"Treasure Up . . . the Words of Life"

In General Conference earlier this month, Elder Richard G. Scott said the following: “Our Father in Heaven understood that for us to make desired progress during our mortal probation, we would need to face difficult challenges. Some of these would be almost overpowering. He provided tools to help us be successful in our mortal probation. One set of those tools is the scriptures… Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world” (Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” October 2011 General Conference).

For many years I have made it a practice to memorize scriptures that have strengthened and inspired me. In more recent years, I have selected some to memorize in both English and Spanish. I spend a few minutes each day memorizing and rememorizing scriptures. This practice has blessed my life and strengthened me in times of discouragement and temptation. In addition, doing so has helped me to teach the gospel in our home, at Church and when talking with others.

I have come to know from personal experience that the following words of scripture are true: “Treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man” (D&C 84:85). Many times, words of scripture that I have treasured up through study and memorization have come to mind in a moment of need.

May I invite each of us to select a few cherished scriptures to memorize and rememorize on a regular basis—particularly those scriptures that have touched our hearts to strengthen us against temptation and to help us understand, apply and teach doctrine. For parents, such a practice will help them to teach their children with a power that would not otherwise be available.

As you seek peace in your daily life, I commend to you reading daily in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully reading this divine book will draw you nearer to Jesus Christ than any other book. As a companion scripture to the Bible, it will bring you peace and a nearness to the Savior that will bless your daily life with strength through trial and peace in troubled times.

You can read the Book of Mormon online at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng 

To receive a free physical copy go to: churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/free-book-of-mormon

Here is a link to the Book of Mormon app on iOS and Android: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/mobile-applications/book-of-mormon-app?lang=eng

Daily Scripture Study

The Savior invited us to, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Modern-day prophets have invited us to make this a daily practice. Taking some time each day--even if it is only for a few minutes--will strengthen us to overcome the temptations of daily life, temptations that are made more and more alluring as the world descends into ever greater wickedness.

Tyndale paid the ultimate price for making an English translation of the Bible from the original Greek and Hebrew. Elder Robert D. Hales paid tribute to him in the following quotation: “Millions have come to experience for themselves what Tyndale taught throughout his life: ‘The nature of God’s word is, that whosoever read it, . . . it will begin immediately to make him every day better and better, till he be grown into a perfect man’” (Elder Robert D. Hales, “Preparations for the Restoration and the Second Coming,” Ensign, Nov. 2005, 90).

I have taken a few minutes every day to read the scriptures for the past thirty years. This practice as greatly blessed my life, just as Tyndale promised. While I am still a very long way from being a "perfect man," I rejoice in the blessing of the holy scriptures and their powerful invitation and direction to do what is right.

Power of the Atonement

For today’s entry, I would like to share some thoughts from a gospel doctrine class that I taught this morning.

33Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. (Matt. 26:33-35)

As we know, the Savior’s prophecy was fulfilled, in spite of Peter’s determination. As a result, when Peter realized what he had done, “he went out, and wept bitterly” (Matt. 26:75).

All of us have done something similar. We, too, have sinned in a moment of weakness, in spite of our determination not to do so. However, that need not be the end of the story. Through repentance, we can be forgiven of our sins and through continued obedience, we can become every stronger and more valiant in the faith.

We must remember that the power of the Atonement isn’t only the power to be forgiven of sin. It is also the power to be good and to become even better. Through repentance, obedience, and sincere prayer we can call upon the powers of heaven to help us to become ever more valiant in the faith.

Peter showed us that this is the case. Peter, as the chief apostle, appeared before a Jewish council of chief priests and elders to explain why he had been teaching and healing in the name of Jesus (see Acts 4:1-30). Peter, in a situation far more challenging than he was placed in at the trial of Jesus, not only refused to deny Jesus Christ but also boldly testified of him and severely chastised the members of the council in these words: “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:10).

That is a remarkable change. Peter was not defined by his failure. He rose above it. We can also rise above our failures.

Another example can be found in the life of Corianton. As we know, he was a disobedient son of Alma the younger. He committed a serious transgression with the harlot Isabel. He repented of his sins. Having thus been cleansed, Alma sent him out into the mission field again. However, what may escape us is the spiritual stature to which Corianton later arose.

In Alma 48:17 we read the following: “Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.”

