Mormon Life - Prophets tag

Book of Mormon Lesson 18: "God Himself . . . Shall Redeem His People"

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:05:00 -0600

by Ted L. Gibbons
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Abinadi had "beautiful feet," as described by Isaiah, and he took his mission from the Lord very seriously. He was even willing to die for it.

Quote of the week:

It is not sufficient that we should treasure the book of Mormon, nor that we testify that it is of God. We must know its truths, incorporate them into our lives, and share them with others. I [feel] an overwhelming love for the people and an urgent desire that all would comprehend the value of the Book of Mormon. (Elder Richard G. Scott, C.R., Oct. 1988, pp. 89,90)

INTRODUCTION:

In Isaiah 6 (or 2 Nephi 16), Isaiah responds to the question of the Lord, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?" with the familiar offering, “Here am I; send me." Knowing the difficulty and danger of the work, and understanding something of the disinterest of his people, he nevertheless offered himself for a most dangerous assignment: “Here am I; send me."

We know that the Savior said similar words when the Father asked for someone to undertake the awful burden of the atonement (see Moses 4:1; Abr. 3:27). I believe that there were a great many others who in the pre-mortal life or in mortality must have responded in a similar way.

To the question, Who will take a final message of repentance to the world before the great flood? Noah must have said, Here am I; send me!
When the Lord sent forth a pre-mortal call for someone to preach repentance to the Jews and prepare the way for the Savior, John the Baptist no doubt offered himself with this same sentiment: Here am I; send me!
To the question, Who will warn Jerusalem of its danger before the Babylonian destruction? Lehi and Jeremiah and others must have said, Here am I; send me!
When the survival of the Jews was at stake, and someone was needed to visit the king and plead for relief, Esther in essence said to her cousin Mordecai, Here am I; send me!
And when the time came for someone to warn the court and people of King Noah, Abinadi stepped forth: Here am I; send me!

What is it about this message—this warning—that impels otherwise normal disciples to lay their life on the line, and to come forth from obscurity and safety to hazard everything? The story of Abinadi before Noah will offer at least some answers to this question. As you read this lesson and study and ponder the associated scriptures, watch for indications about Abinadi's reasons for risking his life to preach truth to a truly despotic king and his wicked followers.

1. ABINADI CALLS NOAH AND HIS PRIESTS TO REPENTANCE, EXHORTS THEM TO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS, AND TEACHES OF THE ATONEMENT (Mosiah 12, 13)

Abinadi came twice to the court of Noah. The context makes it seem that he must have gone into hiding after his first visit. The “Lord delivered him out of their hands" (Mos. 11:26) when they first sought to take away his life, but “they sought from that time forth to take him." (Mos. 11:29) When he came back with a second warning because they had ignored the first, he “came among them in disguise," hoping to have time to deliver his message before they learned his identity, I suppose. But he was apprehended and taken before the king and then the priests for a Nephite inquisition. In fact, Abinadi indicated, “I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands" (Mosiah 17:9), which suggests that there was an element of volunteering in his capture

The priests asked him a number of questions, to which he responded in a way that astonished them (see Mos. 12:19). Finally one of them asked this question, and it is this question from among many questions that was engraved in the plates which would later be abridges and become part of the Book of Mormon. Clearly there is something here we are supposed to learn. Here is the question:

What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, saying: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth; Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion; Break forth into joy; sing together ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem; The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God? (Mos. 12:20-24)

Perhaps the purpose of the question was to point out that Abinadi's message did not the fit the pattern described by Isaiah. His second message contained nothing of beauty, good tidings, peace, or good tidings of good. Abinadi had very little to say about lifting up the voice, about singing, about joy, comfort, redemption, or salvation. His message was about judgment.

Abinadi answered this question at some length in Mosiah 15:13-18. But before we discuss that answer, let us consider the nature of the imagery Isaiah is using. In the day in which Isaiah wrote this passage, messages were often carried by runners, men who sprinted from place to place with documents of importance. Carrying a message of victory—a message of good tidings—was a great honor. Consider the following example:

In 490 BC the Athenians had miraculously defeated a much stronger force of invading Persians on the Plains of Marathon. Pheidippidies was selected to carry the good news back to Athens. The fleet runner ran the grueling 25 miles as fast as he could. Upon reaching the walls of the Acropolis, Pheidippidies cried out, “Rejoice, we conquer!" and promptly fell dead. (Webster's Word Histories, Mirriam-Webster, Inc., 1989, p. 291; for an additional example, see 2 Sam. 18: 19-28)

The allusion in Isaiah's description is to the beautiful feet of messengers who would run with the most important message ever carried in the history of the world. This also would be a message worth dying for, as Abinadi shows us.

As Abinadi answered this question, he made reference to “those who have published peace" (Mos. 15:14,15), “those that are still publishing peace" (Mos. 15:16), “those who shall hereafter publish peace" (Mos. 15:17), and to the Savior himself.

And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people; For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished. (Mos. 15:18,19)

All those who have carried this message of peace and hope and joy and salvation have beautiful feet. Perhaps one of the great compliments you could pay to any missionary would be to make the observation that he or she has beautiful feet!

All this was lost on the priests of Noah, of course. No matter what they said to Abinadi, they did not know the commandments and they did not keep them. No doubt they possessed written copies of them, but that was not enough. The commandments can never have the ability to purify and exalt us, and we can never know them, until they are written in the right place.

And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts; I perceive that ye have studied and taught iniquity the most part of your lives. (Mos. 13:12, emphasis added)

So Abinadi taught them the commandments. He quoted the first 2 of the 10 Commandments and challenged the priests with them.

Have ye done all this? I say unto you, Nay, ye have not. And have ye taught this people that they should do all these things? I say unto you, Nay, ye have not. (Mos. 12:37)

Noah at this point had had all the fun he could stand. He was not inclined to tolerate this kind of disrespect from anyone. “Away with this fellow," he said, “and slay him; for what have we do with him, for he is mad." (Mos. 13:1)

On at least four occasions in the scriptures it appears that the Lord has protected his messengers (with the beautiful feet) so that they could deliver his message.

1. When the Sanhedrin caught Stephen and accused him of blasphemy, they “saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." (Acts 6:15)

2. When Laman and Lemuel attempted to kill Nephi by throwing him into the sea, he said, “Touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God, even unto the consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall wither even as a dried reed; and he shall be as naught before the power of God, for God shall smite him. (1 Nephi 17:48)

3. When Lehi and Nephi were in the Lamanite prison, and enemies came to slay them, “they did shine exceedingly, even as the faces of angels." (Hel. 5:36)

4. And it also happened to Abinadi. “Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver; neither have I told you that which ye requested that I should tell; therefore, God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time. . . . Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster . . . (Mos. 13:3,5)

Abinadi then quoted the remainder of the 10 commandments to them and taught them of the purpose of the Law of Moses (see Mosiah 13:11-24, 27-35). Abinadi explained that no one could be saved by the Law of Moses.

And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God. (Mos. 13:32)

2. ABINADI QUOTES ISAIAH, TESTIFIES OF THE ATONEMENT, AND EXHORTS NOAH'S PRIESTS TO TEACH THE PEOPLE THAT REDEMPTION COMES THROUGH CHRIST (Mosiah 14-16)

Notice whom Abinadi quoted in Mosiah 14. His intent was to show that even the prophets who lived the Law of Moses spoke of the atonement. Nephi must have referred to such passages as these when he wrote this:

. . . but that I might more fully persuade [Laman and Lemuel] to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning. (1 Nephi 19:23)

Review Mosiah 14:2-12 and note (Mark? Highlight?) the things that Isaiah knew about the atoning sacrifice of the Savior. I have recorded some below, along with a suggestion or two about what some of them might mean.

(14:2) He will grow up as a tender plant (He will need care and protection like any child)

(14:2) He will not be of a form or beauty to attract us (like a root out of dry ground, Isaiah says. Have you ever pulled a carrot from an unwatered garden plot?)

