180 Years

Why did the Lord restore his gospel and create The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 180 years ago this day? The answer, at least in part, was given by revelation, and is recorded today in Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:

General Conference

Do you believe that your questions will be answered and your concerns addressed this weekend in General Conference? Consider this quote from Joseph Smith:

Pg. 265

"When things that are of the greatest importance are passed over by weak-minded men without even a thought, I want to see truth in all its bearings and hug it to my bosom. I believe all that God ever revealed, and I never hear of a man being damned for believing too much; but they are damned for unbelief." (History of the Church, 6:477; from a discourse given by Joseph Smith on June 16, 1844, in Nauvoo, Illinois; reported by Thomas Bullock; see also appendix, page 562, item 3.)


Our questions will be answered and our concerns will be addressed. The only variable of significance, then, is the preparedness of our hearts to receive the Spirit. What are you doing to prepare? Share in the comments.

Safety For the Soul

What are your feelings about the Book of Mormon? Please, share your feelings, if you'd like, here in the comments below.

"All things work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8: 28

Four Blessings of Temple Attendance

While I'm sharing talks, how about this one - given back in 1983, and just as true still today.

Four Blessings of the Temple

Classic Talk on Success and Sacrifice

Brother John Tanner is the Academic Vice President at BYU, but to me he's still my old hometeaching companion. I love him, and deeply respect him.

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!

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.

Elder Scott Teaches About Faith and Prayer

"When we receive help from our Father in Heaven, it is in response to faith, obedience, and the proper use of agency."
...
"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.

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

How Do I Build My Faith?

"Strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ." 
- Bible Dictionary, Faith