This is a verse we have heard quoted many times. Moroni was a remarkable, spiritual giant. However, we may have missed the significance of the following verse: “Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God” (Alma 48:18, emphasis added).

What verse 18 tells us is that Corainton grew to the stature of a Moroni. He, too, refused to be defined by his failure—even a serious transgression. Through his best efforts, coupled with the power of the Atonement, he became a spiritual giant. So it can be for each of us.

May we each exert our faith in Jesus Christ, quickly repent when we sin and move forward in obedience, praying frequently and fervently in faith. Following this steady course will bring us great joy and success in becoming ever more like the Savior. I know this is true.

As Elder Maxwell said, “How merciful when our yesterdays no longer hold our tomorrows hostage!” (Neal A. Maxwell, “Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement,” Ensign, October 2001).

Universal Atonement

Two scriptures seem to indicate that Christ only paid for the sins of those who repent and follow him:

"He shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else" (Alma 11:40).

"All those who have hearkened unto [the prophets'] words...these are they whose sins he has borne" (Mosiah 15:11-12).

However, on a more complete study of the subject, it is abundantly evident that Christ atoned for the sins of all, as described in the following passages:

"...The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6).

"He suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam" (2 Nephi 9:21).

"For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him" (1 Nephi 10:18).

"He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation" (2 Nephi 26:24).

"The Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him" (D&C 18:11).

"I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent" (D&C 19:16).

In paying for the sins of all, he has removed an excuse that could keep some from following Him. If he had paid only for the sins of those who would ultimately repent and follow Him, someone could excuse himself or herself by saying that they were among those whose sins he didn't pay for. Thus, they would have little incentive to cast aside their sins. However, He has paid for the sins of all. His gift awaits those willing to pay the price. What love He must have for us, to willingly pay for the sins of those He knew would not repent and follow Him! He did it because of His great love for each one of us. He did it to leave us “without excuse” (D&C 88:82), and to provide a powerful incentive to follow Him.

I am compelled to exclaim, “Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!” (Hymns #193). He lives, and because He lives, we, too, shall live!

May we daily repent of our sins, so that we may lay hold of this priceless gift.

The Father's Role in the Atonement

In contemplating Father’s Day, I want to share a few thoughts on my gratitude for our Heavenly Father. I have been studying the Atonement daily for several months. As part of that study, I decided to focus on the Father’s role in the atoning sacrifice made by the Savior. Our chief attention when studying the Atonement is appropriately focused on the Savior. However, it would perhaps be well to also ponder how the Father role. Without Him, it wouldn’t have been possible.

What follows is a condensation of some of the things I have found that have helped me to appreciate with greater richness the Father’s role in the Atonement. It is given as a Father’s Day tribute to the Father of us all.

He Prepared His Son in the Premortal Realm

“His dear Son . . . is . . . the firstborn of every creature” (Col. 1: 13, 15). Of all the countless spirit children of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ was born first. He was preeminent over all others.

“His Only Begotten Son . . . was prepared from before the foundation of the world” (Moses 5:57).

“He is the Elect, the Chosen, and one of the Presidency in the heavens” (John Taylor, The Mediation and Atonement, 136). See Colossians 2:9.

“The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do; for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth” (John 5:19-20).

“Christ…was foreordained before the foundation of the world” (1 Pet. 1:19-20).

What are the messages for earthly fathers?

· We are obligated to prepare our children for success in life by setting the right example for them. We should think, say and do only those things that we would wish our sons and daughters to emulate.

· We should love our children with a pure love borne of a pure life.

· Following the Father’s pattern of perfect parenthood is the finest way that we can show Him our gratitude for all that He has done for us.

Gave Him a Physical Body

The Savior, speaking to His Father, said, “a body hast thou prepared me” (Heb. 10:5). The Father prepared a body for the Savior that was both capable of living forever and of dying, so that He could accomplish His earthly mission.

Provided Further Training

“Jesus grew up with his brethren, and waxed strong, and waited upon the Lord for the time of his ministry to come… He spake not as other men, neither could he be taught; for he needed not that any man should teach him. And after many years, the hour of his ministry drew nigh” (JST Matt. 3:24-26).

“I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:28-29).

“I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak” (John 12:49).

