Say Nothing but Repentance

Papa D just had a great post, Repentance As a Liberating Movement Toward the Ideal.  He concisely, states one of the things I love best about Mormonism.  The Lord wants all heights and depths for us, every joy to its fullest.  He denies us nothing.

I am so grateful that the Lord takes the burden of that I cannot handle.  He frees me to look at myself with new eyes.  To see where I am in error.  To see where I am not yet fully developed.  His grace frees me to progress.  He liberates me so I can grow and change and flourish.

This is why the Lord said, "Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed." D&C 6:9

Staying on Safe Ground

From the Lectures on Faith 3:2-5:

Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God, unto life and salvation:

First, the idea that he actually exists.

Second, a correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.

Third, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing, is according to his will.

How can I know that the the life I am leading is according to God's will?  I have the scriptures.  I have prayer.  I have the Holy Ghost. I have priesthood leaders.  

I searched lds.org/scriptures for rock foundation.  There is a list of interesting scriptures it returns.

2 Nephi 28:27-28 "Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more! And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall."  We should expect that more revelation will come.  If we are founded on the rock, we will receive it with gladness.

After declaring the doctrine of Christ, Jesus says this, "And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them." 3 Nephi 11:40

This makes me think of these scriptures on what is the priority:

 "Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed." D&C 6:9

"And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost." D&C 19:31

"And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen." D&C 16:6

As I focus on repenting of those things I know of.  As I exercise faith in Jesus Christ.  I will be on safe ground.  

Talks I Picked

Update Oct 2015

Additions because I am removing them from my Google Music Play library.

We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apr 2009
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Kevin W. Pearson, Apr 2009
None Were with Him, Jeffrey R. Holland, Apr 2009
His Servants, the Prophets, F. Michael Watson, Apr 2009

Salvation and Exaltation, Russell M. Nelson, Apr 2008
To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse, Richard G. Scott, Apr 2008
“My Words . . . Never Cease”, Jeffrey R. Holland, Apr 2008
Ask in Faith, David A. Bednar, Apr 2008
Opening Our Hearts, Gerald N. Lund, Apr 2008

This Day, Henry B. Eyring, Apr 2007 "All of us will need His help to avoid the tragedy of procrastinating what we must do here and now to have eternal life."
O Remember, Remember, Henry B. Eyring, Oct 2007

Instruments of the Lords's Peace, Robert S. Wood, Apr 2006
Faith, Service, Constancy, David S. Baxter, Oct 2006

Becoming a Missionary, David A. Bednar, Oct 2005
Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady, Henry B. Eyring, Oct 2005

Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers, M. Russell Ballard, Oct 1999
Do Not Delay, Henry B. Eyring, Oct 1999

The Principle of Work, F. David Stanley, Apr 1993

Joy and Mercy, Dallin H. Oaks, Oct 1991

“Willing to Submit”, Neal A. Maxwell, Apr 1985
Taking upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ, Dallin H. Oaks, Apr 1985

Missionary Work: A Major Responsibility, Ezra Taft Benson, Apr 1974



Update Mar 2012
"The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole."  (Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Concern for the One", Apr 2008)

For a few years now I have found inspiring talks from several sources to listen to as I commute.  There are several that I have thought about since the Oct general conference.  Here are a few.

Patrick Kearon, “‘Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You’,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 50–52

Dallin H. Oaks, “Two Lines of Communication,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 83–86

Larry R. Lawrence, “Courageous Parenting,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 98–100

Juan A. Uceda, “He Teaches Us to Put Off the Natural Man,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 53–55

- Ezra Taft Benson, "What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple", Ensign, Aug. 1985, 6. From an address given at the Logan Temple Centennial, 17 May 1984.
- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Great Plan of Happiness," Ensign, Nov. 1993, 73
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Families Can Be Eternal," Ensign, Nov. 1980, 4

BYU Devotionals
Henry B. Eyring. "A Law of Increasing Returns" March 28, 1982

Worldwide Leadership Training

I have been enjoying the LDS Worldwide Leadership Training that was broadcast earlier this month.  It teaches me about some of the changes in the new Church Handbook on Instructions.  Handbook 2 is available to read online.

I am so happy to be led by inspired leaders.

Reasonable but not certain grounds

"...principles and values and ideals that we devoutly hope are true, and have reasonable but not certain grounds for believing to be true."  (Testimony of Terryl L. Givens as found from Clean Cut)

This quote highlights what I have come to understand.  That faith is a choice.  The Lord gives us reasonable grounds for believing in Him and His principles.  Yet they are not certain ground.  Our life is an exercise of our faith which begins as a desire to believe.  As Terryl said, there is also grounds for doubt.

I am reminded of Moroni where he says that I can know of spiritual truth as surely as I can distinguish between the daylight and the dark night.  I know this is true for the most important things.  The things that cause us to progress or to be damned.  I know clearly that I am to be kind to my wife and children.  I am to work hard and trust God.  I am to be meditative and prayerful.  I am to seek truth in the scriptures and from other good sources.  I am to listen to the still small voice.  I am to seek the Spirit of God and discipline myself to follow it.  So I can establish trust between my Father and I.  So I can enjoy the delicious joy He brings into my life.

We have reasonable but not certain ground to believe God.  Yet He always respects our choice.  He will force no man to heaven.  The reward is greater than any other thing.  It is worth any effort to receive it.

Antidote for anxiety, ointment for sorrow, a doorway to possibility

"Work is an antidote for anxiety, an ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Two Principles for Any Economy,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 55–58

Watching with All Perseverance

David A Bednar gave a talk in Apr 2010 that I want to listen to again, “Watching with All Perseverance”, MP3

A summary of the talk by the speaker.

I pray for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as I describe a spiritual early warning system that can help parents in Zion to be watchful and discerning concerning their children. This early warning system applies to children of all ages and contains three basic components: (1) reading and talking about the Book of Mormon with your children, (2) bearing testimony of gospel truths spontaneously with your children, and (3) inviting children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon. Parents who do these things faithfully will be blessed to recognize early signals of spiritual growth in or challenges with their children and be better prepared to receive inspiration to strengthen and help those children.

"Immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you"

"Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you." Alma 34:31

This is the scripture that came to my mind as I read the talk by Vaughn J. Featherstone in Oct 1980, "Forgive Them, I Pray Thee".  I just found it from the comment of R. Gary in this post by Clean Cut.

The Lord is merciful.  He requires our heart.  He is mighty to save.

Voice-of-the-Spirit

There is nothing like the sweet influence of the Holy Spirit. I must pare off those branches that would choke out the ones that will bear good fruit. I must choose the best things in my life, leaving behind the better and the good. I am so grateful for prayer and the scriptures. For good songs and the welcome of home. God is great. He is mighty to save.