(14:3) He will be despised and rejected

(14:3) He will be a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief

(14:3) We hid our faces from him (most of the multitudes turned away)

(14:3) We did not understand what he could do for us

(14:4) He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows

(14:5) He was wounded for our transgressions

(14:5) With his stripes we are healed

(14:7) He was oppressed and afflicted but he did not cry out

(14:8) He was cut off from the living (the crucifixion)

(14:9)He made his grave with the wicked and with the rich (he was crucified between to thieves and was laid in the tomb of a rich man)

(14:10) After he shall have performed the atonement, he shall see his seed (in the Spirit World he saw a multitude of those who had believed in him)

(14:10) He shall prolong his day (he will be resurrected)

(14:11) God shall see the suffering of this Son and the demands of justice will be satisfied

(14:11,12) He will bear the iniquities of many (all) people

What are the results of the Savior's willingness to atone for us? Abinadi speaks of them in Mosiah 15:7-9, 19-25.

(15:8) He breaks the bands of death and brings about the resurrection

(15:8) He has power to make intercession for the sons of men

(15:9) He is filled with compassion and mercy

(15:9) He stands between us and the demands of justice

(15:9 He has satisfied the demands of justice

(15:19) He saves all mankind from perishing

(15:23) The righteous are raised to dwell with God and have eternal life

(15:25) Little children have eternal life

For the time being, there is a probation granted in which men can repent or not according to the knowledge they have and the desires of their hearts. But a time will come it will be too late to choose.

The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgments are just. And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not. (Mosiah 16:1,2)

How much better it will be for us if we learn to kneel from love and gratitude rather than fear and condemnation!

The issue that will determine our final state is not what we were or what we intend one day to be, but what we are. Thus, if we are repentant and obedient, no matter what may have transpired previously in our lives, the Lord promises to turn scarlet sins to white and crimson colored sins to wool (see Isaiah 1:18); to never mention our sins to us again (see Ezek. 18:21,22); to subdue our sins and throw them into the depths of the sea (see Micah 7:19); to blot out like a thick cloud our transgressions (Isaiah 44:22); and to not remember our sins (see Isaiah 43:25). This, he has promised, he will do as often as we truly repent (see Mosiah 26:30). But if we are encompassed in sin, and if we do not repent, we have no promises at all.

But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore, he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God. (Mosiah 16:5)

3. ABINADI SEALS HIS TESTIMONY OF THE SAVIOR WITH HIS LIFE (Mosiah 17)

A careful reading of Mosiah 17:1,2 makes it clear that Abinadi hears the impassioned plea of Alma to spare him (Abinadi). It was only after Alma had been cast out and men sent to slay him (Mosiah 17:3) that guards surrounded Abinadi and took him away to his martyrdom. We have often commented that Abinadi may have died without the awareness of a single convert. But he must have had some hope. Hearing the words of Alma and seeing his ejection from this order of wicked priests, Abinadi may have believed that some good would come of his mission. And indeed it did.

My colleague, President Andrew Horton, has made a careful study of this matter and concluded that as a direct result of the ministry of Abinadi which was carried on by Alma the Elder and his descendants, 23,707 people united with the Church, and, in addition to this, thirteen other large groups of people (whose numbers are not specified) were converted. As you might have guessed, neither Noah nor any of his priests is included in this number.

Their charge against Abinadi was false doctrine. The king and his priests must have been feverish to find something—anything—to give a semblance of legality to their judgment.

And after three days [it took three days to come up with this?], having counseled with his priests, he caused that he should again be brought before him. And he said unto him: Abinadi, we have found an accusation against thee, and thou art worthy of death. For thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men; and now, for this cause thou shalt be put to death unless thou wilt recall all the words which thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people. (Mosiah 17:6-8)

Notice the deliverance they offered Abinadi. He would be put to death for teaching what they determined to be false doctrine, unless he would take back “all the words which [he had] spoken evil concerning" Noah and his people. (Mosiah 17:8)

CONCLUSION:

Abinadi had beautiful feet; he was running with the most important message in the world. In reality it was a message of beauty, good tidings, peace, lifting up the voice, singing, joy, comfort, redemption, and salvation. The words he had spoken were a package, the warnings and the promises, and he could not recall any of them. I can see him in my mind's eye, standing before the king and his court, erect, defiant, powerful, fearless, attended no doubt by a multitude of unseen beings cheering and rejoicing as he spoke:

I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. (Mosiah 17:9,10)

Book of Mormon Lesson 17: "A Seer . . . Becometh a Great Benefit to His Fellow Beings"

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:05:00 -0600

by Ted L. Gibbons
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: In this lesson, we will look at part of Abinadi's ministry. How can we better tune our spiritual lenses to see the "Noahs" and "Abinadis" in our own lives and thus avoid making our own mistakes?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Behold what wonders God hath wrought! Truth springs out of the earth; the gold plates are translated by the gift and power of God; and the voice we hear is one that whispers from the dust. It is the voice of all the Nephis, of Alma and Amulek and Abinadi, of Ether and Mormon and Moroni of all the Nephite and Jaredite prophets. It is the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, who ministered among the Nephites, inviting them to feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet and to thrust their hands into his riven side. It is the voice of doctrine and testimony and miracles. It is the voice of God speaking to men through the Book of Mormon.

Knowing beforehand what should come to pass in the last days, the Lord Jehovah spoke by the mouth of Isaiah relative to the Nephite peoples who should "be visited of the Lord of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire." Because they forsook the Lord and fought against Zion, it should be with them "as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite." Because they rejected the gospel and fought against the truth, they should be destroyed.

But a record would be preserved, and through it the great things revealed to their prophets would be known again. "And thou shalt be brought down," the prophetic word intones, "and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust." The spirit and tone and tenor of the message shall be familiar. A like account, one dealing with the same truths, the same laws, and the same ordinances, is found in the Bible. (Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah, p.151 p.152)

INTRODUCTION:

In the book of Mosiah, there are people all over the place. Groups of Nephites among the Lamanites; groups of Lamanites wandering around lost in the wilderness. Wicked kings and wonderful kings. Wicked priests and seers and martyrs and fashbacks within flashbacks. The doctrine of Mosiah is wonderful, but without some understanding of the history, the book can be most confusing.

The following are the most significant movements of people in the book of Mosiah:

-A group of Nephites attempts to return to the Land of Nephi from Zarahemla to live there (Omni 1:27,28; Mosiah 9:1,2).

-A second group, under the leadership of Zeniff returns to the land of Nephi and settles there (Omni 1:29,30; Mosiah 9:3-7,ff).

-Alma and a group of believers flee into the wilderness. They finally settle in Helam (Mosiah 18; 23:1-5,18).

-Noah's wicked priests under the leadership of Amulon flee into the wilderness (Mosiah 19:20,21). -They steal Lamanite wives (Mosiah 20:1-5), and settle in a place called Amulon (Mosiah 23:31).

-Limhi sends men to search for the land of Zarahemla. They become lost in the wilderness, wander for many days, and find Jaredite ruins and 24 gold plates. (Mosiah 21:25-27; Ether 1:1,2).

-Mosiah II sends 16 men under the leadership of a man named Ammon to look for the colony of Zeniff (Mosiah 7:1-5,ff).

-Ammon leads King Limhi, son of Noah, and his people, out of bondage and back to Zarahemla (Mosiah 22:11-13).

-The Lamanite army that pursues Limhi becomes lost, and then discovers Amulon and his people (Mosiah 23:30-32). Then they stumble upon the land of Helam; Alma and his people are placed in bondage.

-Alma and his people escape from the Lamanites and are led by the Lord to Zarahemla (Mosiah 24:16-25).

The book of Mosiah suggests one other important insight. At one time or another, almost everyone in the book is afflicted with blindness. They cannot see clearly those things that matter most to them. There are solutions for these problems, solutions that come from the scriptures and from seers and from repentance.

1. AMMON AND HIS BRETHREN FIND LIMHI AND HIS PEOPLE. AMMON TEACHES HIS PEOPLE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A SEER (Mosiah 7,8)

One of the best definitions of a seer found anywhere in the scriptures is given by Ammon. What question did Limhi ask of Ammon that caused Ammon to speak of seers? (Mosiah 8:12)

What other titles are associated with the title of seer according to Ammon? (Mosiah 8:16) Which men do we sustain today as prophets, seers, and revelators?

Can you identify the role of a seer as described by Ammon (Mosiah 8:17,18) How do our present prophets, seers, and revelators fulfill these vital functions? Ponder the following illustration from President Boyd K. Packer.

The ultimate purpose of the adversary . . . is to disrupt, disturb, and destroy the home and the family. Like a ship without a rudder. Without a compass, we drift from the family values that have anchored us in the past. Now we are caught in a current so strong that unless we correct our course, civilization as we know it will surely be wrecked to pieces . . .