“He is the brightness of His Father’s glory and the express image of His person. …He doeth what he seeth the Father do, while we only do that which we are permitted and empowered to do by Him” (John Taylor, The Mediation and Atonement, 136). See John 5:19.

Gave His Son Power to Accomplish His Mission

‘Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father” (John 10:17-18). The Father gave His Son a commandment and the power to accomplish it.

“The Father placed his name upon the Son; and Jesus Christ spoke and ministered in and through the Father’s name; and so far as power, authority and Godship are concerned his words and acts were and are those of the Father” (First Presidency letter, June 30, 1916).

“As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man” (John 5:26-27).

“He had power, when all mankind had lost their life, to restore life to them again; and hence He is the Resurrection and the Life” (John Taylor, The Mediation and Atonement, 135). See John 11:25.

“I was in the world and received of my Father, and the works of him were plainly manifest” (D&C 93:5). “While in the world our Lord was dependent upon His Father for wisdom and strength to do the work that was before him… The works our Lord did were, therefore, the works of the Father. And they were plainly manifest as God’s works (John 3:2)” (Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodal, Doctrine and Covenants Commentary [1951], 590).

“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38, emphasis added). “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (John 3:2, emphasis added).

Testifies of His Son

“I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me” (John 8:18).

“I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me” (John 5:36-37).

32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me…

35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one. (3 Nephi 11:32, 35-36, emphasis added.)

“And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying: This is my beloved Son” (D&C 93:15).

“I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved” (2 Ne. 31:15).

“No man can come unto me except he doeth the will of my Father who hath sent me. And this is the will of him who hath sent me, that ye receive the Son; for the Father beareth record of him; and he who receiveth the testimony, and doeth the will of him who sent me, I will raise up in the resurrection of the just” (JST John 6:44, emphasis added).

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 16:17).

Allowed His Son to Suffer the Afflictions of Mortality and the Atonement

“God his Father saw fit to let him live as other men live, experience as they experience, sorrow and suffer as they do, and overcome as they must, if they are ever to return to the Divine Presence where joy and peace and eternal glory abound” (Bruce R. McConkie, “The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, Book 1, 6).

“About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27: 46).

“I try to imagine what an intensely poignant moment it must have been for our Father in Heaven when the Savior cried out from the cross, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). I don’t believe Father in Heaven forsook His Son on the cross. I do believe the cry was motivated when that Son felt removed the sustaining support He had always enjoyed from His Father. His Father recognized that the Savior needed to accomplish the Atonement totally and completely on His own, without external support. The Father did not abandon His Son. He made it possible for His perfect Son to win the eternal fruits of the Atonement” (Richard G. Scott, “He Lives! All Glory to His Name!”, Ensign, May 2010, 77).

It must have been a supreme challenge for the Father to withhold his further help, so that His Son could complete the Atonement alone. However, “When he (Jesus Christ) had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:1-3).

Imagine for a few moments what it would be like to see one of your children suffering, even in a righteous cause, in a situation where you could intervene and stop the suffering. How hard would it be to restrain yourself? Could you stand by and watch and hope and pray but otherwise not do something you have the power to do to relieve the pain, to stop the suffering, to bring comfort at the expense of the absolutely vital mission to be accomplished? Why didn’t He intervene? Because completing the Atonement required the Savior to bear the burden alone. The Father restrained Himself, because He loves us and because “[His] work and [His] glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

An Unsought Gift from the Lord

There are times when the Lord gives us a blessing we weren’t even seeking. He extends tender mercies to us because of His goodness. The following account reminds me of what King Benjamin said in his famous sermon, in Mosiah 2:19-24. We are never able to put the Lord in our debt. Rather, as we serve and obey Him, we actually become more and more in His debt.

I started wearing glasses in 1959, when I was 15 years old. My mother needed corrective lenses. I must have inherited the need for corrective eyewear from her.

In the late 1970s or early 1980s I replaced my glasses with contact lenses. They were much more convenient than glasses—especially in Saudi Arabia, where glasses fogged up when going from an air conditioned building or automobile into the hot, humid air.

