50 (1/22/24) Lehi's Dream

 

Stay by the Tree

 

Mama assigned me a talk this past week for our family Come Follow Me. The talk was given my Elder Kevin Pearson of the Seventy entitled Stay By the Tree.  If you get a chance, listen to, or read it. It was given in April 2015. I really enjoyed studying it this week, and wanted to share some highlights that spoke to me.

 

·         If enduring to the end is essential to eternal life, why do we struggle to be faithful? We struggle when we are caught between competing priorities. Casual obedience and lukewarm commitment weaken faith. Enduring to the end requires total commitment to the Savior and to our covenants.

 

·         Trials are like great mists of darkness that can blind our eyes and harden our hearts. Unless we are “continually holding fast” to the word of God and living it, we will become spiritually blinded rather than spiritually minded.

 

·         True disciples continue to awaken unto God each day in meaningful personal prayer, earnest scripture study, personal obedience, and selfless service. Stay by the tree and stay awake.

 

·         Enduring to the end is the great test of discipleship. Our daily discipleship will determine our eternal destiny. Awaken unto God, cling to truth, keep your sacred temple covenants, and stay by the tree!

 

I’ve enjoyed reading again Lehi’s Dream. More than ever before it has stood out to me as a clear symbol of the Plan of Salvation and of the Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Avery shared this quote from Boyd K Packer that resonated with my thoughts this week, “Lehi’s dream or vision of the iron rod has in it everything a …. Latter Day Saint needs to understand the test of life.” I’m so glad all of you kids grew up with the painting of this Vision in your daily sight. It will continue to have greater meaning to you as you diligently try to understand it, just as it did for Nephi.

 

1 Nephi 10:19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.

 

I love you all, and hope your week is wonderful! Love,

 Dad

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