This crisis of the family is no surprise to the Church. We have certainly known what was coming . . . .

The scriptures speak of prophets as “watchmen] upon the tower" who see Athe enemy while he [is] yet afar off" (D&C 101:54) and who have Abeheld things which are not visible to the natural eye . . . [for] a seer hath the Lord raised up unto his people." (Moses 6:36)

Thirty-three years ago the brethren warned us of the disintegration of the family and told us to prepare. . . .

The weekly family home evening was introduced by the First Presidency. . . .

Parents [were] provided with excellent materials for teaching their children, with a promise that the faithful will be blessed. . . .

All agencies of the Church have been reshaped in their relationship to one another and to the home. . . .

The entire curriculum of the Church was overhauled, based on scriptures.

And years were spent preparing new editions of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. . . .

We can only imagine where we would be if we were just now reacting to this terrible redefinition of the family. But that is not the case. We are not casting frantically about trying to decide what to do. We know what to do and what to teach.

The course we follow is not of our own making. (Elder Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 1994, p. 20)

What Ammon said to Limhi about 200 B.C. is certainly true in our day: “A seer can know of . . . things which are to come." (Mosiah 8:17)

What traits or behaviors does Limhi recognize in people which make a seer a great benefit to them? (Mosiah 8:20,21)

Ponder recent conference addresses based on topics that are concerns for you. Can you think of experiences in which the counsel of a seer has provided a great benefit to you?

2. THE RECORD OF ZENIFF PROVIDES A BRIEF HISTORY OF ZENIFF'S PEOPLE (Mosiah 9,10)

Zeniff encountered difficulties in establishing his colony among the Lamanites. One of the causes of this difficulty was that the Lamanites felt they had been "wronged," were therefore “wroth," and consequently taught their children to "hate" the Nephites (Mosiah 10:12-17)). How do the traditions of the past stir people up to hate each other? Why are such traditions perpetuated? Can you think of examples of similar situations happening in families, communities, nations, or the world in the year 2012?

Note what the record of Zeniff suggests that we do to overcome this problem? (Mosiah 9:1 - “when I saw that which was good among them . . .") How will looking for the good in others help cure the problems of hatred and animosity? How did Zeniff try to end this conflict? (By talking with the King. See Mosiah 8:5,6) What steps could we take in our lives to develop this quality of looking for the good in others? I have noticed that in my own family, when the children arouse me to feelings of frustration and anger, that those feelings can be controlled if I take the time to reflect on all the good things they do.

In what ways was the experience of the sons of Mosiah similar to the experience of Zeniff? (Alma 26:23-26) What suggestion did some Nephites make for dealing with the Lamanites? What action did the sons of Mosiah take to overcome the hatred between the Nephites and Lamanites? (They preached the gospel to them)

3. ABINADI WARNS THE PEOPLE, BUT THEY ARE BLIND TO NOAH'S WICKEDNESS (Mosiah 11; 12:1-18.)

What King Noah do to “change the affairs of the kingdom." (Mosiah 11:1-19) Because of the rapid degeneration of the Nephites under King Noah, the Lord sent a prophet to call them to repentance. Where was Abinadi from? (Mosiah 11:20: he was a “man among them" (emphasis added).

As you reflect on the monarchy of Noah, think of how he compares with Benjamin. Placing these two leaders side by side teaches a great lesson about great leadership.

Use the following verses to compare King Benjamin and King Noah:

NOAH BENJAMIN

Reference Subject Reference

Mosiah 11:2 Wickedness Mosiah 2:13

Mosiah 11:3,4 Riches Mosiah 2:12,14

Mosiah 11:5,7 Religion W of M 1:15,16

Mosiah 11:6 Service Mosiah 2:11

Mosiah 11:14 Motives Mosiah 2:15

Long years ago I was living in Logan, Utah, going to school, working full time, raising a family. I always had too much to do and too little time to do it. One day as I raced west on 10th North from USU to my home, I flew past a policeman with his radar running. He was after me in a heartbeat and I pulled over and waited for him. I was exceeding the speed limit by a large margin, and expected to be hit with a financial liability of federal proportions. But for some reason he gave me a warning only, enjoined me to go easy on gas pedal, and drove away. I offered a quiet prayer of gratitude and went home to tell my wife how good the Lord had been.

Notice the nature of Abinadi's first warning to the people of Noah. He mentions judgments that will come upon them “except they repent” (Mosiah 11:20,21,23,25). Abinadi is giving the people of Noah a warning ticket, warning them to change their ways. What was the response of the people to this warning of Abinadi? (Mosiah 11:26; 12:9) Why were the people angry with Abinadi but not with Noah? (Mosiah 11:29) What parallels can you see today? How do wicked people react to the words of a prophet? Why would so many rather follow the example of a man who leads them in wickedness? Consider the teaching of Samuel the Lamanite about this matter.

As the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desirethand if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. (Helaman 13:26-28))

After two years, Abinadi came again among the people, this time in disguise, to deliver a second message (Mosiah 12:1). Notice that the nature of his message has changed rather dramatically. The judgments he enumerates are not conditional. Again and again Abinadi employs phrases like, “I will visit them in mine anger",or “it shall come to pass" or “they shall be smitten." (See Mosiah 12:1-7) The only conditional warning of this message is the final one:

And it shall come to pass that except they repent I will utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth . . . (Mosiah 12:8).

Just one week after my first meeting with the policeman on 10th North in Logan, I met him again, in the same place and for precisely the same reason. He remembered me, and I am quite confident that the thought of a warning ticket never crossed his mind on this second occasion. He wrote me up and he wrote me up hard! And I deserved a significant pain in my pocketbook because I had utterly ignored the first warning.

For the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man. And when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destruction, and this grieveth my soul. (2 Nephi 26:11)

Sooner or later, the Lord will stop writing warning tickets, as he did with the Nephite colony in the land of Nephi.

When Abinadi gave his second warning, what did the people say in defense of Noah? (Mosiah 12:13-15)

What would cause a person to reject an Abinadi in favor of a Noah? Who are the Noahs in our lives? Who are the Abinadis of our lives? How might one justify rejecting an Abinadi to follow a Noah?

Since we are in the season of General Conference [I am writing this about one month before April Conference, but most of you will read it after conference], perhaps you will pardon one additional observation on this matter.

When Jehoshaphat, king of Judah traveled to visit Ahab, king of Israel, Ahab invited Jehoshaphat to join him in a campaign against Syria to retake Israelite possessions that had been captured by the Syrians (1 Kings 22:2-4) Jehoshaphat was willing, but he wanted to know that the Lord thought about it and asked Ahab to enquire of God before the battle. Ahab brought in 400 false prophets who encouraged the battle and predicted success (1 K. 22:6).

Jehoshaphat was still not satisfied: “Is there not here a [true] prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?" (1 K. 22:7). The answer of Ahab to this question teaches a wonderful lesson about prophets.

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil (1 K. 22:8).

Consider why Ahab and Noah hated the prophets that spoke to them and of them, and then consider the lesson. How ought we to react when the prophets say things we do not like to hear? It seems to me that if a message comes to us from the prophets and seers that we do not want to hear, that message is probably one we desperately need to hear. At least that was true for Noah and his people.

Ahab rejected the words of Micaiah, and died as Micaiah had prophesied. Noah rejected the words of Abinadi, and died as Abinadi had prophesied. What statement did the Lord inspire Abinadi to make about the way in which Noah would eventually be valued? (Mosiah 12:3) Who would place that value on him? (Mosiah 19:18-20: the same people who earlier defended him)

Conclusion

Find a pair of glasses and take a look at them and through them. Glasses correct physical problems with vision. Even so, we sometimes need spiritual lenses in order to see the good in others as did Zeniff, and in order to distinguish between the Noahs and Abinadis that we meet in our lives.

FHE: Prophecy

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:20:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: One of the greatest truths of the restored gospel is the knowledge of continuing revelation.

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “The Time Will Come,” by L. Whitney

Clayton, Ensign, Nov 2011, 11.

Thought:

In 1898, President Wilford Woodruff recounted an experience he had as a new member in 1834 at a priesthood meeting in Kirtland. He related: “The Prophet [Joseph Smith] called on all who held the Priesthood to gather into the little log school house . . . the prophet said ‘It is only a little handfull of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America—it will fill the world.’”

