89 10-21-24

 Hello Family,


I was set apart yesterday to serve as the Elders Quorum President of the Spurwing Ward. I’m excited for the call. I have enjoyed working as a Deacons Quorum advisor over the past couple of years, but I’m looking forward to this new calling. 

As I’ve thought about all those I will be able to work with, one of the greatest priorities will be time spent working with Prospective Elders. Those who may have wandered off the path at some point, and may be looking for help getting back on to the path.  I love the simplicity of the message that we will take to them. It is the same message for us, or any who are trying to draw closer to God. It is Come unto Jesus Christ! 


This past conference President Oaks gave a talk with this exact message. His talk is titled Following Christ. I love the emphasis on the continual effort and commitment it take to be a true follower of the Savior. He said, “Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice. It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places.“


I remember listening to President Oaks talk live, and feeling a little lost when he started talking about permanent and temporary commandments. But as I’ve gone back and studied closer what he was teaching us, it became clear what he was emphasizing.  He taught that “The commandments of God provide the guiding and steadying force in our lives.” He mentioned an example of a temporary commandment which for the Saints to gather together in the West. But this commandment was fulfilled and had an end. Since that time prophets have encouraged the Saints to stay in their home lands to strengthen the Church where they reside.


After sharing this example, President Oaks shifted his message to permanent commandments, explaining that some of these commandments need a reemphasis for us today. He named tithing, using the correct and revealed name of the Church, following the Proclamation on the Family, and avoiding contention, being a peacemaker, as areas for us to refocus our obedience.


Invitation: Consider what commandments you need to reemphasize in your life. It may be the Sabbath Day and keeping it Holy, reevaluating the things you’ve let fill this scared day of rest. It could be any commandment you want to becoming more exact in keeping. 


Here is President Nelson’s questions for us to continue to ponder, and challenges to keep.

“Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other?”


Love you all so much,


Dad


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