In 2000, near the end of our service in the Nebraska Omaha Mission, an impression came to me that I should undergo LASIK (LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) surgery to correct my vision. Initially, I dismissed the impression. I am very conservative by nature and wasn't sure that undergoing the surgery would be successful. An acquaintance in Saudi Arabia had undergone radial keratotomy, and it proved unsuccessful in correcting her vision. On the other hand I had spoken with another Saudi Arabia friend who had undergone successful LASIK surgery. He said that the surgery had corrected his vision and the company's insurance paid for most of it.

Even with this encouragement I was still reluctant to proceed with the surgery. However, the impression persisted. In fact, later the impression also included the thought, "This is a gift for you.”

So, I underwent the surgery on April 19, 2000. It was very successful. My left eye was adjusted for reading and my right eye to see things further away. Therefore, I was able to see without the aid of contact lenses or reading glasses. That was a real blessing after 41 years of wearing glasses and contact lenses. The surgery was performed at no cost to me. I didn’t even have to make a co-payment. It truly was a most gratefully received gift from the Lord.

THe Doctrine of the Priesthood

While studying the discourses from the April 2011 General Conference, I was touched by the following words of President Uchtdorf.

“The holy priesthood of God . . . has an owner’s manual. Let us commit to reading the scriptures and handbooks with more purpose and more focus. Let us begin by rereading sections 20, 84, 107, and 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants. The more we study the purpose, potential, and practical use of the priesthood, the more we will be amazed by its power, and the Spirit will teach us how to access and use that power to bless our families, our communities, and the Church… I invite you to . . . become experts in the doctrines of the gospel—especially the doctrine of the priesthood… The principles and doctrines of the priesthood are sublime and supernal. The more we study the doctrine and potential and apply the practical purpose of the priesthood, the more our souls will be expanded and our understanding enlarged, and we will see what the Lord has in store for us” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Your Potential, Your Privilege,” Ensign, May 2011, 59).

When serving with Elder Christofferson in a stake conference assignment with the Carmichael California Stake, he invited us to study the doctrine of the priesthood. As a result, I began a study of it then. However, I didn’t make much progress.

Because of President Uchtdorf’s invitation, I have resumed that study today with much greater intensity than previously. I have already collected ten pages of thoughts on the doctrine of the priesthood and am far from finished.

Below is some counsel that I had previously collected on the priesthood in the home. I am grateful to have the chance to share it.

“We have done very well at distributing the authority of the priesthood. We have priesthood authority planted nearly everywhere. We have quorums of elders and high priests worldwide. But distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Power of the Priesthood,” Ensign, May 2010, 7).

“The Priesthood is given to men but is shared by wives. The way we treat our wives will determine our faithfulness in magnifying our priesthood callings. The more we love and bless our wives the more power we will have in the priesthood. The more we understand the priesthood the more we will value and love our wives. We need to live and teach this doctrine” (John A. Groberg, Area Training Meeting, Provo, Utah, September 21, 2002, quoted by permission.)

“As I meet with priesthood leaders, I often ask about the priorities of their various responsibilities. Usually they mention their important Church duties to which they have been called. Too few remember their responsibilities at home. Yet priesthood offices, keys, callings, and quorums are meant to exalt families (see D&C 23:3). Priesthood authority has been restored so that families can be sealed eternally. So brethren, your foremost priesthood duty is to nurture your marriage—to care for, respect, honor, and love your wife. Be a blessing to her and your children” (Russell M. Nelson, “Nurturing Marriage,” Ensign, May 2006, 36).

“It was not meant that the woman alone accommodate herself to the priesthood duties of her husband or her sons. She is of course to sustain and support and encourage them.

“Holders of the priesthood, in turn, must accommodate themselves to the needs and responsibilities of the wife and mother. Her physical and emotional and intellectual and cultural well-being and her spiritual development must stand first among his priesthood duties” (Boyd K. Packer, “A Tribute to Women,” Ensign, July 1989, 75).

I pray that all of us who are privileged to hold the priesthood of God will give careful consideration and consistent application to this portion of the doctrine of the priesthood.

The Great Deliverer

In D&C 59: 21 we read, “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.”

I have recently been compiling two lists, which I hope will help to show Heavenly Father how much I appreciate the blessings that I have received. One of the lists is simply called “blessings.” Another list is composed of a very specific kind of blessing—instances in which I have been delivered from difficult and at times seemingly impossible circumstances. I feel badly for not sharing these experiences along the way. Besides being simply negligent, perhaps at times I didn’t even recognize the blessing until weeks, months or even years later. I hope that the occasional sharing I will do will help to make up for these past deficiencies.