The little band of believers, eking out a living on the American frontier and moving to escape persecution, didn’t look like the foundation of a faith that would cross international borders and penetrate hearts everywhere. But that is just what has happened.

(L. Whitney Clayton, “The Time Will Come,” Ensign, Nov 2011, 11.)

Song:

“Seek the Lord Early,” Children’s Songbook, p. 108.

Scripture:

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

(Articles of Faith 1:5)

Lesson:

Read together D&C 87:1–5. Ask:

• What war did Joseph Smith foretell twenty-eight years before it began? (The Civil War.)

• What are some of the details he gave concerning the Civil War?

Share the following:

“Every student of United States history is acquainted with the facts establishing

a complete fulfilment of this astounding prophecy. In 1861, more than twenty-eight years after the foregoing prediction was recorded, and ten years after its publication in England, the Civil War broke out, beginning in South Carolina. The ghastly records of that fratricidal [brother against brother] strife sadly support the prediction concerning ‘the death and misery of many souls,’ though this constituted but a partial fulfilment. It is known that slaves deserted the South and were marshaled in the armies of the North, and that the Confederate States solicited aid of Great Britain. While no open alliance between the Southern States and the English government was effected, British influence gave indirect assistance and substantial encouragement to the South, and this in such a way as to produce serious international complications.” (James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, 23.)

Discuss the following questions:

• How many wars are predicted in this section? (More than one—verse 1.)

• According to verse 2, how far-reaching would the wars become?

• How many wars can you name that have taken place since the Civil War?

• What do we learn about Joseph Smith from the fact that he was able to prophesy with such detail, not only about the Civil War but also about World Wars, many years before they occurred? (He was a true prophet.)

Share your testimony that Joseph Smith was indeed a true prophet of God.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 185.)

Story:

Heber J. Grant

The year 1848 was the year of the cricket plague. Myriads of these destructive pests, an army of famine and despair, rolled in black legions down the mountain sides and attacked the growing fields of grain. The tender crops fell an easy prey to their fierce voracity. They literally swept everything before them. Starvation with all its terrors seemed staring the poor settlers in the face.

They were saved by a miracle. In the midst of the work of destruction, when it seemed as if nothing could stay the devastation, great flocks of gulls suddenly appeared. . . . They came to prey upon the destroyers. All day long they gorged themselves, and, when full, disgorged and feasted again. . . .

Still there was a season of scarcity. The surplus of the first harvests in the Valley had barely been sufficient to meet the wants of the emigration, which had commenced pouring in from the frontiers and from Europe; and now that the crickets had played such havoc with the crops, there was danger, in spite of the interposition of the gulls, of some suffering from hunger. . . .

It was during this time of famine, when the half starved, half-clad settlers scarcely knew where to look for the next crust of bread or for rags to hide their nakedness—for clothing had become almost as scarce with them as bread-stuffs—that Heber C. Kimball, filled with the spirit of prophecy, in a public meeting declared to the astonished congregation that, within a short time, “States goods” would be sold in the streets of Great Salt Lake City cheaper than in New York and that the people should be abundantly supplied with food and clothing.

“I don’t believe a word of it,” said Charles C. Rich; and he but voiced the sentiment of nine-tenths of those who had heard the astounding declaration.

Heber himself was startled at his own words, as soon as the Spirit’s force had abated and the “natural man” had reasserted himself. On resuming his seat, he remarked to the brethren that he was “afraid he had missed it this time.” But they were not his own words, and He who had inspired them knew how to fulfill.

The occasion for the fulfillment of this remarkable prediction was the unexpected advent of the gold-hunters, on their way to California. The discovery of gold in that land had set on fire, as it were, the civilized world, and hundreds of richly laden trains now began pouring across the continent on their way to the new El Dorado. Salt Lake Valley became the resting place, or “half-way house” of the nation, and before the Saints had had time to recover from their surprise at Heber’s temerity in making such a prophecy, the still more wonderful fulfillment was brought to their very doors. The gold-hunters were actuated by but one desire; to reach the Pacific Coast; the thirst for mammon having absorbed for the time all other sentiments and desires. Impatient at their slow progress, in order to lighten their loads, they threw away or “sold for a song” the valuable merchandise with which they had stored their wagons to cross the Plains. Their choice, blooded, though now jaded stock, they eagerly exchanged for the fresh mules and horses of the pioneers, and bartered off, at almost any sacrifice, dry goods, groceries, provisions, tools, clothing, etc., for the most primitive out-fits, with barely enough provisions to enable them to reach their journey’s end. Thus, as the Prophet Heber had predicted, “States goods” were actually sold in the streets of Great Salt Lake City cheaper than they could have been purchased in the City of New York.

Referring to this incident, in a sermon, a few years later, Heber says:

“The Spirit of prophecy foresees future events. God does not bring to pass a thing because you say it shall be so, but because He designed it should be so, and it is the future purposes of the Almighty that the Prophet foresees. That is the way I prophesy, but I have predicted things I did not foresee, and did not believe anybody else did, but I have said it, and it came to pass even more abundantly that I predicted; and that was with regard to the future situation of the people who first came into this valley. Nearly every man was dressed in skins, and we were all poor, destitute, and distressed, yet we all felt well. I said, ‘it will be but a little while, brethren, before you shall have food and raiment in abundance, and shall buy it cheaper than it can be bought in the cities of the United States.’ I did not know there were any gentiles coming here, I never thought of such a thing; but after I spoke it I thought I must be mistaken this time. Brother Rich remarked at the time, ‘I do not believe a word of it.’ And neither did I; but, to the astonishment and joy of the Saints, it came to pass just as I had spoken it, only more abundantly. The Lord led me right, but I did not know it.

“I have heard Joseph say many times, that he was much tempted about the revelations the Lord gave through him—it seemed to be so impossible for them to be fulfilled. I do not profess to be a Prophet; but I know that every man and woman can be, if they live for it.”

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Exceptional Stories from the Lives of Our Apostles, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1972].)

Activity:

Play “Name the Prophets” game.

All the players sit in a circle with their legs crossed. One person is picked to be the leader and is responsible for getting the rhythm in motion. The rhythm is a slap on thighs, a clap, and two snaps of the fingers (first with the right then with the left). So the rhythm sounds like this: slap, clap, snap, snap. When everyone is slap-clap-snapping at the same time, the leader starts. Players speak, one at a time, in turn, on the rhythmic snap of the fingers. Play goes clockwise.

The play goes like this:

Player 1: Slap, clap ... then on the snap, snap: “Names of.”

Slap, clap ... then on the snap, snap: “Prophets” (the word “Prophets” said to the snapping beat).

Player 2: Slap, clap ... then on the snap, snap: “Hinck-ley.”

Player 3: Slap, clap ... then on the snap, snap: “Joseph Smith.”

Player 4: Slap, clap ... then on the snap, snap: “Hun-ter”

As people make mistakes and say a word out of rhythm, or miss a beat and don’t say something quickly enough, they are out, and the next person in line picks up the rhythm again. The people who go out can stay in the circle and not slap, clap, and snap—or they can leave the circle and the remaining players tighten up the circle.

The winner is the last one left playing.

You can play again using the names of the current Apostles.

Refreshment

Raspberry Sticks

Makes 3 dozen sticks

1 cup butter

3⁄4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1⁄2 cups flour

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1 to 2 tablespoons water (if needed)

1 1⁄2 cups raspberry jam

Cream butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Sift flour and salt together; add to creamed mixture a third at a time, mixing well after each addition. If dough is too stiff, add 1 or 2 tablespoons water. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheet.

Cut the chilled dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope the length of your cookie sheet. Put ropes onto the cookie sheet, side by side. With your finger, make an indentation all the way down the length of each rope. Bake 6 minutes. Remove from oven and fill the indentation with raspberry jam. Put back into the oven for another 6 to 8 minutes. Place cookie sheet on rack to cool cookies. Cut on the diagonal.

(Lion House Cookies and Sweets, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2011], p. 20.)

To access the PDF version of this packet, click here.

Sharing Time- March 2012- Week 4: I am blessed when I choose to follow the prophet

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:15:00 -0600

source: itstimeforsharing.wordpress.com

Purpose: To help the children understand that we sometimes have to listen closely because the we have to exercise our brains sometimes and not just follow the crowd. That we have to use our ears, eyes, hearts, and minds.

