"Never Leave Him" : Lesson For 1-23-11

By Elder Neil L. Andersen
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Neil L. Andersen, "Never Leave Him", Ensign, Nov. 2010, 39–42

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As you choose not to be offended or ashamed, you will feel His love and approval. You will know that you are becoming more like Him.

09211_000_018 My beloved brothers and sisters across the world, I express my deep admiration for the faith and courage I see in your lives. We live in a most remarkable time—but a challenging time.

The Lord Alerts Us to Dangers Ahead

The Lord has not left us alone in our quest to return to Him. Listen to His warning words alerting us to the dangers ahead: “Take … heed, watch and pray.”¹ “Beware lest ye … be deceived.”² “Be watchful and careful.”³ “Beware lest ye also … fall from your own stedfastness.”⁴

No one of us is immune from the influences of the world. The Lord’s counsel keeps us on guard.
You will remember Jesus’s experience in Capernaum as disciples who had followed the Savior would not accept that He was the Son of God. The scripture reads, “From that time many of his disciples … walked no more with him.”⁵

Jesus then turned to the Twelve and asked, “Will ye also go away?”⁶

Will Ye Also Go Away?

In my own mind I have answered that question many times: “Absolutely not! Not me! I will never leave Him! I am here forever!” I know you have answered the same way.

But the question “Will ye also go away?” makes us think about our own vulnerability. Life is no spiritual picnic. The words of the Apostles from another setting come quietly into our mind: “Lord, is it I?”⁷

We enter the waters of baptism with joy and anticipation. The Savior beckons, “Come unto me,”⁸ and we respond, taking His name upon us. Not one of us wants this journey to be a brief flirtation with spirituality or even a notable but finite chapter. The road of discipleship is not for the spiritually faint of heart. Jesus said:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”⁹

“Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”¹⁰

As we follow the Savior, without question there will be challenges that confront us. Approached with faith, these refining experiences bring a deeper conversion of the Savior’s reality. Approached in a worldly way, these same experiences cloud our view and weaken our resolve. Some we love and admire slip from the strait and narrow path and “[walk] no more with him.”

How Do We Remain True?

How do we remain true to the Savior, His gospel, and the ordinances of His priesthood? How do we develop the faith and strength to never leave Him?

Jesus said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”¹¹ We need the believing heart of a child.

Through the power of His Atonement, we are to become “as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father.”¹² This is the mighty change of heart.¹³

We soon see why a change of heart is necessary. Two words signal danger ahead: the words are offended and ashamed.

Choose Not to Be Offended

To those troubled by the Savior’s divinity, Jesus asked, “Doth this offend you?”¹⁴ In the parable of the sower, Jesus warned, “He … [endureth] for a while: [but] when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”¹⁵

Offense comes in many costumes and continually finds its way onstage. People we believe in disappoint us. We have unanticipated difficulties. Our life doesn’t turn out exactly the way we were expecting. We make mistakes, feel unworthy, and worry about being forgiven. We wonder about a doctrinal issue. We learn of something spoken from a Church pulpit 150 years ago that bothers us. Our children are treated unfairly. We are ignored or underappreciated. It could be a hundred things, each very real to us at the time.¹⁶

In our weakened moments, the adversary seeks to steal our spiritual promises. If we are not watchful, our injured, childlike spirit will retreat back into the cold, dark crust of our former bloated ego, leaving behind the warm, healing light of the Savior.

