May 15, 2011

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Mat 5:48

Alma made the comment, “Time only is measured unto men.” For thousands of years man has devised methods of keeping time, from observing sunrise and sunset, to sundials, water clocks, escapement clocks and quartz clocks. The current method used by the National Institute of Standards and Technology is a cesium fountain atomic clock which neither gains nor loses a second in more than 60 million years. This is the standard for all timepieces around the world.

Jesus sets a perfect standard that is even more precise than the NIST atomic clock. Just as all clocks are compared to the standard, we must compare our thoughts, words and deeds to His divine standard if we are to achieve the goal of eternal life.

May 8, 2011

And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted much, and prayed much, that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, That they might be an instrument in the hands of God, to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth; Alma 12:14-15

Having left the comfort and prestige of their homeland, Alma and the sons of Mosiah accepted the Lord’s call to take the gospel to their Lamanite brothers. After fourteen years of laboring, often under harsh circumstances, they reunited for a time of fasting and prayer that they might be even more effective in their efforts.

The ministry of the local has spent a number of hours studying the subject of fasting and prayer and is in agreement that the congregation could benefit much from exercising more fully this avenue of approaching our Lord. Let us consider this both individually and as a group that we might rise to a higher spiritual plane and be blessed with greater wisdom and understanding.

April 24, 2011

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6

The resurrection of Christ is the most important single event in the history of mankind.  As the Apostle Paul said, “If there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen… and your faith is also vain.”  Mankind would be forever condemned for the sin of Adam with no hope of eternal salvation.

But with Christ’s victory over death and the grave there is newness of life through him, “whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day, hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end.” Mormon 3:29

April 17, 2011

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalms 19:1

I love to see the apple trees in full bloom, the redbuds against the deep green of the spruce, the lily of the valley proudly emerging from their winter’s rest; all signs of God’s creation returning to life. The annual rebirth of nature serves to remind us of the gift of regeneration promised to all who will humble themselves and pledge their lives to Christ.
 

Likewise Christ, speaking of his death and resurrection, said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." All of creation symbolizes the greatness or our merciful God.

April 10, 2011

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.  Psalm 84:10

We were recently shown a photograph of a man standing in front of the main entrance to a large office building.  His only task was to open the door for the CEO of the company, and no one else was allowed to enter through that door.  It caused me to wonder who had more joy in his life, the doorman or one of the richest men in the world.  The glamour of wealth and fame draws many to do whatever is necessary to achieve it, but it can bring suffering and heartache. 

The above verse serves to remind us that it is the humble servant of the Lord who experiences the greatest joy in this life. With a new conference year ahead of us let us renew our resolve to labor for the spreading of the gospel.  God has given us gifts and talents and by exercising them in His service we can experience the joy of being a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord.

March 27, 2011

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:1-3

The words that we read here are of a mature Simon Peter, half a lifetime away from that dreadful night that he claimed he didn’t know the Savior.  As the first called by Christ and an eyewitness to the entirety of Christ’s ministry he provides an insight perhaps unparalled in the Holy Scriptures.

Peter’s exhortation to the ministry of the Church is brief but abundant in content.  The concepts of spiritual oversight, teaching by example and serving without pay are central to our understanding.  Please pray for the ministry as they prepare to meet in the days following our General Conference that they may come to a greater understanding of the work they are called to in the coming year.

March 20, 2011

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  James 3:13

A course in public speaking teaches that to be a persuasive speaker one must instill confidence in his audience.  When we hear a discussion of a controversial topic it is often difficult to determine who is telling the truth because the delivery is so convincing.  In this chapter James has been discussing the damage that can be done by how we speak and the importance of carefully choosing our words.  As he continues in this verse he extends that thought to include our actions as well as our words, which is the correct interpretation of the word conversation.

If we are to be considered truly wise, knowledge and persuasion are not sufficient.  It becomes necessary to show in every aspect of our lives the truth of the Gospel that we believe, in all meekness and humility.  Instead of envy, hypocrisy and conflict, our lives must reflect an attitude of purity, peace, patience and mercy.  A humble life is more convincing than persuasive words.