Artist of the Prophets: A BYU Professor's Work

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:48:00 -0600

source: news.byu.edu

Teachings of George Albert Smith Lesson 6: Sustaining Those Whom the Lord Sustains

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:04:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Those called, sustained, and set apart are entitled to our sustaining support." -James E. Faust

Note: As the Church has said, the manual has been prepared as the primary source of lesson material. This supplement, from a general conference address, is only meant as a complement to your study on this lesson's topic.

Excerpt from "Called and Chosen" by President James E. Faust, October 2005 General Conference:

My dear brethren of the priesthood, please accept our appreciation for all you do to carry forward the Lord’s work worldwide. I desire to speak about the sacred offices of those priesthood leaders who have been “called and chosen” 1 to guide the Church in this day. This is a special year for at least two reasons: first, we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith this December, and second, President Gordon B. Hinckley celebrated his 95th birthday this past June. I testify that the Prophet Joseph Smith was called and chosen as the first prophet of this dispensation and that President Gordon B. Hinckley is the present prophet, seer, and revelator of this Church.

When Mike Wallace interviewed President Hinckley some years ago for the television program 60 Minutes, he said, “[People will say] this is a church run by old men.” To this, President Hinckley replied, “Isn’t it wonderful to have a man of maturity at the head—a man of judgment who isn’t blown about by every wind of doctrine?” 2 So if any of you think the present leadership is too old to lead the Church, President Hinckley may need to give you some further counsel about the wisdom that comes with age!

Of the 102 Apostles called in this dispensation, only 13 have served longer than President Hinckley. He has served longer as an Apostle than Brigham Young, President Hunter, President Lee, President Kimball, and many others. It is wonderful to have his inspired leadership. Please forgive me for saying that I myself feel at times that I am standing on the edge of eternity. At age 85, I am the third oldest of all the living General Authorities. I have not sought this honor. I have just lived for it.

To read the full talk, click here.

Young Men Lesson 12: Following the Living Prophet

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:03:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "What a great blessing it is to have prophets in our day!" -Claudio R. M. Costa Discussion Questions
• What does the Lord promise when we follow the prophet? (see D&C 21:5–6).
• What are some specific examples of when you or your family has been blessed for following the prophet?

Excerpt from "Obedience to the Prophets" by Elder Claudio R. M. Costa, October 2010 General Conference:

I am a convert to the Church. I am so grateful that God answered my prayer and gave me a knowledge and a strong testimony that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.

Before I made the decision to be baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I studied extracts from the history of Joseph Smith. I prayed after carefully reading each paragraph. If you would like to do this yourself, it may take you 14 hours.

After I read, pondered, and prayed, the Lord gave me the assurance that Joseph Smith was His prophet. I testify to you that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and because I have received this answer from the Lord, I know that all of his successors are prophets too. What a great blessing it is to have prophets in our day!

Why is it important to have living prophets to guide the true Church of Jesus Christ and its members?

In the Guide to the Scriptures, we find the definition of the word prophet: “A person who has been called by and speaks for God. As a messenger of God, a prophet receives commandments, prophecies, and revelations from God” (“Prophet,” scriptures.lds.org; see also Bible Dictionary, “Prophet”).

It is a great blessing to receive the word, commandments, and guidance of the Lord in these difficult days of the earth. The prophet can be inspired to see the future in benefit of mankind.

To read the full talk, click here.

March 2012 Sharing Time: What the Prophets Tell Me

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:05:00 -0700

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: This sharing time will help the children learn about the messages latter-day  prophets have for them.

Preparation:

Make the following signs:

GO on a circle

GUIDE  on an arrow shape

SAFETY on a rectangle

LOOK on a diamond shape

LEARN on a triangle shape

GOOD FRIENDS on a heart shape

Obtain pictures of President Thomas S. Monson, President Henry B. Eyring, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Obtain a copy of the Friend magazines mentioned below.

 If you have room in your Primary, post the signs around the room (with “GO” at the front) so the  children can walk to each one as you discuss it. It there isn’t enough space to move  around the room, post them on the front board and have the children walk in  place between reading and discussing each one.

 Presentation: Show the pictures of the members of the First Presidency  and explain to the children that we have a living prophet and his two counselors  to help us know what is right. Every year during conference they talk to us.  Every month in the Friend magazine some of their words are written down just for  children! Show them pages 2 and 3 of the January 2012 Friend. Explain  that this is a message just for them from President Thomas S. Monson.

 GO. Point to the GO sign and briefly retell the story of President Monson trying to find the house of Brother Salas. Tell them that they are going to pretend to go on an errand, just like President Monson did. To help them know where to go and what to do, they need to look for the signs. As you come to each sign, discuss whom the message is from and what they have to teach us.

GUIDE. In the February 2012 Friend, President Henry B. Eyring tells us “The Book of Mormon is our sure guide on the way home to God.” And that “Each time I read even a few lines in the Book of Mormon, I feel my testimony strengthened.” Discuss how the Book of Mormon can be a guide. Sing “Book of Mormon Stories,” (Children’s Songbook, page 118).

 SAFETY. In the October 2011 Friend, President Thomas S. Monson teaches us about the Jaredites in the Book of Mormon who safely crossed the sea. They left a wicked place and came to the Promised Land. President Monson said, “If we heed [the Lord’s] words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of wickedness—a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods.” Discuss how keeping the commandments will help keep us safe.

 LOOK. In the December 2011 Friend, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells the story of a grandfather and his four-year-old granddaughter. The girl noticed the shiny “stars” on the ceiling that her grandfather had never noticed before. President Uchtdorf tells us “the glitter of the [Christmas] season should never dim our sight and prevent us from seeing the Prince of Peace in His majesty.” Ask the children if they ever think of the Savior and remember him when they see stars in the sky, or leaves, or flowers, or any of His other beautiful creations. Challenge them to always “look” for evidence of the Savior in the world around them.

FRIENDS. In the November 2011 Friend, President Henry B. Eyring tells us that we become the Savior’s friends as we serve others for Him. He says, “You have many opportunities to be a friend for Him. It may be as you walk on a dusty road. It may be as you look for a place to sit at church. . . . Living prophets of God have asked us to be faithful friends to those who come into the Church as converts and to go to the rescue of those who have drifted away.” Sing, “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus,” (Children’s Songbook, page 78) or “We Are Different,” (CS, page 263).

 LEARN. In the September 2011 Friend, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells of an experience he had when he saw two desks in a classmate’s home. He loved to learn and wanted to be able to sit at a desk and study. He said, “For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment. We are to learn of things both in heaven and in the earth.” And “strive to increase your knowledge.” Discuss ways and places the children can learn.

Have the children return to their seats. Bear testimony that through the words of these wonderful men we are hearing the word of the Lord for us. Read D&C 1:38: “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, . . . whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

Prophets & Apostles Speak Today

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:18:00 -0700

source: ldsmediatalk.com

The divine work of modern-day prophets and apostles never ceases. Between general conferences, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continue to teach and minister to the world. The “Prophets and Apostles Speak Today” section of LDS.org (prophets.lds.org) documents the ongoing ministry of these Church leaders with videos, photos, and articles (available in several languages).

Prophets.LDS.org features new biographies of living apostles

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:39:00 -0700

source: news.lds.org

New biographies of members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were published today on prophets.lds.org, under the section titled “Meet today’s prophets and apostles.”

The first biography to be featured on Prophets and Apostles Speak Today is that of President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. One biography will be featured each week over the next 11 weeks, in order of the Apostles’ seniority.

Prophets of the Restoration

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:40:00 -0700

source: lds.org

Young Women Lesson 47: Messages of Latter-day Prophets

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:05:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "It is our solemn responsibility to follow our prophet." - Quentin L. Cook Discussion Questions
    • How is your testimony strengthened by living prophets?
    • What is your responsibility when you raise your hand to sustain a living prophet at ward, stake, and general conference?
    • What blessings have latter-day prophets promised you for living the standards in For the Strength of Youth?

Excerpt from "Give Heed Unto the Prophets' Words," by Elder Quentin L. Cook, April 2008 General Conference:

We admire those who risk their lives to rescue those in danger. 1 When I visited Southern California during the devastating Santa Ana wind fires late last year, I came away with two impressions. The first was how the Church members came to the assistance of those in need. The second was how appreciative they were to the firefighters. One homeowner described what he saw the firefighters do. He pointed out that the Santa Ana winds blow from the warm desert toward the ocean. Once a fire starts, these hot desert winds carry the flames at a speed of up to 60 or 70 miles (97–113 km) per hour. The homeowner described his gratitude and admiration as he watched the firefighters standing with their hoses behind a cleared area, facing a wall of fire up to 10 feet (3 m) high descending upon them at this enormous speed. These brave men and women were able to rescue both people and homes while in constant personal danger.