When Parley P. Pratt, in 1835, was judged unfairly, bringing embarrassment and shame to him and his family, the Prophet Joseph Smith counseled, “Parley, … walk such things under your feet … [and] God Almighty shall be with you.”¹⁷

Another example: In 1830, Frederick G. Williams, a prominent medical doctor, was baptized. He immediately gave of his talents and prosperity to the Church. He became a leader in the Church. He donated property for the Kirtland Temple. In 1837, caught up in difficulties of the times, Frederick G. Williams made serious mistakes. The Lord declared in a revelation that “in consequence of [his] transgressions [his] former standing [in the leadership of the Church had] been taken away from [him].”¹⁸

The beautiful lesson we learn from Frederick G. Williams is that “whatever his personal weaknesses, he had the strength of character to [renew] his loyalty to the [Lord,] the Prophet and … to the Church, when it would have been so easy to have disintegrated in bitterness.”¹⁹ In the spring of 1840, he presented himself at a general conference, humbly asking forgiveness for his past conduct and expressing his determination to do the will of God in the future. His case was presented by Hyrum Smith, and he was freely forgiven. He died a faithful member of the Church.

I recently met the president of the Recife Brazil Temple, whose name is Frederick G. Williams. He recounted how his great-great-grandfather’s decision of character had blessed the family and hundreds of his posterity.

Choose Not to Be Ashamed

Offended has a corrosive companion called ashamed.

In the Book of Mormon, we learn of Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. The vision speaks of those noble souls who “[pressed] forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron,” arriving and “[partaking] of the fruit of the tree.”²⁰

Nephi described the tree as “the love of God,”²¹ bearing fruit that “filled [the] soul with exceedingly great joy.”²²

After tasting of the fruit, Lehi saw “a great and spacious building … filled with people … old and young, … male and female; and their … dress was exceedingly fine; and they were … mocking and pointing their fingers [of scorn] towards those who … were partaking of the fruit.”²³ An angel explained that the mocking, the scoffing, the fingers of scorn represented the pride and wisdom of the world.²⁴

Nephi declared plainly, “We heeded them not.”²⁵

Sadly, there were others whose courage faltered. The scripture reads, “After they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those [who] were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.”²⁶

As disciples of Christ, we stand apart from the world. There may be times we feel uncomfortable as the fingers of scorn mock and dismiss what is sacred to us.²⁷ President Thomas S. Monson warned, “Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith.”²⁸ Nephi said, “[Heed] them not.”²⁹ Paul admonished, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; … Be not … ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.”³⁰ We never leave Him.

While accompanying President Dieter F. Uchtdorf to Eastern Europe last year, I marveled at the faith and courage of the Saints. One priesthood leader in Ukraine told us of being called to the branch presidency in the spring of 1994, only six months after his baptism. This would require becoming public with his faith and helping to register the Church in the city of Dnipropetrovs’k. It was at a time of uncertainty in Ukraine, and openly showing faith in Christ and in the restored gospel could mean difficulty, including the possibility of losing his job as a pilot.

The priesthood leader told us, “I prayed and prayed. I had a testimony, and I had made a covenant. I knew what the Lord wanted me to do.”³¹ Courageously, he and his wife went forward with faith, unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Where Much Is Given, Much Is Required

Some ask, “Do I have to be so different from others?” “Can’t I be a disciple of Christ without thinking so much about my behavior?” “Can’t I love Christ without keeping the law of chastity?” “Can’t I love Him and do what I want on Sunday?” Jesus gave a simple answer: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”³²

Some ask, “Aren’t there many of other faiths who love Christ?” Of course there are! However, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having a witness of His reality not only from the Bible but also from the Book of Mormon; knowing His priesthood has been restored to the earth; having made sacred covenants to follow Him and received the gift of the Holy Ghost; having been endowed with power in His holy temple; and being part of preparing for His glorious return to the earth, we cannot compare what we are to be with those who have not yet received these truths. “Unto whom much is given much is required.”³³
The Lord said, “Thou mayest choose for thyself.”³⁴

I promise you, as you choose not to be offended or ashamed, you will feel His love and approval. You will know that you are becoming more like Him.³⁵

Will we understand everything? Of course not. We will put some issues on the shelf to be understood at a later time.

Will everything be fair? It will not. We will accept some things we cannot fix and forgive others when it hurts.
Will we feel separated on occasion from those around us? Absolutely.

