3-2023 September 11, Birthday Celebration

Yesterday was basically all about birthdays. Cathy's, Erica's, and Alexander & Fredrick. Many gathered in Vineyard at the Hexburg residence where we enjoyed visiting, eating BBQ and birthday cake and opening presents. It was a beautiful day.

Come Follow Me 

2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

"Being converted unto the Lord starts with an unwavering commitment to God, followed by making that commitment part of who we are. Internalizing such a commitment is a lifelong process that requires patience and ongoing repentance. Eventually, this commitment becomes part of who we are, embedded in our sense of self, and ever present in our lives. Just as we never forget our own name no matter what else we are thinking about, we never forget a commitment that is etched in our hearts."

Elder Dale G. Renlund Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle, October 2019

2 Corinthians 2:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.... 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

"First of all, it must be recognized that the great principle of repentance is largely dependent upon forgiveness. He who has transgressed and then decides to repent is expected to seek out those he has offended, to solicit their forgiveness. I know of one man who carried his grudge to the grave after 40 long, bitter years of refusing to forgive. What a tragedy! His light was never able to shine forth as intended. As recorded in 1 John, “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes” (1 Jn. 2:11). Paul wrote to the Saints at Corinth about the importance of forgiving readily, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11).

Only as we forgive do we earn the right to be forgiven. This is an eternal principle, so taught by the Savior when he said: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matt. 6:14)."

Source

Robert L. Simpson, “Forgiveness”, October 1966 General Conference

2 Corinthians 2:11, Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

"My principal reason for choosing this subject is to help young people by warning them, as Paul said, “lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11) We hope that young people, unfamiliar with the sophistries of the world, can keep themselves free of Satan’s enticements and deceitful ways. I personally claim no special insight into Satan’s methods, but I have at times been able to identify his influence and his actions in my life and in the lives of others. When I was on my first mission, Satan sought to divert me from my future path and, if possible, to destroy my usefulness in the Lord’s work. That was almost fifty years ago, and I still remember how reasonable his entreaties seemed. 

Who has not heard and felt the enticings of the devil? His voice often sounds so reasonable and his message so easy to justify. It is an enticing, intriguing voice with dulcet tones. It is neither hard nor discordant. No one would listen to Satan’s voice if it sounded harsh or mean. If the devil’s voice were unpleasant, it would not entice people to listen to it."

Source

James E. Faust, “‘The Great Imitator’”, October 1987 General Conference

Book of Mormon reading 

Alma Chapter 13, Men are called as high priests because of their exceeding faith and good works—They are to teach the commandments—Through righteousness they are sanctified and enter into the rest of the Lord—Melchizedek was one of these—Angels are declaring glad tidings throughout the land—They will declare the actual coming of Christ. About 82 B.C.

Chapter 14, Alma and Amulek are imprisoned and smitten—The believers and their holy scriptures are burned by fire—These martyrs are received by the Lord in glory—The prison walls are rent and fall—Alma and Amulek are delivered, and their persecutors are slain. About 82–81 B.C.