While working on the list, it occurred to me that I certainly fit the following statement made by President Thomas S. Monson: “Those things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us. Unfortunately, these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted. The English author Aldous Huxley wrote, ‘Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted’” (“The Divine Gift of Gratitude,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 89). 

The following is the first installment of what will be several more deliverance experiences.

· When about six to eight years old, while visiting my Granmother Koyle, I was helping to bring in the cows to be milked. The cows were in a field that had a lot of sagebrush in it. Some of the brush was three feet tall or more. While running full-speed through the sagebrush, I looked down and saw a rattlesnake coiled up. My right foot was about to come down on top of the rattlesnake. With what I am now certain was heavenly help, I extended my foot beyond the snake and continued on my way—shaken but unhurt.

· When about sixteen years old, some milk cows were being driven into the barn for milking at my uncle, Eldon Koyle’s farm. However, a bull was interfering with the process. In my youthful bravado, I jumped into the corral to drive the bull away. He wasn’t a bit intimidated. Instead, he charged me. Before I could take any evasive action, he had me pinned against one of the corral’s large fence posts, made from a railroad tie. I could have easily been crushed to death. However, my father and brother hit the bull with sticks and he backed off. I just ended up with a bruised breastbone that was sore for a few days. I am certain that another force was at work—sparing me from serious injury and possibly from death.

By sharing these experiences, I do not wish to draw attention to myself. What I wish to do is to lend substance to my firm testimony that the Savior is watching over us. He is "The Great Deliverer". He has assigned angels—both earthly and heavenly—to protect, inspire and guide us. While unseen, they are very real. More often than we know, they come to our aid in time of need. Of this I have absolutely no doubt.

Cultivate Pure Desires

I have been preparing a lesson for next Sunday’s gospel doctrine class. The purpose of the lesson is, “To help class members recognize and avoid hypocrisy and thus strengthen their commitment to Jesus Christ”.

The lesson contains several scriptural examples of hypocrisy. The most glaring example of hypocrisy is that of the Pharisees, in Matthew 23. The Savior said, “They [the Pharisees] say, and do not” (Matt. 23:3). The Pharisees held others to a higher standard than themselves. “They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers” (Matt. 23:4).

In another condemnation, the Savior points out that, “All their works they do for to be seen of men” (Matt. 23:5). In other words, they do some things that are righteous but for selfish motives. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord cautions, “When thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:2). In other words, even if we do what is right but do it for impure motives, our reward is less than it would otherwise have been.

It is easy for us all to condemn the Pharisees. They make an easy target. However, we are all subject to the same human weaknesses—even if they aren’t as extreme. What can we do to avoid the trap? Cultivate pure desires.

Elder Oaks’ talk, “Desire,” in the May Ensign (lds.org/ensign/2011/05/desire?lang=eng), gives us some great counsel on cultivating desires that will lead us to do the right thing for the right reason. He said, “I hope each of us will search our hearts to determine what we really desire and how we rank our most important desires. Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Desire,” Ensign, May 2011, 42).

Neal A. Maxwell said, “Actually, everything depends—initially and finally—on our desires. These shape our thought patterns. Our desires thus precede our deeds and lie at the very cores of our souls, tilting us toward or away from God (see D&C 4:3). God can “educate our desires” (see Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine [1939], 297). Others seek to manipulate our desires. But it is we who form the desires, the “thoughts and intents of [our] hearts” (Mosiah 5:13).

“The end rule is “according to [our] desires … shall it be done unto [us]” (D&C 11:17), “for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:9; see also Alma 41:5; D&C 6:20, 27). One’s individual will thus remains uniquely his. God will not override it nor overwhelm it. Hence we’d better want the consequences of what we want! (Neal A. Maxwell, “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father,” Ensign, Nov. 1995.)

My commitment is that I will frequently examine my desires and the priorities that I place on them, lest I fall into the trap to which the Pharisees fell victim.

The Power of the Word

In Alma 31:5, Mormon says, "As the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God". It has long been interesting to me that Mormon chose to compare the power of words to the power of the sword. He said this long before Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 coined the phrase, "The pen [the word] is mightier than the sword".