Will we be astonished at times to see the anger a few feel toward the Lord’s Church and their efforts to steal the struggling faith of the weak?³⁶ Yes. But this will not deter the growth or destiny of the Church, nor need it impede the spiritual progress of each of us as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Never Leave Him

I love these words from a favorite hymn:

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!³⁷

 

Perfection does not come in this life, but we exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keep our covenants.
President Monson has promised, “Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe.”³⁸ We push our spiritual roots deep, feasting daily on the words of Christ in the scriptures. We trust in the words of living prophets, placed before us to show us the way. We pray and pray and listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Ghost that leads us along and speaks peace to our soul. Whatever challenges arise, we never, never leave Him.

The Savior asked His Apostles, “Will ye also go away?”³⁹

Peter answered:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

“… We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”⁴⁰
I too have that witness. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"...Canst Thou Read [The Scriptures] Without Rejoicing...?"

Brethren! It's a great New Year, and 2011 seems filled with promise beyond even that of which I felt. I admit my slackened initial opinion of this year came because of my failure to live up to some of the New Years Resolutions I made. Finally, I said to myself, that the execution of it was a challenge, and in the reading of my scriptures- and the increase of daily reading- I have found that of which inspired the title to this blog.

The Scriptures are the means of us drawing closer to the Lord, and our Heavenly Father. Inside the words given us by the Lord, especially in the Book Of Mormon, is the fullness of the Gospel. The blessed knowledge that one can come to a merciful God, whom installed a plan of Salvation that through the work, order and authority of His church and His annointed- using the Priesthood, we can reach Heaven; The Lord is able to save us all.

The Gospel is so ideal to our spiritual progression, that if we treated it with the anxiety we find ourselves directing to Monday Night Football (Or any program for that matter), we might actually be continually filled, and not with any portion short of our need, causing that thirst for things of a Spiritual Nature that we seem to know we need, yet have a hard time in continually directing ourselves to, "in all diligence." . If we could drive ourselves to the scriptures, like our bodies do to food when we are hungry, we would well fit into that category of which Elder Holland spoke of when he said, quoting the Savior,

"And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived... and in the last days neither your heart, nor your faith, will fail you." (Emphasis added)

We know also very well the damaging side effects of Spiritual starvation, and it is a reprehensible list. Oft times, the lack of blessings that we suffer, whether we have come to the knowledge of it or not, is due to our lack of diligence. Indeed, as I previously mentioned, in upping my spiritual ante with goals and resolutions and then NOT acting on them, am I not inviting Satan to "call" my bluff? Like a game of poker, Satan has chips of a corruptible nature, and can seem to force the "all in" much more than any Texas Hold Em player would care to think of.

So, we need to stave the onset of those opprobrious side effects of inaction, and contentment with the one source of information and teaching that is always right, and never wrong... the scriptures.

May I recall to your mind the account of the people of Zarahemla. The people of King Mosiah, The Nephites, stumbled upon the great city Zarahemla and found a good people, who were descendants of one of the sons of Zedekiah. After finding them, the record states, "Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon." (Omni 1:15)

This discovery was a great one, worthwhile to both the Nephites, and the then called people of Zarahemla. But it was those people that taught us a lesson about the rich significance of a scriptural and genealogical record for continual reflection. As this states, we can assume that these were led from Jerusalem on or around the time Lehi was being led out. But Lehi had something they did not, the plates of brass. The effect of that difference mislead the people of Zarahemla.

The people of Zarahemla saw that "...their language had become corrupted; and they had brought no records with them; and they denied the being of their Creator; and Mosiah, nor the people of Mosiah, could understand them." (Omni 1:17)

This time is somewhere between 279 and 130 B.C., leaving the possibility of many hundred years of watered down stories and no record keeping.

The solution was absolute, and could go one of two ways. Fortunate for them, and the people of Mosiah, they felt that, "...it came to pass that Mosiah caused that they should be taught in his language....after they were taught... Zarahemla gave a genealogy of his fathers; and they are written, but not in these plates."(Omni 1:18)

How neat this must have been for Mosiah and his people. Others were brought into the fold, another small portion of history learned, and a record kept of the end result in not having, and not using (should they of had it) the scriptures.

