Timothy J. Dyches

 

(black text is the original talk; all yellow highlights are things I am commenting on;All blue text are my thoughts and are my opinions only and do not represent the official position of the speaker or the church.) 

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?

By Elder Timothy J. Dyches
Of the Seventy

As we repent and become converted two different things to the Lord, we become whole, "not broken, damaged, or impaired" and our guilt is swept away.

During a time of joyful feasting at Jerusalem, the Savior left the multitudes to seek out those in greatest need. Here in the first sentence of his talk, we have an example of the character of Christ. At a time when one would want to turn inward (food, family, celebration, rest from work) the Savior leaves all of that to go and look for those in greater need. Did those he leave question or judge him for leaving? Did they feel like he was choosing someone else over them? Did they feel judged by him for staying and celebrating? Yes...no...maybe...it doesn't really matter what the answers are. None of that changed what he felt inspired to do at that given moment. His thoughts turned to those who had no reason or ability to joyfully feast. Those he left would still have their food, family and celebration. He was not taking any of that from them. But there were others "in greatest need" He found them he did not wait for them to seek him or ask him ...he sought them until he found them at Bethesda, the five-porch pool by the sheep market that was renowned for attracting the afflicted. everybody knew about this place. Did they see it as a gathering of the afflicted; or a place of miracles?

The Gospel of John tells us that near the pool “lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting even though only one would be healed, everyone so afflicted felt it was worth the wait just to have the chance for relief for the moving of the water.

“For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had” (John 5:3–4).  I don't know why...but I'm fascinated by this story. What is this curious miracle the people all knew about? I did a little searching on the internet to see if anyone had any information about this. Here is one commentary that I thought was interesting. And this one; but now I think that no one in LDS writing, that I could find, has elaborated on this miracle because the whole point is that Christ came to this man with the power to heal; with true Charity. If there were other sources of healing, even an angel, it didn't matter. With Christ you have the full and constant well of living water.

The Savior’s visit is depicted in a beautiful painting by Carl Bloch titled Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda. Bloch captures Jesus gently lifting a temporary canopy, revealing an “impotent man” (John 5:7) who is lying near the pool, waiting. Here the word impotent refers to someone who is powerless and emphasizes the mercy and grace of the Savior, who came quietly to minister to those who could not help themselves. We are all this "impotent" man; powerless to heal ourselves unto eternal life.

 In the painting, the afflicted man huddles on the floor in the shadows, exhausted and demoralized after suffering his infirmity for 38 years. Sometimes, we too feel exhausted in our mortal condition, so prone to wander and sin...

As the Savior raises the edge of the cloth with one hand, He beckons with the other and asks a penetrating question: “Wilt thou be made whole?” This question speaks to our agency. You have to first want to leave your condition; a harder question than you may realize...

The man replies, “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me” (John 5:6–7). I assume the Savior took the answer as a "yes".

To the man’s seemingly impossible challenge, Jesus provides a profound and unexpected answer: This is the love and power of Christ. Nothing is impossible. His words are profound. Expect that He will ask of you or show you the unexpected.

“Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. Notice the Savior gives him specific instructions that require the man to act in direct opposition to the condition he just stated that he was in.

“And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked” (John 5:8–9). Some miracles are fast!

In another tender scene, Luke tells us that the Savior, while traveling to Jerusalem, met 10 lepers. Because of their infirmity, they “stood afar off” (Luke 17:12). They were outcasts—unclean and unwanted.

“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us,” they cried (Luke 17:13)—in other words, importuning, “Isn’t there something You can do for us?”

The Great Physician, full of compassion, still knew that faith must precede the miracle From this example we learn that faith is not the asking part and therefore told them, “Go shew yourselves unto the priests” (Luke 17:14). Faith is the doing part.

As they went in faith, the miracle occurred. Sometimes you just have to begin to act for the miracle to begin. Can you imagine the overwhelming joy with each step as they witnessed in real time their bodies being cleansed, healed, and restored right before their eyes?

“One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

“And fell down on his face at [the Master’s] feet, giving him thanks. …gratitude is recognizing God's hand in our lives. When He says, "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things..." is He really making a statement about the sin of not even recognizing his hand? Recognizing may not mean being aware but forgetting to say thank you. It might be that we don't either see our blessings as coming from him, or we don't see them at all". Elder Bednar's talk on tithing speaks about this very thing.
 

“And [Jesus] said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:15–16, 19). God has the power, but our faith activates it.