From time to time, as individuals and as a church, we go through periods of crisis and danger. Some arise quickly like a fire. Others are subtle and go almost undetected before they are upon us. Some require heroic action, but most are less spectacular. The way we respond is crucial. My purpose this evening is to reemphasize to priesthood holders the importance of heeding the words of the prophets. This is one sure way to respond to physical and spiritual dangers of all kinds. Some illustrations may be helpful.

Many of you have participated in treks to experience and appreciate the dramatic rescue of the Willie and Martin handcart companies. I first became aware of this rescue when I was a teenager. My mother gave me a book written by Orson F. Whitney, who would later be an Apostle. 2 Elder Whitney’s book acquainted me with the heroic effort directed by Brigham Young to rescue the handcart companies. They had been overtaken by winter storms on the high plains of Wyoming. Some had died and many others were on the verge of death. Brigham Young became aware of their plight, and at the October 1856 general conference he instructed the Saints to drop everything and rescue those stranded on the plains. 3

To read the rest of this talk, click here.

FHE: Leadership

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

*The wrong link was listed in the e-mail for Monday, October 10th. To reach "FHE: General Authorities," click here.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Sacred Keys of the Aaronic Priesthood,” by Elder Larry M. Gibson, Ensign, May 2011, 55.

Thought:
The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others.

(“Our Sacred Priesthood Trust,” Ensign, May 2006, 57).

Song:
“Teach Me to Walk in the Light,” Children’s Songbook, p. 177.

Scripture:
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
(Matthew 25:21)

Object Lesson:
Materials Needed: A recording of a beautifully orchestrated piece of music.

Procedure: Play the music for several minutes. Ask: How many people were necessary to create that piece of music? Include the orchestra members, composer, conductor, sound engineers, etc. Ask: What would happen if there were no composer or sound engineer or orchestra? What would it be like if the conductor tried to do everything? What would happen if orchestra members didn’t bother to practice or the sound engineer arrived an hour late? Indicate that each individual plays an important part in the sound of the finished product—even the ones who work behind the scenes.

Liken the music to a ward or branch. There are many people who tirelessly do home teaching and visiting teaching. Others teach in different organizations or organize activities. Still others help through compassionate service or humanitarian efforts. Like the orchestra director, the bishop cannot do all the things that need to be done in the ward, so he delegates many tasks. Briefly discuss the importance of each person helping in the ward.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Object Lessons Made Easy, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p. 54.)

Story:
A Lesson from a Lamb

The bearers of the priesthood have a great responsibility, whether they be fathers, grandfathers, home teachers, elders quorum presidents, bishops, stake presidents, or hold other Church callings.

When I was a very small boy, my father found a lamb all alone out in the desert. The herd of sheep to which its mother belonged had moved on, and somehow the lamb got separated from its mother, and the shepherd must not have known that it was lost. Because it could not survive alone in the desert, my father picked it up and brought it home. To have left the lamb there would have meant certain death, either by falling prey to the coyotes or by starvation because it was so young that it still needed milk. Some sheepmen call these lambs “bummers.” My father gave the lamb to me, and I became its shepherd.

For several weeks I warmed cow’s milk in a baby’s bottle and fed the lamb. We became fast friends. I called him Nigh—why, I don’t remember. It began to grow. My lamb and I would play on the lawn. Sometimes we would lie together on the grass and I would lay my head on its soft, woolly side and look up at the blue sky and the white billowing clouds. I did not lock my lamb up during the day. It would not run away. It soon learned to eat grass. I could call my lamb from anywhere in the yard by just imitating as best I could the bleating sound of a sheep: Baa. Baa.

One night there came a terrible storm. I forgot to put my lamb in the barn that night as I should have done. I went to bed. My little friend was frightened in the storm, and I could hear it bleating. I knew that I should help my pet, but I wanted to stay safe, warm, and dry in my bed. I didn’t get up as I should have done. The next morning I went out to find my lamb dead. A dog had also heard its bleating cry and killed it. My heart was broken. I had not been a good shepherd or steward of that which my father had entrusted to me. My father said, “Son, couldn’t I trust you to take care of just one lamb?” My father’s remark hurt me more than losing my woolly friend. I resolved that day, as a little boy, that I would try never again to neglect my stewardship as a shepherd if I were ever placed in that position again.

Not too many years thereafter I was called as a junior companion to a home teacher. There were times when it was so cold or stormy and I wanted to stay home and be comfortable, but in my mind’s ear I could hear my little lamb bleating, and I knew I needed to be a good shepherd and go with my senior companion. In all those many years, whenever I have had a desire to shirk my duties, there would come to me a remembrance of how sorry I was that night so many years ago when I had not been a good shepherd. I have not always done everything I should have, but I have tried.

Even today, after more than sixty years, I can still hear in my mind the bleating, frightened cry of the lamb of my boyhood that I did not shepherd as I should have. I can also remember the loving rebuke of my father: “Son, couldn’t I trust you to take care of just one lamb?” If we are not good shepherds, I wonder how we will feel in the eternities.

(James E. Faust, Stories From My Life, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2001], p. 130.)

Activity:
Divide the family into pairs, with older and younger members paired together. Give each pair a pencil and three pieces of paper.

Explain that you will read a word and they should write down the name of a person they think of when they hear the word.

Read the first word from this list:

Tall
Fun
Handsome
Strong
Righteous
Kind
Famous
Smart
Hero

Allow time for each pair to write down a name. Then ask a member of each team to read their answer aloud. A team receives five point if no other team has the same answer. If another team has the same answer they receive one point.

Continue play until all the words have been used.

Explain that it is important for all of us to have heroes. Heroes are people we look up to and who help us make our lives better by their good example. Many great Church leaders can be considered heroes.

(Allan K. Burgess and Max H. Molgard, Fun for Family Night: Church History Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], p. 3.)

Refreshment
Puffy Apple Pancake
When this fun pancake is baked, it puffs into a shell shape.

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup thinly sliced, peeled apples (1 to 2 apples)
2 large eggs
1⁄2 cup flour
1⁄2 cup milk
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 400o F.

Melt butter in a 9-inch pie pan. Brush butter around sides of pie pan. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over butter or margarine. Arrange apple slices over sugar.

Beat eggs slightly in a medium bowl with a whisk. Stir in flour, milk, and salt until just mixed (do not overbeat). Pour over apples. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately loosen edges of pancake and turn upside down onto a serving plate.

Serves 2 to 4.

(Janet Peterson, Remedies for the “I Don’t Cook” Syndrome, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2001], p. 256.)

To access the PDF version of this lesson, click here.

It's the words of the prophet — not the voice — that matters

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:51:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

I was born in Utah and grew up in southeastern Idaho. Aside from a stint as a white-water rafting guide in Alaska just prior to my mission in Europe, I never experienced much of life outside of areas with predominantly Mormon populations.

My first general conference in another country came during my mission in Italy. I remember longing to hear what the brethren were saying. The weekend of the conference came and went. Several months later, I received a copy of the Ensign with the conference addresses and poured over them with new gratitude for the words of living prophets.

Shortly thereafter, our mission president authorized us to watch general conference.

FHE: Follow the Prophet

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:03:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: It is a great blessing to receive the word, commandments, and guidance of the Lord in these difficult days of the earth. The prophet can be inspired to see the future in benefit of mankind. Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Obedience to the Prophets,” by Claudio R. M. Costa, Ensign, Nov 2010, 11.

Thought:
It is a great blessing to receive the word, commandments, and guidance of the Lord in these difficult days of the earth. The prophet can be inspired to see the future in benefit of mankind. (Claudio R. M. Costa, “Obedience to the Prophets,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 11.)

Song:
“We Thank Thee, O God,” Hymns, #19.

Scripture:
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, abut he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)

Lesson:
Play hangman with the word PROPHET.

After the family has guessed the word, talk about prophets. Tell the children that a prophet must be a member of Jesus’ church. He must be a righteous man who has kept the commandments. Ask the children what some of those commandments might be (baptism, temple marriage, honoring the priesthood, prayer, and so forth).

What is a prophet like? (Kind, humble, righteous.)

Who chooses a prophet? (God.)