So in my personal studies, I came across that scripture in the Doctrine & Covenants, which gave part to the title of this blog, and it says this:

"Behold, canst thou read this [The Scriptures] without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness?"

If we are truly seeking the Savior, we can give a resolute answer to His question. We can't help but jump for joy, and feel the Spirit testify to us of the truthfulness of the Gospel when we search, ponder and pray. I leave that message with you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Lesson For Sunday 1-16-11 : Chapter 26: Sacrifice

06195_000_26 The Meaning of Sacrifice

Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further His work. The Lord commanded, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God. People have always been tried and tested to see if they will put the things of God first in their lives.

• • Why is it important to sacrifice as the Lord asks without expecting anything in return?
  

The Law of Sacrifice Was Practiced Anciently

• • What was the significance of the sacrifices performed by the Lord’s covenant people anciently?
  

From the time of Adam and Eve to the time of Jesus Christ, the Lord’s people practiced the law of sacrifice. They were commanded to offer as sacrifices the firstlings of their flocks. These animals had to be perfect, without blemish. The ordinance was given to remind the people that Jesus Christ, the Firstborn of the Father, would come into the world. He would be perfect in every way, and He would offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. (See Moses 5:5–8.)

Jesus did come and offer Himself as a sacrifice, just as the people had been taught He would. Because of His sacrifice, everyone will be saved from physical death by the Resurrection and all can be saved from their sins through faith in Jesus Christ (see chapter 12 in this book).

Christ’s atoning sacrifice marked the end of sacrifices by the shedding of blood. Such outward sacrifice was replaced by the ordinance of the sacrament. The ordinance of the sacrament was given to remind us of the Savior’s great sacrifice. We should partake of the sacrament often. The emblems of bread and water remind us of the Savior’s body and of His blood, which He shed for us (see chapter 23 in this book).

• • Why is the Atonement considered the great and last sacrifice?
  

We Still Must Sacrifice

• • How do we observe the law of sacrifice today?
  

Even though sacrifice by the shedding of blood was ended, the Lord still asks us to sacrifice. But now He requires a different kind of offering. He said: “Ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood, … and your burnt offerings shall be done away. … And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:19–20). A “broken heart and a contrite spirit” means that we offer deep sorrow for our sins as we humble ourselves and repent of them.

We Must Be Willing to Sacrifice Everything We Have to the Lord

• • Why are people willing to make sacrifices?
  

The Apostle Paul wrote that we should become living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God (see Romans 12:1).

If we are to be a living sacrifice, we must be willing to give everything we have for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—to build the kingdom of God on the earth and labor to bring forth Zion (see 1 Nephi 13:37).

A rich young ruler asked the Savior, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered, “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.” And the rich man said, “All these have I kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, He said, “Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he was sorrowful. He was very rich and had his heart set on his riches. (See Luke 18:18–23; see also the picture in this chapter.)

The young ruler was a good man. But when he was put to the test, he was not willing to sacrifice his worldly possessions. On the other hand, the Lord’s disciples Peter and Andrew were willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of the kingdom of God. When Jesus said unto them, “Follow me, … they straightway left their nets, and followed him” (Matthew 4:19–20).

Like the disciples, we can offer our daily activities as a sacrifice to the Lord. We can say, “Thy will be done.” Abraham did this. He lived on the earth before Christ, in the days when sacrifices and burnt offerings were required. As a test of Abraham’s faith, the Lord commanded him to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Isaac was the only son of Abraham and Sarah. The command to offer him as a sacrifice was extremely painful for Abraham.

Nevertheless, he and Isaac made the long journey to Mount Moriah, where the sacrifice was to be made. They traveled for three days. Imagine Abraham’s thoughts and his heartache. His son was to be sacrificed to the Lord. When they reached Mount Moriah, Isaac carried the wood and Abraham carried the fire and the knife to the place where they were to build the altar. Isaac said, “My father … behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb.” Then Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. He bound Isaac and laid him upon the wood. He then took the knife to kill Isaac. At that moment an angel of the Lord stopped him, saying, “Abraham … lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” (See Genesis 22:1–14.)