In my former practice as a physician and surgeon, I focused on mending and correcting the physical. Jesus Christ heals body, mind, and spirit, and His healing begins with faith.  All healing begins with faith!

Do you remember when your faith and joy were full to the brim? Remember the moment you found your testimony or when God confirmed to you that you were His son or daughter and that He loved you very much—and you felt whole? If that time seems lost, it can be found again. As you go out in faith to seek those who need to be rescued, remember that they can remember the testimony and joy they once had. Help them to remember.

The Savior counsels us on how to be made whole—to be complete or become healed:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Step One: Respond to His invitation. Turn your face towards Him and start to move in His direction.

“Take my yoke upon you,Step Two: Make covenants with Him and accept His terms and learn of me; Step Three: As you keep those covenants you will learn how to become like Him and He will change you for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. I like to hear "rest" as "peace". There is so much of anxiousness in our world today. Much of that comes from pride, expectations, judgments, and selfishness. Christ shows you that letting go of all that will give your soul much needed "rest".

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). For He is the only way to lasting happiness. The consequences of obedience are much easier than the consequences of sin and carries a much lighter burden. Though you may still be hated and persecuted, you can still "rest" in His peace.

“Come, follow me” (Luke 18:22) invites us to leave behind the old life and worldly desires put off the natural man and become a new creature for whom “old things are passed away [and] all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17), even with a new, faithful heart. One whose thoughts and feelings and actions are aligned with Heavenly Father and the Savior And we are made whole again.

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (D&C 88:63). In each of these things we are the ones to initiate the action.

As we draw near to Him, Since He is always there for us, we are the ones that move away or toward Him. we realize that mortality is meant to be difficult and that “opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11) is not a flaw in the plan of salvation. Somehow we have to hold this statement, that life is hard, next to the earlier statement that "my yoke is easy" and find a way for them both to be true.  Opposition, rather, is the indispensable element of mortality and strengthens our will and refines our choices. The vicissitudes "changing circumstances" of life help us fashion an eternal relationship with God—and engrave His image upon our countenance as we yield our hearts to Him (see Alma 5:19). For we are always enticed by Him and the adversary. The only question that remains is who we will yield our hearts to.The more often we yield to God, the stronger we become and the better we get at discerning the real choices.

“This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19) is what our Savior asked when He instituted what we call the sacrament. This ordinance with bread and water renews sacred covenants we have made with God and invites the power of the Atonement into our lives. We are healed by abandoning the habits and lifestyles that harden hearts and stiffen necks. When we lay down “the weapons of [our] rebellion” (Alma 23:7), we become “agents unto [ourselves]” (D&C 58:28), no longer blinded by the sophistry of Satan or deafened by the discordant noise of the secular world.

As we repent and become converted to the Lord, we become whole, and our guilt is swept away. We may wonder, as did Enos, “How is it done?” The Lord answers: “Because of thy faith in Christ. … Wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole” (Enos 1:7, 8). Is this your weekly experience with the Sacrament? Are you daily abandoning the habits and lifestyles that harden your heart?

Corrie ten Boom, a devout Dutch Christian woman, found such healing despite having been interned in concentration camps during World War II. She suffered greatly, but unlike her beloved sister Betsie, who perished in one of the camps, Corrie survived.

After the war she often spoke publicly of her experiences and of healing and forgiveness. On one occasion a former Nazi guard who had been part of Corrie’s own grievous confinement in Ravensbrück, Germany, approached her, rejoicing at her message of Christ’s forgiveness and love.

“‘How grateful I am for your message, Fraulein,’ he said. ‘To think that, as you say, He has washed my sins away!’

“His hand was thrust out to shake mine,” Corrie recalled. “And I, who had preached so often … the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side.

“Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. … Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.

“I tried to smile, [and] I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me Your forgiveness.

“As I took his hand Notice in this story, as with the first story of the leper, she had to initiate the movement. Waiting to feel like it would not bring the desired miracle. the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me. Christ can literally change your heart in an instant. Ask. Act. Receive.

“And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world’s healing hinges, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself.”¹

Every time we say, "I can't", He responds, "but I can".

Corrie ten Boom was made whole.

President Thomas S. Monson has said, “There is one life that sustains those who are troubled or beset with sorrow and grief—even the Lord Jesus Christ.”²

If you feel unclean, unloved, unhappy, unworthy, or unwhole, remember “all that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”³ Have faith and patience in the Savior’s timing and purposes for you. “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). Type this one up and put it on your mirror; memorize it.