While considering Mormon's statement, I was interested to find an account in the Book of Mormon in which the word was dramatically more powerful than the sword. In the early chapters of Helaman, the Lamanites won much of the Nephite lands in battle. The Nephites fought hard to win their land back through war. However, they were only able to win back half of what they had lost. Then through some dramatic heavenly manifestations, triggered by the preaching of Nephi and Lehi, sons of the second Helaman, many were converted. Three hundred of those converts joined Nephi and Lehi in teaching the Lamanites. Through their preaching, the lands that had been lost were peacefully returned. This is described in Helaman 5. Indeed the word is more powerful than the sword!

There are many more examples of the power of the word. Below are just a few.

• The Brother of Jared removed Mount Zerin. See Ether 12:30.
• The Savior, under the direction of the Father, created the earth. See John 1:1-3.
• In fact, in John 1:1 Jesus Christ is declared to be "the Word."
  
• Enoch "spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him" (Moses 7:13).
• At the word of Nephi, the heavens were sealed and the rains ceased. "So it was done, according to the words of Nephi. And there was a great famine upon the land" (Helaman 11:5).

The list could be made much longer. Moving mountains and other physical manifestations of the power of the word are impressive. However, the power of God's word to change human hearts is something that has far more lasting and eternal consequences. What does that mean for each of us?

The challenge is to make the word of God a power within each of us to help us resist temptation and to forge a character that is more and more like God's. I love these words of scripture which help to teach this concept:

29Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—
30And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out. (Helaman 3:29-30)

These verses help us to understand a very important key to successfully completing our mortal probation. "Laying hold upon the word of God," will help us to have the power to do all that we have been sent here to do. Studying and applying God's words in our lives--likening them to us (see 1 Nephi 19:23)--is vital to our spiritual growth. As we do so, the words of scripture will become our words. The commandments of the scriptures will become our treasured delight. We will indeed qualify to "sit down with Abraham, and Isaac and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out"!

We are the Clay

While I was refreshing my memorization of Isaiah 64:8 yesterday, a thought came to me that I want to share. Here is the scripture: "O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

For clay to be workable in a potter's hands, it must be moist. If the clay is dry, it becomes brittle and unyielding. What are the sources of moisture? "Living water" (John 4:11), which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, the water that we are invited to joyfully "draw . . . out of the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3; 2 Nephi 22:3).

Two of the primary sources for that water are humble prayer and reading, pondering applying the words of prophets both ancient (the scriptures) and modern (the Ensign, etc.).

To stay moist and moldable, we need to earnestly pray and to study and apply the scriptures each day. As we do, we will receive impressions which, when followed will allow the Savior to shape us incrementally to become more and more like Him.

Tyndale understood this process, as described in these words: ‘The nature of God’s word is, that whosoever read it, . . . it will begin immediately to make him every day better and better, till he be grown into a perfect man’” (Quoted in S. Michael Wilcox, Fire in the Bones: William Tyndale—Martyr, Father of the English Bible (2004), xv) (Elder Robert D. Hales, “Preparations for the Restoration and the Second Coming,” Ensign, Nov. 2005, 90).

Humility

My recent gospel study has included a focus on humility. This is an attribute of which I would very much like to have a larger portion. In today's study, I found the following scripture and quotation that are helpful in better understanding what it takes to be humble.

“I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will” (Mormon 1:7).

“Men changed for Christ will be captained by Christ. Like Paul they will be asking, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?’ (Acts 9:6.) Peter stated they will ‘follow his steps.’ (1 Pet. 2:21.) John said they will ‘walk, even as he walked.’ (1 Jn. 2:6.)” (Ezra Taft Benson, "Born of God", Ensign, July 1989, 2).

What a different world it would be if every man would humbly submit his will to the will of God--if they would say from the depths of their heart, "Not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:39). I'm going to strive with greater diligence to show this kind of humility.

Journal Keeping

2 …Whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon plates must perish and vanish away; but we can write a few words upon plates, which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers—

3 Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents.

4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us. (Jacob 4:2-4)

As I read these verses this morning, it occurred to me that they speak to us about the importance of keeping a personal journal. Writing our experiences on paper will keep them from vanishing away. As we do so, we can help our posterity to learn some important lessons from our experiences that will help them to avoid some painful experiences that they might otherwise have. We also have the opportunity, through the testimonies of the Savior in our journals to help build and strengthen their testimonies.