Abraham must have been overcome with joy when he was no longer required to sacrifice his son. But he loved the Lord so much that he was willing to do anything the Lord asked.

• • What examples of sacrifice have you observed in the lives of people you know? What examples of sacrifice have you seen in the lives of your ancestors? in the lives of early members of the Church? in the lives of people in the scriptures? What have you learned from these examples?
  

Sacrifice Helps Us Prepare to Live in the Presence of God

Only through sacrifice can we become worthy to live in the presence of God. Only through sacrifice can we enjoy eternal life. Many who have lived before us have sacrificed all they had. We must be willing to do the same if we would earn the rich reward they enjoy.

We may not be asked to sacrifice all things. But like Abraham, we should be willing to sacrifice everything to become worthy to live in the presence of the Lord.

The Lord’s people have always sacrificed greatly and in many different ways. Some have suffered hardship and ridicule for the gospel. Some new converts to the Church have been cut off from their families. Lifetime friends have turned away. Some members have lost their jobs; some have lost their lives. But the Lord notices our sacrifices; He promises, “Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life” (Matthew 19:29).

As our testimonies of the gospel grow, we become able to make greater sacrifices to the Lord. Note the sacrifices made in these true examples:

A member of the Church in Germany saved his tithing for years until someone with priesthood authority could come and accept it.

A Relief Society visiting teacher served for 30 years without missing an assignment.

A group of Saints in South Africa rode for three days, standing up, to be able to hear and see the prophet of the Lord.

At an area conference in Mexico, members of the Church slept on the ground and fasted during the days of the conference. They had used all their money just to get to the conference and had nothing left for food and shelter.

One family sold their car to get the money they wanted to contribute to a temple building fund.

Another family sold their home to get money to go to the temple.

Many faithful Latter-day Saints have very little to live on, yet they pay their tithes and offerings.

One brother sacrificed his job because he refused to work on Sunday.

In one branch, the youth gave freely and willingly of their time to care for the young children while their parents helped build the meetinghouse.

Young men and women give up or postpone good job opportunities, education, or sports to serve as missionaries.

Many more examples could be given of those who sacrifice for the Lord. Yet a place in our Heavenly Father’s kingdom is worth any sacrifice we have to make of our time, talents, energy, money, and lives. Through sacrifice we can obtain a knowledge from the Lord that we are acceptable to Him (see D&C 97:8).

• • Why do you think our willingness to sacrifice is related to our readiness to live in the presence of God?
  

Additional Scriptures

• • Luke 12:16–34 (where the treasure is, there is the heart)
  
• • Luke 9:57–62 (sacrifice to be fit for the kingdom)
  
• • D&C 64:23; 97:12 (today is a day of sacrifice)
  
• • D&C 98:13–15 (those who lose life for the Lord will find it)
  
• • Alma 24 (the people of Ammon sacrifice their lives rather than break their oath to the Lord)
  

A Year Later, Church Continues to Provide Aid to Haiti

The devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010 shattered and changed millions of lives, but the relief efforts and outpouring of support by organizations and individuals worldwide offered hope. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been working diligently since the disaster to provide aid to the people of Haiti through its humanitarian aid program.

In January of 2010, Bishop H. David Burton, presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who oversees the Church’s humanitarian program said, “Our hearts ache for the people of Haiti and our prayers are with them as we witness the unimaginable suffering they are experiencing. We are grateful for the many generous donations that enable the Church to provide extensive relief in Haiti, as well as other parts of the world.”

Supplies from The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints being unloaded in Haiti.