Be assured the Savior still seeks to mend our souls and heal our hearts. He waits at the door and knocks. Let us answer by beginning again to pray, repent, forgive, and forget. Let us love God and serve our neighbor and stand in holy places with a life made clean. The impotent man at the pool of Bethesda, the leper along the journey to Jerusalem, and Corrie ten Boom were made whole. “Wilt thou be made whole?” Rise and walk. His “grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9), and you will not walk alone.

I have come to know that God lives. I know that we are all His children and that He loves us for who we are and for who we can become. I know that He sent His Son to the world to be the atoning sacrifice for all mankind and that those who embrace His gospel and follow Him will be made whole and complete—“in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will” (D&C 88:68), by His tender mercies. Trust Him. Always.This is my witness to you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Notes

1. Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place (1971), 215.
2. Thomas S. Monson, “Meeting Life’s Challenges,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 71.
3. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service (2004), 52.

IMPERATIVES

• Repent
• Become converted to the Lord
• If you have lost your faith; find it again
• How to be made whole—to be complete or become healed: 
• Come unto Christ
• Follow Christ 
• Take his yoke upon you,
• learn of Him; 
• be meek and lowly in heart 
• Leave behind your old life and worldly desires
• Become a new creature with a new, faithful heart. 
• Draw near unto Christ 
• Seek Him diligently 
• Ask to receive; 
• Knock, and it shall be opened unto you
•  Let opposition:
• strengthen your will
• refine your choices
• help you fashion an eternal relationship with God
• engrave His image upon your countenance
• help you yield your heart to God
• Renew sacred covenants you made with God as you partake of the sacrament in remembrance of the Savior.
• Invite the power of the Atonement into your life
• Abandon habits and lifestyles that harden your heart and stiffen your neck.
• Lay down your "weapons of rebellion" 
• Become an agent unto yourself by refusing to be blinded by the sophistry of Satan or deafened by the discordant noise of the secular world.
• Have faith and patience in the Savior’s timing and purposes for you. 
• “Be not afraid, only believe"
• Pray,
• Repent, 
• Forgive, and forget. 
• Love God and serve your neighbor  
• Stand in holy places with a life made clean  

DOCTRINAL INSIGHT

• As we repent and become converted to the Lord, we become whole, and our guilt is swept away
• Faith in Christ makes us whole
• Faith must precede the miracle
• Jesus Christ heals body, mind, and spirit, and His healing begins with faith
• Mortality is meant to be difficult; “opposition in all things” is not a flaw in the plan of salvation. 
• Opposition is the indispensable element of mortality and strengthens your will and refines your choices
• The vicissitudes of life help you fashion an eternal relationship with God—and engrave His image upon your countenance as you yield your heart to Him
• The world's healing does not hinge on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness, but on His. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself.
• There is one life that sustains those who are troubled or beset with sorrow and grief—even the Lord Jesus Christ.
• We are all God's children   
• He loves us for who we are and for who we can become.
• Those who embrace His gospel and follow Him will be made whole and complete—“in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will”, by His tender mercies. 

PROMISES

• As you repent and become converted to the Lord and you will become whole and your guilt will be swept away.
• “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
•  “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
• “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you”  
• All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Even if you feel unclean, unloved, unhappy, unworthy, or unwhole.
• Be assured the Savior still seeks to mend your soul and heal your heart. He waits at the door and knocks.
• “Wilt thou be made whole?” Rise and walk. His “grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9), and you will not walk alone.

WARNINGS 

• There are habits and lifestyles that harden your heart and stiffen your neck.
• The sophistry of Satan can blind your eyes
• The discordant noise of the secular world can deafen your ears.
• Weapons of rebellion can keep you in patterns of being acted upon instead of acting. 
  

Hymn; Arnulfo Valenzuela

Congregational Hymn

The congregation unites to declare that we are willing to push forward in the cause of Christ with eagerness and haste. We'll be fixed in our faith. We'll preach hope, not despair; love, not hate.  We'll heed the words of Pres. Packer to go to the scriptures to unlock the key to personal protection. We'll make and keep covenants and let them change us as we endure the challenges of our day. We'll use our divinely approved moral influence lift others to higher ground. We'll proclaim the reason for the hope that is in us to all the world! (exclamation point)

 
Press forward,"to push forward or advance with force, eagerness, or haste" Saints, with steadfast "unwavering; firmly established; fixed" faith in Christ, true faith "...must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation)
With hope's bright flame alight in heart and mind hope must be "on fire" in your heart and your mind; you not only think it but you feel it so you will act
With love of God and love of all mankind."...on these two hang all the law and the prophets" (ref)

(Chorus)
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! song of praise to God

Press forward, feasting on the word of Christ.You cannot move forward along the path without daily partaking of the Word of God.
Receive his name, through baptism and temple covenants rejoicing in his might. "I can do all things, through Christ..."
Come unto God; find everlasting light. There is no other way.