When a man is called as a prophet to lead the Church, God gives him special duties and responsibilities. He knows and testifies of Jesus Christ. He knows and tells of the future. He knows and teaches righteousness. Talk about how these responsibilities affect them as members of the church.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book Two, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 77.)

Story:
In the mission field, my companion and I were teaching a Harvard University student. After we told him the Joseph Smith story and bore our testimonies to him, as we had done many times before, he said, “Wait a minute. Are you telling me you believe God and Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and told him he was to set up a new church?” We said we did believe that. He continued the interrogation: “You also believe an angel gave plates to Joseph Smith, who translated them into the Book of Mormon, and that the Savior appeared to the people on this continent?” We said we did. “You also believe the president of your church is a prophet who receives revelation from God, as did Adam, Noah, and Abraham?” We said we did. Getting more animated by the minute, the investigator said, “That is the most incredible story I have ever heard. If I really believed all of that, I wouldn’t be able to sleep. I would run down the streets screaming it to everyone. Why aren’t you more excited about it?” That was a penetrating question.

Do you have a testimony? What are you doing about it? As the Harvard student implied, a testimony is not enough. A testimony that Joseph Smith saw God and the Savior is meaningless unless that fact begins to mean something to each of us individually.

A few years ago I was going through a much needed spiritual renaissance. As part of that rejuvenation I read two sets of books on the history of the Church: A Comprehensive History of the Church, by B. H. Roberts, and History of the Church, by Joseph Smith. These sets consist of a total of thirteen volumes, and it took me approximately two years to read them. In the course of my reading, I found myself absolutely captivated by Joseph Smith—emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. As I read the revelations he received and the letters written by him and to him and about him, I gained a great testimony of the divinity of his mission here upon the earth.

I once again received an undeniable testimony, just as I had at ten years of age. However, at age thirty-five I was better able to appreciate what the Prophet accomplished in his thirty-eight years. I caught myself wishing I had been born during his ministry. As I read about the dissenters and traitors, I wondered why I could not have been born then instead of now. After all, he needed all of the help he could get, and I would not have betrayed him. If I had been born then, I would have done everything in my power to help him with the work. But then I asked myself: Are you sure? Are you sure you would have been valiant? You would have given your life for Joseph Smith, but what are you doing for the prophet and president of the Church today? You would die for Joseph Smith, but you are not willing to accept a home teaching assignment to visit more than two families.

Why do we sometimes find it easier to accept and follow past prophets? It is partly because history has proven their counsel to be sound. Future generations will find the same to be true of the prophets of our day. Each of us might ask ourselves, What am I doing for our current, living prophet?

(Glen L. Pace, Spiritual Plateaus, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1991].)

Activity:
Go on a “Bear Hunt.” This is a follow the leader type story. Have everyone repeat each line of the story after the leader. Pat a rhythm on your thighs as you tell the story, use actions to suggest each part.

We’re going on a bear hunt
We’re going to catch a big one
I’m not afraid
What do I see?
Look, grass
Tall wavy grass
We can’t get over it
We can’t get under it
We can’t get around it
We’ll have to go through it!
Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish

[Repeat, replacing grass with the following:]
Mud, icky sticky mud (squish, squash)
A river, a very cold river (splash)
A forest, a deep, dark forest (stumble-trip)
A cave, a very dark cave (tippy-toe)

Oh, oh! It’s dark in here
I feel something
It has lots of hair
It has sharp teeth
It’s a bear!
A very big bear!

Through the cave, tippy toe, tippy toe
Through the forest, stumble-trip, stumble-trip
Through the river splash, splash, splash, splash
Through the mud squish, squash, squish, squash
Through the grass swish, swish, swish, swish

In the house
Up the stairs
Jump on the bed
Pull the covers over your head…
I’m not afraid!

Summarize by explaining that just as we followed the leader for this story, we should follow the prophet, the leader of the Church.

Refreshment:
Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Chip Chocolate Cookies
1⁄2 cup butter-flavored shortening
1⁄2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 1⁄2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup white chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cream together the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the vanilla and the eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Add flour mixture to the butter mixture to combine and then mix in the chips.
4. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop onto an ungreased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

(Sara Wells and Kate Jones, Our Best Bites: Mormon Moms in the Kitchen, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2011], p. 211.)

*For a printable PDF, click here.

Young Men Lesson 24: Follow the Prophet

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:02:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: What a great blessing it is to have prophets in our day! Discussion Questions:

How would you help someone who is struggling to follow the prophet?
What does the Lord promise you if you follow the counsel of the prophets?
What are some of the teachings from the most recent general conference that are meaningful to you? Why?

Excerpt from "Obedience to the Prophets" by Claudio R. M. Costa:

I would like to share with you some of the principles that President Benson taught:

“First: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything” (1980 Devotional Speeches of the Year [1981], 26).

In our day the prophet of God has told us to keep the commandments, to love our fellowman, to serve, to take care of the rising generation, to rescue the inactive or less active—to do many things that we call prophetic priorities. We need to understand that these priorities are God’s priorities and the prophet is His voice in communicating them to all of the Church and the world.

We are counseled to “give heed unto all his words and commandments” (D&C 21:4). We also learn:

“For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

“For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory” (D&C 21:5–6).

Second fundamental: “The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works” (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 26).

The living prophet is receiving specific revelations for us. I can remember many times when I have been present to hear one of the servants of the Lord speak about a specific thing for a city or country. I remember at least three of the living prophets, seers, and revelators who have spoken about my country, Brazil. One of these servants said that Brazil would become a great economy in the world and be free of inflation. At the time, we had two-digit inflation every month. It was difficult for many people to believe what the prophet said, but I believed. Brazil has had about 5 percent inflation each year for many consecutive years now. Brazil has become eighth in the world economy, and the country is doing great!

Third fundamental: “The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet” (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 27).

We learn a great lesson about this from the scriptures. In the times of Noah it was easier for the people to believe in the dead prophets, but it was difficult for them to believe in Noah. We know that because of their incredulity they did not survive the Flood (see Genesis 6–7).

Fourth fundamental: “The prophet will never lead the Church astray” (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 27).

*To read the full talk, click here.

Just Off the Square: Name the First 5 Prophets

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:53:00 -0600

by LDS Living staff
source: MormonLife.com

Christmas with the Prophets

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:06:00 -0700

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Christmas stories and anecdotes from our beloved prophets. Most people don’t know that President Brigham Young celebrated Christmas by throwing a huge dance party, or that President Lorenzo Snow often wrote poetry to send with his annual Christmas card.

In her new book “Christmas with the Prophets,” author Laura F. Willes shares the Christmas traditions and stories of our beloved presidents of the Church.

“What I have done is taken all of these stories and kind of reworked and rewritten them and put a lot of context around them,” Willes said.

The beauty of the book is that the Christmas vignettes include a history of the prophet’s life that make the stories richer and give the reader a better sense of these holy men.

Willes came up with the idea for this book while serving a mission as a docent at the Church History Museum. Two years ago a group came to the museum and wanted a tour of Christmas with the prophets.

“I thought, ‘Oh! This is new!’ because it was not one of our regular tours,” she said.
She went home and put together a tour by compiling Christmas stories of the prophets she had collected from different Christmas anthologies in her home library.

“I got to thinking that this would make a wonderful book. I didn’t think that all of these stories had ever been collected in one place before.”

Although many of these stories have already appeared in print, they are scattered all over the place, so Willes set out to collect them all into one, single book.

While most of the stories are happy and in the spirit of Christmas, many are a sad reality of the hardships some of the prophets endured.

“I chose to include stories both happy and sad because they were real,” she said. “Two of the prophets actually spent a Christmas in prison. Lorenzo Snow and of course, Joseph Smith. … Many times the prophets were working hard over Christmas. Wilford Woodruff talks about getting out lumber and husking corn on Christmas day. And I guess they often chose to serve both their families, but especially the Church and felt that that was very appropriate to do on Christmas day.”

The book is also a history of the celebration of Christmas and how it has evolved in American culture over time. In 1830 when the Church was organized, Christmas in the United States wasn’t celebrated to the extent that we celebrate it today. The celebrations didn’t really become institutionalized until much later.

“For Joseph Smith there was not a tradition of a tree and Santa Claus, but there was a tradition of gathering to remember the Savior’s birth, of having friends and family close around celebrating that event.”