With few exceptions, I have made daily entries in my personal journal for 30 years. It has been a blessing in my life. I hope it will bless my children and their children.

"Prophetic Priorities"

Several years ago while in a training session, we were encouraged to focus on "prophetic priorities" in our teaching. That phrase has stuck with me ever since. I have thought of it while studying the scriptures and while setting personal goals.

Today, while reading in the Book of Jacob, I came across one of the scriptures that helped me to more firmly conceptualize the importance of setting and earnestly following "prophetic priorities." Here is the verse: "The people . . . loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban in their defence, and having labored in all his days for their welfare." Nephi protected his people physically--for example, with the sword--and spiritually, by his example and teachings. The lesson: prophets are protectors. This verse is reinforced by the following additional verses:

"And now my son, Laman, and also Lemuel and Sam, and also my sons who are the sons of Ishmael, behold, if ye will hearken unto the voice of Nephi ye shall not perish" (2 Nephi 1:28).

To Jacob, Lehi said: "Thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother, Nephi" (2 Nephi 2:3).

Finally, Jacob said: "I . . . [have] been consecrated by my brother Nephi, unto whom ye look as a king or a protector, and on whom ye depend for safety" (2 Nephi 6:2).

I will cite one more quote and then make some observations. "Now is the time to align our goals with God's goals" (Elder Russell M. Nelson).

A loving God has given us prophets to protect us--to keep us safe. However, this precious gift is of little value unless we listen carefully to what our prophet teaches us and apply it in our lives. When the prophet speaks we need to carefully study is words and "liken [them] unto us" (2 Nephi 19:23). Where needed, we must realign our goals so that they line up with the council of our living prophet. This is the course of safety. Just as we occasionally need to have the wheels realigned on our cars, so that they will steer in a straight course, we need to align our priorities with God's priorities. President Ezra Taft Benson said this in the following quotation:

“When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Great Commandment – Love the Lord,” Ensign, May 1988, 4).

This day I recommit to following "prophetic priorities" in my life.

The Times in Which We Live - 2

After receiving a comment on my blog entry concerning slaves rising up against their masters, I decided to go to a website that lists every scripture quoted by the General Authorities in General Conference. It was cited once by Bishop Joseph L. Wirthlin, Presiding Bishop of the Church and father of Joseph B. Wirthlin, who served as a member of the Twelve. His comment, below, seems to harmonize with the impression I have felt over the years.

The address for the above website, which is very useful for gaining additional insights into the scriptures, is: http://scriptures.byu.edu/

Here is the referenced quote by Bishop Worthlin:

Another marvelous revelation is one that is not encouraging, but nevertheless is true, and we must give it consideration. It is section 87 of the Doctrine and Covenants and it reads:

"Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;

"And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place."
He could only have known this through the revelations that were given to him by the Lord. Then also He said, "For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations.
"And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war" ( D&C 87:1-4).

In many cases I am quite sure we all think this has to do particularly with the slaves in the Southern States, but I believe, brethren and sisters, that it was intended that this referred to slaves all over the world, and I think of those, particularly in the land of Russia and other countries wherein they have been taken over by that great nation and where the people are actually the slaves of those individuals who guide and direct the affairs of Russia and China, and where the rights and the privilege to worship God and to come to a knowledge that Jesus Christ is his Son is denied them. (Joseph L. Wirthlin, Conference Report, October 1958, pp. 30-34.)

Praying in the Holy Ghost

Jude is a gospel writer who contributed just one chapter of scripture. However, that one chapter contains much to ponder and treasure. One phrase that caught my attention this morning is, "praying in the Holy Ghost." This gospel principle is also taught in D&C 46:30; 50:29-30; and 101:27 and in Matthew 6:8; Romans 8:6; James 4:3; 2 Nephi 4:35; 2 Nephi 32:8-9; Enos 1:18; 3 Nephi 18:20; 3 Nephi 19:24.) I am sure there are many more besides these.

We often rush through our prayers, saying the things we have frequently said. However, if we slow down and strive to sense the whisperings of the Spirit, we can be led in our prayers to pray for the things we most need to pray for and that are in accord with the will of the Lord. Sometimes we will even be led to pray for something we didn't know that we needed to pray for. Prayer is a wonderful blessing from the Lord, to strengthen in our earthly journey.