Since the quake struck, the Church has provided the equivalent of over 60 truckloads of relief supplies (including 10 air shipments) to Haiti. Those supplies and other relief provided by the Church include:
Earthquake Relief Supplies

Related

Additional Resources

• Haiti Earthquake Response

• Food – Over 1 million pounds
• Filtration bottles – Over 16,000
• Hygiene kits – Over 110,000
• Blankets – Over 13,000
• Kitchen sets – 13 pallets
• Newborn kits – Over 9,400
• First aid kits – Over 4,300
• Medical supplies – 25 pallets
• Tents – Over 3,000
• Tarps – Over 4,000
• School kits – Over 800
• Quilts – Over 600
• Cots – 48
• Toys – 2 pallets
• Other items

Health Professional Assistance and Shelter Construction

• Twenty-two volunteer medical personnel attended to more than 1,000 wounded.
• Six mental health professionals and over 100 volunteers offered counseling and emotional support to victims.
• Church meetinghouses were used as shelters and temporary treatment centers, and tent camps were set up to house hundreds of families. The Church built bathrooms, showers, and washing areas for use by camp residents.
• A temporary bishops’ storehouse was set up to organize ongoing food distribution. Plans are in process for a permanent bishops’ storehouse in Port-au-Prince.
• An employment resource center, staffed by Haitian Church members, was set up to assist those who lost their livelihoods as a result of the quake. More than 650 applicants have now been placed in jobs or self-employment.
• Materials were provided for the construction of provisional housing. Seventy-three of these temporary dwellings have been completed since the quake.

Cholera Treatment and Prevention Efforts

• 5 large medical tents
• Nearly 17,000 hygiene kits
• Over 8,500 water filtration bottles, with 5,000 extra filters
• Water filtration bags and extra filters
• Water filtration pumps and extra filters
• Over 5,000 cholera prevention and treatment kits
• 3 large water purification systems
• 390 cases of hand soap
• Cholera education materials
• Local Church leaders are partnering with government agencies and other relief organizations to provide training on cholera prevention methods.

New Videos From Mormon Messages

To See The Video Content Of This Blog, Please Visit plainvieweq.blogspot.com - These are Videos you will not want to miss! I also have provided them on permanent links at the bottom of the blog! Enjoy!

First, we have "I Am a Son of God" : This comes from one of my personal favorite talks.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland recounts the story of Moses and his encounter with the Lord on the mountain. Shortly after his vision, Moses is tempted by Satan. Read Elder Holland's full article, "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence": http://bit.ly/fd2ISc. Read about the experience of Moses in Moses 1: http://bit.ly/eLJvpW.



Next, we have "To Look Upon" - A Video On The Dangers Of Pornography

Elder Dallin H. Oaks warns against the dangers of pornography. Despite his great wisdom, David gave in to temptation and fell from his exaltation. Read Elder Oaks' full address, "Pornography": http://bit.ly/h4SP5B. Read about the experience of David in 2 Samuel 11: http://bit.ly/ijsicC.



Next, we have the video "Josiah and the Book of the Law" : This story compelled research on my part.

In the 18th year of the his reign, King Josiah began the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem. He was unable to soften the hearts of the people of Israel until he read to them the Book of the Law, written by Moses. Read the story of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22-23: http://bit.ly/dNjTeu.




Next, we have the video called "For Such A Time As This" The great story of Esther.

Not knowing that his new wife Esther was a Jew, King Ahasuerus of Persia approved a decree that all persons of Jewish descent should be killed. Showing great faith, Esther entered the king's court without an invitation to plead for her people. Read about her experience in Esther 1-4: http://bit.ly/f2QQdl.



Finally, we have a great video, called "God Gave Them Knowledge" - A great story!

By keeping their covenants, Daniel and his friends gained the trust of the Lord. In a time of great need, God revealed to Daniel the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and its interpretation. Read the full story in Daniel 1-2: http://bit.ly/hbnOhS.



Brethren, allow me to affirm to you my testimony. I know that Jesus is the Christ, and He is our Lord and King. I know that through Him, I will be forgiven of my trespasses, and be found in favor of His glory if I continue steadfast. May we all!