Today we studied the end of Revelations.
We discussed how these are perilous times, but there is hope because we know the end of the story.
The scriptures focused on were...
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/5.1-5?lang=eng#0
http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/6?lang=eng
and Revelations 19-22
Here are some questions/quotes from today's lessons for ponderment...
What tactics does Satan use today to try to overcome the righteous?
That war, so bitter, so intense, has gone on, and it has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion, between the followers of Christ and those who have denied Him. His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men. They’ve murdered and destroyed and engaged in every other unholy and impure practice to thwart the work of Christ. …
“[Opposition] has been felt in the undying efforts of many, both within and without the Church, to destroy faith, to belittle, to demean, to bear false witness, to tempt and allure and induce our people to practices inconsistent with the teachings and standards of this work of God. …
“The war goes on. It is waged across the world over the issues of agency and compulsion. It is waged by an army of missionaries over the issues of truth and error. It is waged in our own lives, day in and day out, in our homes, in our work, in our school associations; it is waged over questions of love and respect, of loyalty and fidelity, of obedience and integrity. We are all involved in it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 55–58; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 42, 44–45).
After making the comments quoted above, President Hinckley added, “We are winning [the war against Satan], and the future never looked brighter” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 58; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 45).
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How can we maintain hope and a positive outlook as we fight the war against Satan? What resources do we have to strengthen us against the power of Satan and his followers?
How can we limit the power of Satan in our lives right now?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle—and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions?” (“In His Steps,” Ensign, Sept. 1988, 2).
What are the dangers of setting our hearts on worldly things? In what ways do worldly things distract us from spiritual things?
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We talked about making choices, relating to the scripture of how Jesus waits at the door for us to let him in and I mentioned how satan was waiting as well and couldn't come in unless we let him.
I referred to my kid's choose your own adventure books and how we have to make choices that decide our adventure and our fate at the end of the story.
I talked about the importance of temple attendance in our lives and that there are many blessings that are there, to not let whatever might try to get in the way to keep us from those blessings (in a nutshell). Side note: I misrepresented and exagerrated mine and Brandon's "debates". It's not usually an issue, but it was one of those things that came to mind when thinking of Satan trying to stand in our way of getting to the temple. :)
I referred to http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/18.11-18?lang=eng#10, which talks about the dangers of focusing on worldy things and related that to Christmas and the focus on gifts we give and receive and my quagmire of trying to find a balance in Christmas in trying to enjoy that aspect of Christmas, but also making sure it's not the only or even the main Christmas focus. That we can't remember the gifts we gave and while it's a struggle we need to give our families something more to make Christmas more meaningful.
In the end we are to have hope through the hard times and live our lives so that we can be excited about the 2nd coming, millenium and final judgment.
Here are other quotes used during the lesson....
Pres. Monson, Christmas address
The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have within our hearts and within our lives, not only at this particular season but also throughout the years.
A wise Christian once urged, “Let us not spend Christmas … but let us keep Christmas in our hearts and in our lives.” 3
This is my plea tonight, because when we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. 4 It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.
There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.
Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.
Choose eternal life.. Randall K. Bennett
The Savior’s arms of mercy are always extended to each of us.6 When we sincerely and fully repent, we can be completely forgiven of our mistakes and the Savior will remember our sins no more.7
In evaluating your choices and their consequences, you might ask yourself:
Am I seeking divine direction through daily scripture study, pondering, and prayer, or have I chosen to be so busy or apathetic that I don’t take time to study the words of Christ, ponder them, and converse with my Heavenly Father?
Am I choosing to follow the counsel of living prophets of God, or am I following the worldly ways and the opposing opinions of others?
Am I seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost daily in what I choose to think about, feel, and do?
Am I consistently reaching out to assist, serve, or help rescue others?
My dear brothers and sisters, your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice. It is never too late to begin to choose eternal life!
Hope Steven Snow, April 2011
Our hope in the Atonement empowers us with eternal perspective. Such perspective allows us to look beyond the here and now on into the promise of the eternities. We don’t have to be trapped in the narrow confines of society’s fickle expectations. We are free to look forward to celestial glory, sealed to our family and loved ones.
Next Year! :) We're studying the Book of Mormon. Bro. Miller asked me to pass on that there the First Presidency has asked us to read the Book of Mormon along with the lessons. That's something we should be doing anyway, but there's extra incentive.
Church starts at 9:00am on January 1st.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#kids-and-christmas