Faith, Coupled with Works, Leads to Salvation

I am reading in the Book of Mormon and the New Testament in English and Spanish. Today while reading 1 John 5, the following thoughts came to mind.

Works: "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments" (1 John 5:3). It is stated this way in John 14:15: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Faith: "He that hath [faith in] the Son hath life" (1 John 5:3, 12). In John 3:36 it is stated more clearly: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life."

Much of the Christian world has separated faith and works--saying works have little or nothing to do with salvation. I cannot comprehend how they can overlook scripture after scripture that clearly connects salvation to faith and to our actions. Thus, both faith and the works of righteousness--obedience to the commandments--are required for salvation. It is troubling how the adversary can convince so many to ascribe salvation as a function of faith alone. Indeed, living, vital faith is an impelling force that causes the true believer to love the Father and the Son and to demonstrate that love through obedience.

The Times in Which We Live

Often, when I hear on the news of a people rebelling against repressive leaders, I think of the words found in Doctrine and Covenants 87:4: "And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war." Indeed, many people of the Middle East have been, in effect, made slaves by their unrighteous governments. Following the pattern of many in the past, they are rising up and demanding to be freed from slavery. There is something in the human spirit that yearns to be free--to have a voice in their government. My prayer is that good leaders will rise from the ashes of these rebellions to bless the people.

Studying the Scriptures Strengthens Our Testimony of Jesus Christ

In my study today, I was touched by these words of the Savior: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." This gives some insight into the reason that Paul said, "Faith cometh by hearing . . . the word of God (John 5:39, emphasis added)," which is found in its richest form in the scriptures.

One further scripture helps to confirm this thought: "These words [of scripture] are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:34-36, emphasis added).

When we study, we should "Let these sayings sink down into [our] ears" (Luke 9:44). In other words, we should take time to ponder what we have read. They will then have the desired effect in our lives, if we let them.

We gain and strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ while reading the scriptures, because they testify of Him, and through them we "hear" his voice, in a figurative, spiritual sense. As His words sink deeply into our ears, minds and hearts and as we apply them in our daily living, they make "an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast" (Hebrews 6:19), binding us ever more securely to Him Who is the Source of all spiritual power.

Introduction to My Blog

I love to study, understand, live, and teach from the scriptures. This blog gives me a place to share that love with members of my family and others. Today while studying the scriptures, I came across this verse, which hadn't caught my attention previously: “He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away” (Luke 1:53).

To gain the richness of the spiritual feast that the Lord has reserved for us, we must go to the scriptures hungry to learn. “Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price” (2 Nephi 9:50). Feasting on the scriptures requires no money, just a mind and heart open to spiritual truths and ears that listen with real intent. A feast is available to all who have faith in Jesus Christ or who are open to developing faith in Him. Indeed, "faith cometh by hearing [reading]. . . the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

The richest of feasts go to those who follow the pattern taught in Luke 6:47-48:

  46 ...Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
  47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
  48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

When we come to Jesus Christ through prayerful scripture study. When we open our hearts, minds and ears to His word. When we do our best to do the things that the Lord tells us in His scriptures. Then we have indeed founded ourselves on a rock, "the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God" (Helaman 5:12). We will sink our spiritual roots into the bedrock of His gospel, anchoring ourselves to Him Who is the "rock of our salvation" (Psalms 95:1).

When we follow this pattern, the Lord will bless and strengthen us. We will learn incrementally, building on what we have previously learned, "precept on precept, line upon line; here a little and there a little" (2 Nephi 28:30). The light of the gospel in our lives "[will grow] brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24).

I know this is true. I have seen it in my own life and in the lives of others.

As you seek peace in your daily life, I commend to you reading daily in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully reading this divine book will draw you nearer to Jesus Christ than any other book. As a companion scripture to the Bible, it will bring you peace and a nearness to the Savior that will bless your daily life with strength through trials and peace in troubled times.

You can read the Book of Mormon online at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng 

To receive a free physical copy go to: churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/free-book-of-mormon

Here is a link to the Book of Mormon app on iOS and Android: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/mobile-applications/book-of-mormon-app?lang=eng