Press on, enduring you have made covenants for life in the ways of Christ.  as you keep your covenants, you will be thinking and acting as you have learned the Savior would
His love proclaim Gratitude for His love is what motivates our every good thought or deed thru days of mortal strife. No matter how dark the world gets, our message shines bright and clear.
Thus saith our God: "Ye have eternal life!" Those are the words we all seek to hear by having our calling and election made sure.

2 Nephi 31:20, Helaman 3:28-30 

Small and Simple Things

By Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela
Of the Seventy

Let us reach out to others with faith and with love.

My beloved brothers and sisters, just a few weeks ago I was at the missionary training center in Mexico City to share a message with the missionaries. My wife and I purposely arrived several hours early. As we explored the beautiful gardens and well-kept streets of the MTC, we couldn’t help but notice the happiness that radiated from the faces of hundreds of young elders and sisters, each focused on acquiring new language skills and learning to better appreciate his or her purpose as a missionary.  We must all let happiness radiate from our souls. How can we preach the gospel of happiness if we are not happy ourselves?

As I paused to fully take in this remarkable sight, I reflected upon the words of Alma when he commanded his son Helaman to keep a history of his people as part of the records which had been entrusted with him and to keep all these things sacred so that they would one day go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. This "one day" is here:)

Alma then told him:

“Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.We may be the "small means"; or it may be some small word or deed. Do not discount what God can do with you if you are willing to just go about your day in love, and have faith that He can use you.

“And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; never lose site of the fact that it's all about His purposes and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls” (Alma 37:6–7) in this verse he adds "very" to small means. Think of all the "small" things the Lord used to teach "great" things...the widow's mite; the mustard seed; the boy prophets Samuel, David, Joseph, Joseph Smith, etc.

The innocence and youth of our missionaries exemplify the Lord’s way—that those who are humble may “invite others to come unto Christ That is the condition; humility. That is why God often goes to the young first by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end” That's what we preach...(Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service [2004], 1).

As members of the Church, we are able, through our own small and simple things, to “[convince] many of the error of their ways” and help bring “them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls” (Alma 37:8). Hopefully, they are more "convinced" by what they understand/read/see than us "convincing" them with our words.

On one occasion I accompanied a stake president and bishop leadership can do small and simple things..to visit a less-active member. We taught him, in a very simple way, about the blessings of the Sabbath. We expressed to him our sincere love. He responded, “All I needed was to have someone come and give me an abrazo,” or hug. I immediately stood up and embraced him. The next day was Sunday. This same brother came to sacrament meeting with his entire family.  Yep. Hugs for everyone:)

During a visiting teaching visit, Martha, a member of our ward, told my wife and her companion never to come back again. She had decided to stop coming to church. One of the visiting teachers asked Martha if they could sing a hymn together this one last time, and she agreed. As they sang, something special happened. Little by little, the Spirit began to fill the room. Each of them felt it. Martha’s heart began to soften. With her eyes filled with tears, she expressed to her visiting teachers the feelings of her heart. At that moment, she realized that she knew that the gospel was true. She now thanked her visiting teachers and expressed a desire for them to return. From that day forward, she received them with joy.

Martha began to attend church with her young daughter. For years they attended regularly, with Martha never losing hope that her husband might eventually choose to join them. At last the day came when the Lord touched his heart, and he began to attend with them, as did their other daughter soon thereafter. This family began to feel the true joy that comes from having gospel blessings in their home. Martha has since served faithfully as our ward Relief Society president, and her husband has served well in several callings within the stake. All this began with the singing of a hymn, a small and simple thing that touched Martha’s heart. visiting teachers can do small and simple things

Naaman was a captain of the host of the king of Syria, an honorable man, a mighty man in valor, but he was also a leper (see 2 Kings 5:1). After being unsuccessful in receiving a cure from the king of Israel for his leprosy, Naaman went to the house of Elisha, the prophet. Elisha sent a messenger out to him, saying:

“Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

“But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. …

“And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

“Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean” (2 Kings 5:10–11, 13–14). servants can do small and simple things (take this one into the workplace)

Our prophet, or Jesus Christ has asked you...same thing...President Thomas S. Monson, has invited us all to go forth and rescue our brothers and sisters. He said: “The world is in need of your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save. The blessings of eternity await you” (“To the Rescue,” Ensign, May 2001, 48; or Liahona, July 2001, 57). The blessings may come as a reward for obedience; as inspiration on who to rescue, or how to rescue, or when to speak, or where to go; or a the joy that is yours forever for bringing a soul to Christ.

