December 12, 2010

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. [Luke 1:28]

With these words the angel Gabriel greeted Mary and her life was changed in an instant.  This seemingly ordinary young woman of Nazareth was called upon to do an extraordinary thing, give birth to the only begotten Son of God. Once she was certain that this would be accomplished without violating her marriage promise, she replied humbly, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

Throughout scripture we see God using ordinary people like David, Abraham, Nephi, Deborah and Esther to bring about His purposes. If we diligently seek God’s direction through study and prayer, we too can be called to do extraordinary things for Him. As Gabriel said to Mary, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

November 28, 2010

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.

Rom 1:16

As I walk back from the mailbox these days I’m reminded that the world is ready for its annual observance of the birth of the Savior.  Sadly, this remembrance has become an occasion to encourage us to spend money for things we might not otherwise consider purchasing.  But it’s also an opportunity for the believer to boldly proclaim his faith. A common theme of the season is, “we’ve forgotten the real meaning of Christmas.”  This tells me that Christ not been forgotten, and that in the world there are sincere people who hunger for the Gospel.

We are told that it is not “politically correct” to mention Jesus except in church or among close friends.  But we know that there will come a time, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” This is not a time to be ashamed to speak his name, but rather to be bold in offering that precious gift of eternal salvation.

Your servant,

Dan

November 21, 2010

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

Psa 118:1.

This phrase is repeated eleven times throughout the scriptures with only minor variation.  It tells me that all the blessings that I’ve received throughout my life are a result of God’s infinite mercy toward His children.  Giving thanks to our Heavenly Father is an expression of humility, acknowledging that all that we are and all that we have are undeserved gifts.

How can we adequately express our gratitude to His infinite being? In his Colossian letter, Paul states, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Our words and deeds are a testimony to mankind of our thanksgiving for the blessings we’re received from God’s merciful hand.

Your servant,
Dan

November 14, 2010

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Matthew 6:9

With these words begin perhaps the best known and most loved verses in all of scripture, Jesus’ example of the manner in which we should pray.  He first addresses His Father by name and then declares that name to be holy.  There was great importance placed on names in the Old Testament tradition.  Places were named after miraculous events, person’s names were often prophetic, God’s name was considered so sacred that it was never spoken and written only in abbreviation.

In placing His name above all other names we are expressing praise toward our Heavenly Father.  Nephi declared, “O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel!... Oh how great the holiness of our God!” The psalmist David admonished us to, “…praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.”  The Savior ended his prayer as he began, praising the Father, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”  Our prayers should reflect not only our needs, but our praise, respect and devotion to our Father in heaven.

Your servant,
Dan

November 7, 2010

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Mat 7:13-14

When we travel in Yucatan, we frequently stay at a brother’s home in Yobain, where there is also a local congregation. They have no baptismal font, so on the occasion of a baptism we travel to the coastal village of Chabihau on the Gulf of Mexico. As we get closer to the coast the road narrows to slightly more than one lane. On either side are basins where sea water is trapped and allowed to evaporate, leaving behind the salt which is gathered and sold. All manner of sea life is also trapped and decays, producing an unpleasant odor and appearance. Along that stretch of road are signs posted saying CAMINO ANGOSTO which translates “narrow way.” If one were to lose concentration for just a moment he could leave that narrow way and become mired in the filthy salty sand with the stench of death all around.

Just as that camino angosto leads to the place of baptism, there is a narrow way that is prescribed by Jesus that leads to eternal life. His words are the signs along the way reminding us not to veer to the right or to the left, as on either side death awaits if we lose concentration. Let us heed the signs and stay on that narrow way that leads to life.

Your Servant,
Dan

October 31, 2010 - VOTE!

Therefore this shall ye observe, and make it your law to do your business by the voice of the people.  And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; Mosiah 13:36-37

This Tuesday we have the right and responsibility to go to the polls to do the business of our great nation “by the voice of the people.” The responsibility that we have is to make our decisions in a manner that chooses what is right and good in the eyes of our Maker, for if we don’t we invite condemnation upon the land.

This is a choice land, consecrated by the Lord, set apart from the world and promised liberty if its citizens will serve Him. It is that liberty that made possible the restoration of the Gospel in the latter days.  The freedom and prosperity that we enjoy facilitate the accomplishment of the Church’s duty to spread the gospel to “every kindred, nation, tongue and people.”

As we meet together this day in the Lord’s house, let us implore Him that He would inspire us as citizens of this great nation to make wise choices in the election of those who will govern.


Your servant,
Dan

October 24, 2010

And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed, This is the desire of our hearts.  Mosiah 9:42

After the martyrdom of Abinidi at the hands of the wicked King Noah, a young man by the name of Alma wrote all the words that Abinidi had spoken.  Knowing these words to be from God, Alma began to teach them to the people privately, and many believed that message of faith, repentance and baptism.  Fearing the king, they fled to the wilderness, unto the waters of Mormon where Alma invited them to make their covenant with the Lord.  And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed, This is the desire of our hearts.

These blessed people heard the call of the Lord and obeyed with joy.  We decide each day whether to comply with God’s commandments or fall to temptation.  We can have victory in Christ over sin and death, and in obedience to His will find abundant joy if we commit ourselves to Him and make this the desire of our hearts.

 Your servant,
Dan