Prophetic Priorities

Taught by Nancy S.

The topic of my lesson came from a BYU Speeches series titled “Prophetic Priorities” by Richard G. Hinckley.  As I read this talk I couldn’t help but think of the many conference talks I’ve listened to…talks from about 100 General Conferences, where our prophets teach of what the Lord would have us do.  I want to make an observation and I hope you’ve noticed this too.  Our Prophets teach, they joke, they encourage, they warn, they sometimes even chastise us, but always they are full of optimism.  They give us a feeling that there is great hope for the future, I never feel discouraged but rather encouraged to be better, to serve better, to love more, and to be more forgiving of myself and my fellowman. 

“In the year 1652 when through England all things sacred were either profaned or neglected, a church was built by Sir Robert Shirley….whose special praise it is to have done the best of things in the worst of times and to have hoped them in the most calamitous.”

The things our Prophets have been asking us to work on and pay attention to for years and years, are all things that if we heed their words we will experience blessings.  These are difficult and trying times.  It would be easy to become discouraged as we look to the future.   I hope we will look to our prophets for hope and encouragement as they move forward boldly in the best of ways even in the worst of times, and they continue to look forward with faith in the most calamitous. 

Powerful Promises of the Book of Mormon

Alma 34
Taught by Sue G.

After Alma finishes his discourse to the Zoramites, Amulek delivers a powerful sermon in which he testifies of the coming Savior and His atoning sacrifices.  He testifies that the entire law of Moses points toward the sacrifice of the Messiah, the son of God, and that the eternal plan of redemption is based on faith and repentance.  He teaches that this life is the time to prepare to meet God and counsels the people to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.

 Many passages in the Book of Mormon refer to white garments.  

Alma declares that a mans garments must be washed white or he cannot be saved, and Amulek in this chapter writes that a mans garments must be made white through the blood of the Lamb. 

Modern scholars such as Goodenough, have identified the white garment as being of particular importance to the Jews.  Hugh Nibley stated that "God himself may be represented in the earliest Jewish art as one of these men clothed in white".  This image wasn't even known to exist until 1958.  There are three men in white, and a single figure, the prophet in white.  In symbol for the chosen prophet, an emissary from God is always the white robe, which is reserved for heavenly beings.   This concedes perfectly with testimonies in the Book of Mormon that the righteous will be "clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness". (2 Nephi 9:14)

*Some information taken from "The essential Book of Mormon companion"

Temporal and Spiritual Blessings from the Word of Wisdom

Taught by Holly S.

 

Our Heavenly Father gave us the Word of Wisdom to bless us with physical health and prepare us for eternal life.

Our bodies are a gift from our Heavenly Father. The human body is an amazing machine that we need to make sure we are taking care of.  Heavenly Father gave us the Word of Wisdom as counsel and advice for the temporal salvation of our bodies and the preparation of our souls for eternal life.

We received the Word of Wisdom in February 1833.
It is fascinating that the Word of Wisdom was given to us during a time when there was little to no knowledge of nutrition or healthy diets.  In the 1800's many people suffered from diseases caused by the lack of nutritious diets.  The worst enemy of early settlers wasn't weather, travel, hardships or hostile indians---but Scurvy, a disease that could be cured by having Vitamin C in your diet and yet the doctors told people to quit eating fruits and vegetables.  There should be no doubt that the Word of Wisdom came from the Lord.  The Word of Wisdom was an island of truth in a sea of uncertainty.

We receive so many blessings when we obey the Word of Wisdom.  Not only do we feel the physical benefits that come from observing the Word of Wisdom but spiritually we are blessed.  Substances can control a person & hurt relationships and families.  When we make good choices we are not only benefiting ourselves but we have a HUGE impact on our children, spouses, family, co-workers & friends and what choices they make.  We can make a big difference by making healthy choices in our own lives.

 

The Answer in a Paintbrush

by: John C. Lea

Shortly after joining the Church in England, I found employment in a painting firm run by two brothers skilled in the art of painting advertising designs on trucks, both had the dexterity with a brush that comes from years of experience.  They were not religious men, but they were generous and believed in doing good whenever possible.

 My membership in the Mormon Church was a constant fascination to them.  Both were heavy smokers, and they could not understand why Mormons did not smoke.  Constantly they wanted to know, "Why didn't I smoke? When had I given it up?Had it been easy?"  In my replies I quoted the scriptures and attempted to explain a little about the gospel, but they made it plain that religion was not for them.  One day we were all working on the same vehicle, and George, the elder of the two, began asking questions about my activities in the Church.  Our discussion continued until the mid-morning break, when George lit his cigarette and again asked why I would not have one.  Before I could answer, he was called to the telephone, and I found myself praying in my heart, "Please, dear Lord, give me an answer that will satisfy these men."  George returned and immediately repeated his perennial question, "Why don't you smoke, John?"

I felt inspiration of the Lord as I looked at him and answered: "George, suppose I came to you and asked you to lend me one of your very best brushes, and after I had used it for a period of time, I brought it back to you full of paint.  I had not cared enough to clean it.  What would you think of me?"

He looked at me thoughtfully for a moment, and then quietly replied, "I see your reason now, John."On previous occasions I had quoted from Paul that "no unclean person...hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God" (Eph. 5:5) but the illustration of the brush, a most prized possession of these skilled craftsmen, had succeeded where doctrine had failed.  Although they continued to question me about the gospel, I was never offered cigarettes again.

We are all a prized paintbrush, painting beauty to the world through our children, spouses, neighbors, family and friends.  We need to make sure we are taking care of ourselves and keeping our paintbrushes beautiful and clean!  We will be truly blessed if we follow our Heavenly Father's counsel and obey the Word of Wisdom.