I testify that many of those who need our help are there waiting for us. They are ready I heard one estimate of 70 million who are ready and waiting! (I'm thinking China, India... but also right here) for their valiant brothers and sisters Is this you? to reach out to them and rescue them through small and simple means. Is this message clear to you yet? Small. Simple. Do not be overwhelmed by this commandment. God can use the small and simple means you are able to give. He will magnify them into great things by your faith. I have personally not asking you to do anything he's not doing... spent many hours visiting less-active members of the Church whose hearts have already been softened by the Lord, who are now ready to receive our testimonies and our sincere expressions of love. When we reach out and invite them, they will return to the Church without hesitation.This is a big promise! It is tempting to think that less-active people have already been contacted and have "made up their mind"...but things happen; hearts can change...especially now. We should be checking again.

Let us reach out to others with faith and with love. Faith in the promises of the Lord; faith that your small and simple ways can produce great results; love for the Lord and your fellowman Let us remember the promise of the Lord:

“And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

“And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (D&C 18:15–16).

You can labor long and hard; even all your days ( your whole life) and it will still be worth it! Even if you only find one soul in a whole lifetime.

I bear witness of the love of the Lord toward all His children. He wants them all back. Do not judge who will say yes or who will say no. All are equal in His sight. I know He lives and that He is our Redeemer. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

IMPERATIVES

• Let happiness radiate from your soul
• Preach the gospel through your own "small and simple" ways and means
• Express your love to others; sometimes all they need is a hug
• The prophet (and therefore the Lord) has asked you to go out and rescue people with faith and love
• The world needs you to:
• help steady their feet; 
• grasp their hands; 
• encourage their minds; 
• inspire their hearts; 
• save their souls
•  Be valiant and seek out those who are ready and waiting. All can do this regardless of position in the church or workplace.
   

DOCTRINAL INSIGHT

•  The Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls

PROMISES

• I testify that many of those who need our help are there waiting for us. They are ready
• Hearts have already been softened by the Lord and these people are now ready to receive your testimony and your sincere expression of love. When you reach out and invite them, they will return to the Church without hesitation.
• "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! 
• “And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! 
• The blessings of eternity await you.

WARNINGS

S. Gifford Nielsen

(black text is the original talk; all yellow highlights are things I am commenting on;All blue text are my thoughts and are my opinions only and do not represent the official position of the speaker or the church.) 

Hastening the Lord's Game Plan!

By Elder S. Gifford Nielsen
Of the Seventy

We each must develop and carry out our own personal game plan to serve with enthusiasm alongside the full-time missionaries.

Several years ago I needed to speak to the wife of one of the bishops in our stake, so I called their home. A young son answered the phone. I said, “Hello. Is your mother there?”

His reply: “Yes, she is. I’ll get her. Who is this?”

My response: “Tell her it’s President Nielsen.”

There was a short pause, and then, in a very animated voice, I heard, “Hey, Mom, President Hinckley’s on the phone!”

I can’t imagine what she must have been thinking. It had to be the longest walk to the phone she ever had. The thought did cross my mind: “Should I?” I didn’t, but we had quite a laugh. Now that I think about it, she must have been so disappointed just talking to me.

What would you do if the prophet of the Lord really called you? Well, he has! This is how we are to hear the words of living prophets and apostles...as if the Lord had called you and asked/told you himself. President Thomas S. Monson, as he did once again  We have been asked to do this for years...what is different about "this time"? this morning, has called each one of us to a very important work. It's always been important...what makes "this time" even more important? He said, “Now is the time Kind of like...yes, we've been saying it for years; yes, many of you responded; keep it up-step it up. And for those of you who have not heeded the call before...now is the time for you to stop putting it off or feeling exempt. No one is getting a pass this time. "...it becometh every man who hath been warned to ^bwarn his neighbor." (ref) for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard meet; coordinate; complement; see yourselves as part of the same "mission" to bring souls unto Him” (“Faith in the Work of Salvation” [worldwide leadership training broadcast, June 2013]; lds.org/broadcasts).

