Lesson Recap for Feb 24th

The lesson on 2-24-13 given by Karin Alexander was taken from two 2012 general conference talks.  The first was by Elder Henry B Eyring "Where Is the Pavilion."  The second talk by Elder Neil L Anderson "Trial of Your Faith."  Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial or our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened.

Karin began with this from President Eyring.  "Many of us, in moments of personal anguish, feel that God is far from us.  The pavilion that seems to intercept divine aid does not cover God but occasionally covers us.  God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make Him seem distant and inaccessible.  Our own desires, rather than a feeling of "Thy will be done," create the feeling of a pavilion blocking God.  God is not unable to see us or communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen or submit to His will and His time."

The apostle Peter defined our challenges as a "trial of your faith."  In 1Peter 1:7 it reads "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honourand glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 

We then discussed several ways in which our faith is tested and the ways in which we can remain steadfast in our faith.

Trials of our faith:

1.    loss of a loved one

2.    inactive family members

3.    illness or injury

4.    job loss

5.    divorce

How to remain steadfast and immovable:

1.    serve others

2.    do not fear

3.    pray for understanding and clarity

4.    study and ponder the scriptures

5.    consider the Lord's timetable

6.    stay close to fellow saints

Elder Anderson stated "It is within the sanctuary of the church that we protect our faith.  Meeting together with others who believe, we pray and find answers to our prayers; we worship through music, share testimony of the Savior, serve one another, and feel the Spirit of the Lord.  We partake of the sacrament, receive the blessings of the priesthood, and attend the temple.  When you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God.  There is always a place for you here.  No trial is so large we can't overcome it together."

In Isaiah 55:8-9 it says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

"With faith come trials of faith, bringing increased faith.  The Lord's comforting assurance to the Prophet Joseph Smith is the very same promise He makes to you in your trial of faith:  Hold on...fear not...for God shall be with you forever and ever." 

May we hold tighter and fear less through the trials of our faith.

Recap by Kris Eddington

Lesson Recap for Feb 10th

The lesson on 2-10-13 given by Janeen Baylon was #3 from our RS manual "Lifelong Conversion: Continuing to Advance in the Principles of Truth."  Our religion should be incorporated within ourselves, a part of our being that cannot be laid off. 

President Snow recorded his experience as he received his own personal manifestation of the truthfulness of the gospel and the Holy Ghost. "I cannot tell how long I remained in the full flow of this blissful enjoyment and divine enlightenment, but it was several minutes before the celestial element, which filled and surrounded me, began gradually to withdraw.  On arising from my kneeling posture, with my heart swelling with gratitude to God beyond the power of expression, I felt- I knew that he had conferred on me what only an Omnipotent Being can confer- that which is of greater value than all the wealth and honors worlds can bestow."

"Every man has got to learn to stand upon his own knowledge, he cannot depend upon his neighbor; every man must be independent; he must depend on his God for himself entirely.  It is impossible to advance in the principles of truth, to increase in heavenly knowledge, unless we exercise our reasoning faculties and exert ourselves in a proper manner." 

An example of this is Oliver Cowdery.  He was promised that he would be given the power to translate the ancient records of the Book of Mormon.  He thought all that was required of him was to open his mind and wait.  He quickly realized this was not enough and he was not able to do what the Lord had asked him to do.  He realized that he must put forth effort, think about how he might do this, and use his abilities the best as he could.  He was not prepared. 

The Lord responded to him in D&C 9 saying " Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you when you took no thought, save it was to ask me; but, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you."

A perfect analogy of how our religion must become a part of our being is that of a ship.  We cannot separate ourselves from the things we are taught and know to be true.  Our religion should be incorporated into everything we do. "Nothing can be more foolish than the idea of a man laying off his religion like a cloak or garment.  There is no such thing as man laying off his religion unless he lays off himself."

"Stick to the ship of Zion.  If boats come to the side, showing beautiful colors and making wonderful promises, do not get off the ship to go to the shore on any other boat; but keep on the ship.  If you are badly used by any of those that are on the ship, who have not got the proper spirit, remember the ship itself is alright.  We should not allow our minds to become soured because of anything the people on the ship may do to us; the ship is alright, and the officers are alright, and we will be right if we stick to the ship.  I can assure you it will take you right into the land of glory."

President Smith said "And if there is any man or woman that is not fairly awake, may the time soon come that the Spirit and power of the Holy Ghost may be upon them, that it may teach them things past, present, and to come, and by the assistance of the Lord, plant righteousness and the principle of truth in their systems, that they may be prepared for the storms that are coming." 

Let us seek confirmation of these truths for ourselves, "stick to the ship" and continually prepare for the storms that are coming.

Recap by Kris Eddington

Lesson Recap for Feb 3rd

Sisters,

The lesson on 2-3-13 given by Karin Alexander was based on a 2012 general conference talk from Elder David A Bednar"Converted unto the Lord."   Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony.  Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion.

Karin began with defining several details of a testimony.

1.    A testimony is a personal knowledge of spiritual truth obtained by revelation.

2.    A testimony is a gift from God.

3.    A testimony is available to all His children.    

In order for us to obtain a testimony it requires asking and seeking.  We must approach it with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Jesus Christ. The basic elements of a testimony are:

1.    Knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves us.

2.    Jesus Christ is our Savior.

3.    The fullness of the gospel has been restored to the earth in the latter days.

Elder Bednar states "The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through the Savior's atonement.  True conversion brings a change in ones beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God and includes a conscious commitment to become a disciple of Christ."

So what does it take for conversion to occur?  It requires a constant desire, a positive attitude and making a choice to seek out opportunities and ways to strengthen our faith.  In doing this, conversion becomes an enlarging, deepening, and a broadening of our testimony.  President Uchtdorf said there are four basic parts of a testimony. Having faith in God, Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.

"Testimony is the beginning of and prerequisite to continuing conversion.  Testimony is a point of departure; it is not an ultimate destination.  Strong testimony is the foundation upon which conversion is established.  Testimony alone is not and will not be enough to protect us in the latter-day storm of darkness and evil in which we are living.  Testimony is important and necessary but not sufficient to provide the spiritual strength and protection we need.  Some members of the Church with testimonies have wavered and fallen away.  Their spiritual knowledge and commitment did not measure up to the challenges they faced."

In Alma 23:6-8 it reads "As many were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and hisbrethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of working miracles in them-yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.  For they became a  righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren."

The "weapons of rebellion" can be put aside by letting go of  pride, selfishness, judging, insecurities, fear, laziness, and the desires of natural man. This enables us to open our hearts to true and sincere conversion.

"A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost.  Continuing conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received-with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons.  Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony.  Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion.  We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel."

The "latter day storm" is here...may we do all we can do to prepare and protect.

Recap by Kris Eddington

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