For the modern-day prophets, Christmas was celebrated a little differently. President David O. McKay never missed the chance to take his grandchildren on a bobsled ride pulled by a team of horses, jingle bells and all. He did this every year well into his eighties.

“One of my very favorite stories in the whole book is the one of George Albert Smith and his Christmas card,” Willes said. “In the 1940s … the flood lights on the Salt Lake Temple had been turned off during the war. I didn’t know that. I was almost horrified to read that Salt Lake was dark at night during WWII and that the temple wasn’t even lit up. And then to have the ceasefire announced and Heber J. Grant instructing to have the lights turned on again. He died only days after that. And then George Albert Smith planned such a sensitive and insightful Christmas card for 1945.”

While writing this book, Willes found her experience became more personal than she expected. Tearing up, she said, “These men are special to me, and one thing I found out was that they are absolutely genuine, right through the private celebrations and moments. They are just exactly what they appear to be when they stand up in General Conference.”

Willes hopes readers will not only enjoy the fun, personal stories of the prophets, but also to realize that they too, are just men who enjoy and celebrate the Christmas season like anyone else.

“They seem up on a pedestal at times to us, which they are because of their high calling and responsibilities, but they’re also men. I’m hoping that others will feel that too.”

*For more info about this book, click here.

Letter: Living prophets first

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:44:00 -0700

source: universe.byu.edu

Mormon Life says: BYU's newspaper published this student letter on R-rated movies. Interesting.

In response to “Avoid R rating,” I commend the citation of President Ezra Taft Benson’s 1986 address where he tells the youth of the Church, “Don’t see rated R movies.” However, the conclusion reached based upon this citation is disturbing.

In this past general conference, a talk titled, “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet,” also given by President Benson, was referenced twice. The third fundamental is: “The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.” That means the counsels given to us by the living prophet are the ruling line upon which we should live our lives.

In the case of movies and entertainment we can reference the pamphlet “For the Strength of the Youth” or various talks given in this past general conference on wholesome entertainment.

Read the rest of this story at universe.byu.edu

Join LDS Living's discussion about this on our Facebook page.

Writing a Prophet’s Life

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:08:00 -0700

by By Heidi Swinton, author of To the Rescue
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: I was in England when President Monson called me on the phone and asked me to write his biography. It was June 18, 2008, a Thursday, and the experience is forever imprinted in my heart and mind. *Editor’s note: This is a condensed version of the original article. To read the full version, look for it in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of LDS Living.

I was in England when President Monson called me on the phone and asked me to write his biography. It was June 18, 2008, a Thursday, and the experience is forever imprinted in my heart and mind.

“I know you’re on a mission,” President Monson said. “I called you. But you’re not that busy, are you? I have decided I want you to write my biography.” He suggested I could get a good start on the biography and be halfway done before coming home the next year.

How do you write about the life of a prophet? “Daunting” is a good word to describe the task. Overwhelming. All-consuming. Humbling. So humbling to realize, in some ways, his life was in my hands. I read, researched, outlined, and pondered what I would write, and it was almost like any other project of putting words on a page. Yet there came a spiritual dimension like no other writing project, a sensitivity that was a constant reminder of whose work I was doing.

I never imagined what would come from that preparation.

STARTING OUT

After that momentous call, I devoted six hours a day to studying President Monson while maintaining a full schedule of teaching with the missionaries, accompanying my husband to meetings, and speaking at conferences and trainings. I read all of President Monson’s talks from 1963 to 2010—that took months.

I studied materials relating to President Monson’s life—the pioneer church in Scotland and Sweden, the Depression, World War II and its aftermath, life in Germany behind the Iron Curtain. I read his limited-edition autobiography from 1985 and studied family records sent from his office. I read the biographies of every prophet of the Church. I interviewed European leaders who worked with him and members who were touched by his service. I read the scriptures, particularly the four gospels recording the ministry of the Master.

The most significant contributions to my research were probably regular video conferences with President Monson. I discovered President Monson’s philosophy on love and service during that time. I loved those hours with him. He was open and candid, thoughtful and dignified, cheerful and charming. Our conversations were not fact and date driven. Rather, he shared personal accounts, which are more than just stories.

He talked of his childhood and his family, of his call as an Apostle and his treasured experiences with mentors like J. Reuben Clark, Harold B. Lee, and Mark E. Peterson. He spoke of committees and travels and the people he met in remote Australian airports and behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany. I was mesmerized by everything he said.

Most importantly, I learned that he doesn’t measure his life in momentous events but in memories of people—and what he learned from them.

As I wrote about his life, as I reviewed the scores of personal accounts that reflect his great heart and sincere soul, I found I was changing. Put simply, I wanted to be better.

THE GERMAN CONNECTION

Suddenly it came time for my husband, Jeff, and I to complete our assignment in England and go home. Before returning to the states, we made an important stop in Germany so that we could walk the ground and meet the people who had played such an important part in President Monson’s 20 years of supervising the Church behind the Iron Curtain. To understand the ministry of this leader, I needed to meet those remarkable Saints sequestered behind the Wall who had worked so closely with him. Hearty priesthood holders wept as they expressed their profound love for President Monson.

While attending church services in Görlitz at the dilapidated factory-turned-chapel, I imagined the huddled Saints and their surprise when the young, bold Elder Monson stood at the podium and promised them that all the blessings that the Lord had for his children would be theirs. The East Germans never forgot the promise, and for two decades, under the direction of the First Presidency, he carefully helped fulfill those promises. Jeff and I took the opportunity to stand on the overlook above the Elbe River where President Monson had blessed the communist country that there would be “the dawning of a new beginning” of the Lord’s work in the land—another promise that would find joyous fulfillment on June 29, 1985, when a temple was dedicated in Freiberg, Germany, behind the Iron Curtain. President Monson described the day as a “highlight in his life.” Not long after, the Berlin Wall came down. The members of the Eastern Bloc countries had indeed witnessed great drama as the blessings of the kingdom of God came to them.

THE HOME STRETCH

When I came home to Utah from the mission, I read all of President Monson’s journals. The volumes, kept since 1963, are letter size, single spaced, with almost-daily entries. His journals sometimes indicate what happened in the Appropriations Committee or the Board of Education Committee, the Missionary Committee or the Correlation Committee—all of which he chaired. But for the most part, President Monson’s notes are filled with his interactions with people. He frequently acknowledges the work and efforts of so many, those whose service, as he says, “often goes unthanked and unacknowledged.”

When I sat at a desk in his outer office reading and making notes, he would regularly pass by with a box of chocolates, select one for me, set it down, and with a twinkle in his eye say, “Be nice to me.”

I spent the next year researching, reviewing, and writing, writing, writing.

During all this time I found a consistency to President Monson’s life—he loves people. He shows that love at the conclusion of a meeting when he makes time to talk with people; he extends that love when he visits, gives blessings, pursues someone who has fallen away or just smiles to a crowd, and each person feels that smile is just for them. I worked tirelessly to adequately reflect that love throughout his biography.

A PROPHET FOR ALL

Mention President Monson’s name in a gathering—Church or community—and people line up to tell their stories about him. He has left an imprint in every home, ward, state, and nation he has visited. There are too many stories to even record.

The Canadians think he is “theirs” and so do the East Germans and the Pacific Islanders and the Australians. Essentially he has made lasting friends everywhere he has gone, and even where he has not.

I have watched as he reached out to those in the community, heads of state, ambassadors and political leaders with the same trademark familiarity. He has joined many community leaders of various faiths in helping with community causes. I love the story of him watching the news one night when the announcement was made that the shelves of a local food bank were nearly bare. He acted immediately, calling the Presiding Bishop and suggesting it was time to rotate some of the food stuffs at Welfare Square and send the supply to the food bank for the needy.

When he says to find “joy in the journey,” he is not suggesting a day at an amusement park or a quiet afternoon with a good book, (though he does read every evening, often a book from the era of World War II). “Joy in the journey” is found in lifting the burden of another, he says. He puts in this way: “To measure the goodness of life by its delights and pleasures and safety is to apply a false standard. The abundant life does not consist of a glut of luxury. It does not make itself content with commercially produced pleasure, the night club idea of what is a good time, mistaking it for joy and happiness.” His standards of an abundant life are rigorous: obedience to law, respect for others, mastery of self, and joy in service of the Lord.

We can all live up to that standard. A prophet of God has called us to it. And, in doing so, there is no question, we will be better.

*To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson is now available at Deseret Book.