Ponderize #7: December 6-12 - Draft

Bishop Valentine

Moroni 7:41

And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.

This is the season for hope . . . the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. And why do we hope? Because He is the reason for all goodness in our lives. He truly is the author of our salvation.

Brother Forsyth

Proverb 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

….lean not unto thine own understanding.   At times its hard to understand Gods will and easy for us to think that we understand everything.   We need to acknowledge him in all we do.

Brother Gibby

D&C 46: 11-13

For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

I am loving reading the Doctrine and Covenants at Christmas time, because it is the voice of the Lord, and there is so much about the Atonement, from Christ's own mouth!

Ponderize #6: November 22-28

Bishop Valentine
Alma 26:37

Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving,; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

                                                                                                

Brother Gibby:

D&C 39:1

Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity, the great I AM, even Jesus Christ...

I am loving reading the Doctrine and Covenants because there is no better place to hear both the Savior's voice, and the prophet Joseph's voice. This is a great reminder to actually pay attention when pondering to who is speaking, rather than just sort of reading something.

Brother Burton

D&C 78:19

And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.

This Thanksgiving, I hope to receive all things in life (including trials) with thankfulness. The Lord provides us so many tender mercies to let us know He is there. I am grateful this morning for the power of the Atonement and the blessings of the sacrament. I am grateful for the restoration of priesthood keys and for a worthy Bishop who exercises those keys in a Christlike manner. Thank you, brethren, for allowing me to serve with you. This truly is the Lord's work and I look forward to many more spiritual experiences with you in the future. Have a great Thanksgiving with you families!

Ponderize Week #5: November 15-21

Bishop Valentine

Mosiah 23:27-28

But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them. Therefore they hushed their fears.

                                                                                                

Brother Crockett

3 Nephi 27:20

Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

The phrase "sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost" has been a study topic for me this week.  Having the gift of the Holy Ghost literally separates us from the rest of the world.

Brother Gibby

D&C 33:17

Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom.

This scripture sums up one reason why we study the scriptures. If our lamps are burning, we need to keep adding oil.

Brother Burton

3 Nephi 19:33

And the multitude did hear and do bear record; and their hearts were open and they did understand in their hearts the words which he prayed.

This was a good reminder to me of where we need to seek for understanding. As we humbly open our hearts to the Lord and push aside the natural man, we will be able to understand his words given to us through the Spirit or through his chosen prophets & apostles.