Search Results for: blog rseq doers of the word

RS/EQ: Doers of the Word

Now that we have finished pondering the quotes from President Kimball this week, you may have wondered what else there is to study in the lesson. If you turn to the back, you will see a list of ‘related scriptures’ to read and ponder. As usual, I wound up caught up in the first scripture and didn’t make it to the rest. I guess it’s a good thing I have an entire week to study! The first scripture referenced is James 1:22. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” This scripture fits … Continue reading →

RS/EQ: What is Integrity?

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This week’s Relief Society/Elder’s Quorum lesson is on integrity. But what, exactly, is integrity? To me, it’s one of those hard-to-define words; something you know innately but cannot exactly express (and for a writer, that’s saying a lot!). I like the way President Kimball expresses it: “the willingness and ability to live by our beliefs and commitments.” There are two parts verb and two parts noun to this definition. First, the nouns. We must have our beliefs and our commitments laid out before us. In order to have integrity, we must actually believe in something. Whether it is a belief … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: The Marriage of the King’s Son

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In Matthew 22:1-14, the Savior gives a parable regarding a wedding feast. The king invited many to celebrate the forthcoming marriage of his son, but those who were invited sneered and scoffed. Some went so far as to murder the servants bearing the invitation! The king then chose to invite people from the highways, who attended the joyous occasion. The Savior then states a phrase oft-repeated in the church: “Many are called, but few are chosen.” According to Elder Bruce R. McConkie, the Savior teaches four truths: “(1) His own divine Sonship; (2) the impending destruction of Jerusalem; (3) the … Continue reading →

A True and Valiant Heart

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This upcoming weekend is stake conference for our stake. Instead of my regular lesson-oriented scripture study, I’m hitting the topical guide for phrases that have peaked my interest. Every once in awhile, a phrase catches my heart and leads me to the scriptures. Today, I heard the phrase “a true and honest heart.” The Spirit pricked my heart, and I decided to find out what the Lord might mean when He referred to this. There are so many scriptures that refer to an honest heart, however, that I am focusing today only on the first part. The word ‘true’ has … Continue reading →

General Conference: “Wherefore, Settle This in Your Hearts”

In his talk “Wherefore, Settle This in Your Hearts” Elder Larry W Gibbons speaks about the importance of keeping the commandments. He shares that the commandments are not meant as restrictions but rather as guideposts that will lead to happiness if we choose to follow them. Elder Gibbons stresses the importance of recognizing that the commandments are there to help us to be happy. By following the commandments each of us can follow the path that will lead us back to Christ. Elder Gibbons goes on to say that it is important that we remember that our goal is to … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: The Second Half of the Beatitudes

Although I neglected to blog yesterday, I did study the first half of the Beautidues, which leaves me with the second half (verses 6-12) to cover today. Although I enjoyed the overview I did on Monday, it was wonderful to ponder more fully the blessings and promises given through these seven verses. I’m going to address just a few of them and give you some wonderful corresponding scriptures. On a side note, I found the corresponding footnotes in 3 Nephi 12 to provide a few more scriptures than those found in Matthew. In verse 6, we read that those who … Continue reading →

RS/EQ: Commit to Obedience

The final two sections in this chapter discuss the necessity of restitution and obedience to repentance. As I read, I was able to logically determine something that I had accepted before on faith, and figure out just why a commitment to live the commandments was so important when you are repenting. Let me start by saying that most often, we are to accept things in faith. This is how we grow spiritually. Thus if a prophet (like President Kimball) or a bishop tells you that part of the repentance process is following the Lord’s commands, you should accept it. Reason … Continue reading →

Obeying From Trust

Earlier this week, we talked about obeying the Savior from love. A comment in response to that blog made me think about another reason we obey the Savior – because we trust Him. Oddly enough (or perhaps not), the subject raised its head again as I was studying this week’s Relief Society/Elder’s Quorum lesson. As I discussed, the Savior wants us to obey Him out of love. However, even if we love someone, it can be difficult to trust them. Take for instance your marriage. If you have trouble trusting your spouse on some issue – financial, spiritual, or even … Continue reading →

RS/EQ: Developing a Friendship With the Savior

This week, you should be studying lesson three from the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church book. The lesson focuses on Christ and His role as our Savior and our God. As I studied the first two parts, I was touched by the depth of the love President Kimball obviously felt for the Lord. The first section, on the life of President Kimball, recalls a time when then-Elder Kimball left his sickbed to commune with the Savior and to celebrate his role as an Apostle. The scene painted so obviously reveals the love and emotion the man felt towards … Continue reading →

Obeying From Love

When it comes down to obedience, there are three main reasons to obey. The first comes from fear – looming punishment frightens us. The second comes from reward – we seek the prize or present. The third comes from love – we want to please the person who has asked for our obedience. Which of these do you think the Lord wants to have motivate us? We can choose to follow the commandments because of the looming fear of hell. Especially if you grew up outside of the church, you may have been exposed to images of evil pits and … Continue reading →