipotent (Mosiah 3:5), the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), the Keeper of the gate (2 Nephi 9:41)?
I know that the Lord and Savior lives and that He is our Good Shepherd, our rock, our hope, our Redeemer, our all. Let us close with a scripture chain from John, Alma, 3 Nephi, and Doctrine and Covenants section 50. Rather than following along in your own scriptures, perhaps you could listen to the words as if the Savior were saying them to you alone. If you are very quiet inside, you will feel the witness from the Holy Ghost testify to your soul that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He knows you and remembers you and serves you.
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
“The good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you” (Alma 5:38).
“Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
“. . . If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive. . . .
“. . . I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name. . . .
“And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh. . . .
“I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (3 Nephi 9:13-18).
“I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:44).
Additional songs:
There is Peace in Christ
The Miracle
Jesus is My Shepherd
Talk: Knowing, Remembering and Serving the Lord
by David Frischknecht click here to listen
Ponder Brother Frischknecht words:
How well do you know the Redeemer of mankind? How would you explain to someone else who He is - for you?
Anciently the Israelites were careful not to read the name of God aloud. The Bible Dictionary indicates that, “Jehovah was ‘the covenant or proper name of the God of Israel.’ It denotes the ‘Unchangeable One,’ ‘the eternal I AM’ (Exodus 6:3; Psalms 83:18, Isaiah. 12:2; 26:4). The original pronunciation of this name has possibly been lost, as the Jews, in reading, never mentioned it.” To avoid pronouncing His name in former times, they substituted one of the other names of God, usually Adonai (see Bible Dictionary, “Jehovah,” 710–11).
Can you imagine having so much reverence for the name of the God of Israel that you never, ever pronounced His name aloud? If you could not speak His name, how would you refer to Him? How would you describe who He is? What name or expression would you use?
One way we can come to know the Lord better is through studying the names and titles used for Him in the scriptures. The writers of scripture used many names, titles, and descriptions to refer to the Son of God. In many cases they seemed to use the name or title that reinforced the doctrine they were teaching or the action they were encouraging.
For example, the expression “the Holy One of Israel” emphasizes His sanctity and should inspire our reverence and respect. It also recalls His miraculous deliverance of ancient and modern Israel, His covenant people. Another expression, “the Good Shepherd,” reminds us that He cares for and loves us as a true shepherd does his sheep (see John 10:14-15). The Good Shepherd has a fold - the Church, a safe refuge to which He invites us. The Good Shepherd calls after us in His own name (see Alma 5:38). He commands us to keep ravenous wolves away (see 3 Nephi 14:15).
The title “the Lamb of God” connotes His innocence and sacrifice. The Lamb, “without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19), “taketh away the sins of the world [and] is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness” (Alma 7:14). The use of the term “Lamb” must have been particularly poignant for those who lived the law of Moses and sacrificed their lambs in anticipation of the great and last sacrifice. And the expression “the Lamb of God” reminds us who provided the Lamb for that great and last sacrifice.
There are many other names or images that help us understand the Lord. For example, He said He is the Bread of Life (see John 6:48-51). And that Bread is essential to our eternal soul, like physical food is essential to our physical body. He said He is the vine and we are the branches (see John 15:1-8). How does that image help you know Him better? Does it help you understand that we need to be connected to Him to survive, just as branches must be connected to the vine to live and to bear fruit?
In addition to the figurative language that helps us know the Messiah better, we can study the titles that describe His place and service in the plan of happiness. King Benjamin declared that He is “the Creator of all things from the beginning” (Mosiah 3:8), “both in heaven and in earth” (Mosiah 4:9). Lehi referred to Him as “the great Mediator of all men” (2 Nephi 2:27). The Father gave Him “power to make intercession for the children of men,” to stand “betwixt them and justice” (Mosiah 15:8–9), to be our Advocate with the Father and plead our cause before Him (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:3).
The Savior of the world is called the Messiah, the Anointed One, because He was chosen and prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem His people (see Ether 3:14). With each name or image, we learn something more about who He is. Each name or image expresses specific aspects of His character or mission. As we study and ponder His many names, we can learn more about Him and come to know Him better.
Today we pray to the Father in the name of His Son, and perform priesthood ordinances and preach and teach and worship in His name. But, if you were not allowed to pronounce His name aloud, what expression would you use to speak of Him? How would you refer to the Lord God Omnipotent (Mosiah 3:5), the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), the Keeper of the gate (2 Nephi 9:41)?
I know that the Lord and Savior lives and that He is our Good Shepherd, our rock, our hope, our Redeemer, our all. Let us close with a scripture chain from John, Alma, 3 Nephi, and Doctrine and Covenants section 50. Rather than following along in your own scriptures, perhaps you could listen to the words as if the Savior were saying them to you alone. If you are very quiet inside, you will feel the witness from the Holy Ghost testify to your soul that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He knows you and remembers you and serves you.
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
“The good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you” (Alma 5:38).
“Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
“. . . If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive. . . .
“. . . I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name. . . .
“And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh. . . .
“I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (3 Nephi 9:13-18).
“I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:44).
Additional songs:
There is Peace in Christ
The Miracle
Jesus is My Shepherd
April 02, 2018
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