Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Four Blessings of Temple Attendance
Four Blessings of the Temple
Classic Talk on Success and Sacrifice
Back in 2003, Brother Tanner gave an amazing address to graduating Humanities students that was essentially a home-run commentary on D&C 117: 13. I've reviewed it tonight while preparing my talk for tomorrow's sacrament meeting, and I thought I would share the link so you could read it in full should you choose.
Here it is: http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&a=1320
Enjoy!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Aging Well
We hear this term a lot - "she's 'aging well;'" or "people with olive skin 'age well.'" What do we mean when we say that?
When we use this phrase, I think we're usually referring to people who are getting older while yet maintaining a youthful appearance. Today however, I've thought of another way of understanding this phrase.
When we use this phrase, I think we're usually referring to people who are getting older while yet maintaining a youthful appearance. Today however, I've thought of another way of understanding this phrase.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Elder Scott Teaches About Faith and Prayer
...
"Perhaps Oliver Cowdery’s experiences were recorded for us to understand how to pray and how to recognize answer to prayer. Oliver was told: “That assuredly as the Lord liveth, … even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive. …
“I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost.” (D&C 8:1–2; italics added.)
When we receive an impression in our heart, we can use our mind either to rationalize it away or to accomplish it. Be careful what you do with an impression from the Lord.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Repentance Builds Faith
Preach My Gospel states that "changing to become Christlike requires ... repenting."
To become more faithful, like Christ, you and I will benefit from asnswering these questions: what will I repent of today? what will I keep (feeling, thinking, doing)? What will I improve? What will I stop? What will I start?
These questions strengthen faith because once they've been answered, a second question is neccessarily posed: how am I going to do it? The correct answer to that question will always include increased faith.
Is there something you need to confess to your bishop? Really, ask yourself that question. If there is anything in the slightest that comes to your mind as you read that question, come to me. Call David Hawkinson (801-373-7495) and schedule a time for us to chat. Mortality already provides enough impediments to speedy progression without the burden of conscience. As Elder Hafen taught in General Conference back in April 2004, "because of the Atonement,(we can) learn from (our) experience without being condemned by it" - the Lord wants you to progress, so much so that He is willing to take away your guilt through His sacrifice.
Praying for increased faith is sure making my days more meaningful so far this month. I hope you are experiencing the same.
-Bishop Macdonald
To become more faithful, like Christ, you and I will benefit from asnswering these questions: what will I repent of today? what will I keep (feeling, thinking, doing)? What will I improve? What will I stop? What will I start?
These questions strengthen faith because once they've been answered, a second question is neccessarily posed: how am I going to do it? The correct answer to that question will always include increased faith.
Is there something you need to confess to your bishop? Really, ask yourself that question. If there is anything in the slightest that comes to your mind as you read that question, come to me. Call David Hawkinson (801-373-7495) and schedule a time for us to chat. Mortality already provides enough impediments to speedy progression without the burden of conscience. As Elder Hafen taught in General Conference back in April 2004, "because of the Atonement,(we can) learn from (our) experience without being condemned by it" - the Lord wants you to progress, so much so that He is willing to take away your guilt through His sacrifice.
Praying for increased faith is sure making my days more meaningful so far this month. I hope you are experiencing the same.
-Bishop Macdonald
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Entering March!
Wow. March is already here. How have the first two months of the year been for you? Have you grown in "love for others, God, and yourself?" Have you resolved to be more "obedient?" I have.
This month we have the blessing of studying one of the most precious doctrines - the Plan of Salvation. We'll study chapters 5 and 6 from Gospel Principles (The Creation; The Fall of Adam and Eve), and we'll discuss "The Purpose of Mortality" (Stake Theme, March). I call these doctrines precious because they're mysteries to those outside the current reach of the restored gospel, and because understanding them changes everything. Understanding these two doctrines prepares the learner for a correct understanding of the Atonement - which is what changes everything. This would be a great month to invite your friends and family to attend church with you.
While we study these precious truths, I invite you to pray for the Christlike attribute of faith. "Your faith will increase through diligent study, prayer, dedicated service, and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the commandments." (Preach My Gospel, p. 116)
In February, we just resolved to be more obedient. Now, let us take that dedication, couple it with diligent study, and pray for the Lord to fill us with faith. I know this is a righteous desire that the Lord will grant as we seek it earnestly, daily, this month. Page 117 of Preach My Gospel provides a good place to begin your study.
The Lord has filled me with love for you, members of the Provo Peak 3rd ward. I love you. I know he will bless us as we seek to become more like him.
- Bishop Macdonald
This month we have the blessing of studying one of the most precious doctrines - the Plan of Salvation. We'll study chapters 5 and 6 from Gospel Principles (The Creation; The Fall of Adam and Eve), and we'll discuss "The Purpose of Mortality" (Stake Theme, March). I call these doctrines precious because they're mysteries to those outside the current reach of the restored gospel, and because understanding them changes everything. Understanding these two doctrines prepares the learner for a correct understanding of the Atonement - which is what changes everything. This would be a great month to invite your friends and family to attend church with you.
While we study these precious truths, I invite you to pray for the Christlike attribute of faith. "Your faith will increase through diligent study, prayer, dedicated service, and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the commandments." (Preach My Gospel, p. 116)
In February, we just resolved to be more obedient. Now, let us take that dedication, couple it with diligent study, and pray for the Lord to fill us with faith. I know this is a righteous desire that the Lord will grant as we seek it earnestly, daily, this month. Page 117 of Preach My Gospel provides a good place to begin your study.
The Lord has filled me with love for you, members of the Provo Peak 3rd ward. I love you. I know he will bless us as we seek to become more like him.
- Bishop Macdonald
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