080425, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.8 GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day) 7,880

Journal Entry 

We walked here in our neighborhood in the morning yesterday. Then choir practice at the Stuart's home and Sacrament meeting. Nice quiet Sabbath.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 85:3 It is contrary to the will and commandment of God that those who receive not their inheritance by consecration, agreeable to his law, which he has given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people of God.

"To develop enduring faith, an enduring commitment to be a full-tithe payer is essential. Initially it takes faith to tithe. Then the tithe payer develops more faith to the point that tithing becomes a precious privilege. Tithing is an ancient law from God. He made a promise to His children that He would open “the windows of heaven, and pour … out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Not only that, tithing will keep your name enrolled among the people of God and protect you in “the day of vengeance and burning."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

The law of consecration is one of the covenants we make in the temple. Cathy and I pray a full tithing and extra offerings in addition to that. I feel a need to ponder the question of are we living the law of consecration as we covented to do in the temple. I think we are. We also serve in the Bishops Storehouse every week. I hope we are ready to do more whenever we are presented with that opportunity.

One question comes up from time to time and that is should we hand out money to people who are basically begging on street corners. It's a little complicated because I can't help thinking that some people do that because they net more cash that way than if they just got a job. In other words: are they truly needy? I satisfy that question by knowing that I donate to the church which, in turn, takes pretty good care of the poor. But I also am open, I hope, to promptings of the spirit to go ahead and help someone that I come across who needs help. I have done that and am willing to do that whenever prompted.

"I’m sometimes asked when the Lord will require us to live the law of consecration. The answer is never. It never has been coercive and never will be. Section 85 clarifies that Church leaders should simply keep track of who consecrates but not encroach on individual agency to obey or disobey. The Lord will judge as he deems best. The law is quietly kept by many people, and their names are recorded in appropriate places. The faithful whose names and deeds are documented will receive inheritances in Zion."

President Joseph Smith Jr.