Have we been listening? Have we? Probably not...but even if we have...this time is significant. why?

All over the world, This is significant...all over the world ...stakes, districts, and missions are experiencing a new level of energy, as the Savior’s declaration to Joseph Smith in 1832 is being fulfilled: “Behold, I will hasten my work in its time” (D&C 88:73). when will it be "its time"?

Brothers and sisters, that time is now! It was said in 1832, but "its time" wasn't then...it is now. I feel it, and I’m sure you do also.

I wanted to put my excitement and my faith in Jesus Christ into action. connect your excitement with a testimony that the Spirit is prompting you to act. Summon your faith and do it! The Bible Dictionary on faith says:

"Faith is a principle of action and of power, and by it one can command the elements, heal the sick, and influence any number of circumstances when occasion warrants"

  

Don't you think that this occasion warrants it? Believe that your faith can influence the circumstances need to bring souls in for the final harvest! 

 

When I played football, I thought in terms of game plans. There was no question going into a contest that if our team was prepared with the right plays, we were going to be successful. that is "faith-talk".  Its sounds like this: "With a game plan, we are prepared to go into this contest and there is no question we will win!" However, I recently spoke with BYU’s legendary coach LaVell Edwards about our game plans, and he said, “I didn’t care what play you called just as long as we scored a touchdown!” As one of his quarterbacks, I thought it was much more complex than that, but maybe his simple philosophy  Don't get hung up on waiting to act while you come up with the perfect game plan. Just summon your faith; 'call the play'; run it...and score! is the reason he has a stadium named after him.

Since we are all on the Lord’s team, never forget it is His work. Get your ego out of the game.  do we each have our own winning game plan?Don't get hung up on comparing or judging others plans.  Are we ready to play?This is the only question that matters. Are you ready?  If we, as members, really loved our family, friends, and associates, wouldn’t we want to share our testimony of the restored gospel with them? I love this question. It makes me look deep inside and question what I call "love".  I can use the phrase so loosely. But the Lord cautions against doing so...at least when it come to using it with Him; for he said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

At the seminar for new mission presidents held in June, a record 173 new presidents and their wives received final instructions before beginning their service. All 15 members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed this special group. This day was super significant. I read a blog by a missionary serving in Santa Rosa California. They are the first mission to all get ipad mini. (I think they are piloting them as a mission) He said Bro. Donaldson, from the Missionary department told them:

"In Matthew 24:14 it says this,

 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."...He said that that day marked the Beginning of the end, just likethe scripture says. Because that meeting was when the whole world was opened for missionary work!! Then the end will come..."

  It's a pretty fun blog to read to see what kind of crazy success they are having preaching the gospel "to all the world" via facebook, blog, chat, etc. This is serious stuff!

Elder L. Tom Perry added the concluding comments: “This is the most remarkable era in the history of the Church. This is something that ranks with the great events that have happened in past history, like the First Vision, like the gift of the Book of Mormon, like the Restoration of the gospel, like all of the things that build that foundation for us to go forward and teach in our Father in Heaven’s kingdom” (“Concluding Remarks” [address given at the seminar for new mission presidents, June 26, 2013], 1, Church History Library, Salt Lake City). Doesn't that comment make more sense if you see that day as the day when the scripture was fulfilled that the gospel would be preached in all the world? No more waiting for China to open its doors. The doors are open! With the internet we can teach anyone anywhere!

We need to be engaged as never before the missionaries are...are you? to match the excitement of our leaders and the commitment of our full-time missionaries. what will you do differently? This work is not going to move forward in the Lord’s intended way without us! or look at it this way...it's going to move forward...will you be a part of it or not? As President Henry B. Eyring has said, “Whatever our age, capacity, Church calling, or location, we are as one called to the work to help Him in His harvest of souls” (“We Are One,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 62). Again...no one is exempt here...

May I share with you a game plan I’ve felt impressed to implement after praying, reading chapter 13 of Preach My Gospel, and pondering past experiences? I invite you to consider these three points as you think about your own plan. No matter what your personal "plan" is - it should come about after praying, reading, and pondering.

First, specifically pray to bring someone closer to the Savior and His gospel every day. You could do this by seeing all people as sons and daughters of God helping each other on their journey home. Think of the new friends you would make. Keeping this "big picture" in mind is way less intimidating than "I will hand out a Book of Mormon every day." Big picture with specific application.

Second, pray for the missionaries serving in your area and their investigators by name every day. again...be specific...The only way to do this is to greet them, look at their badge, call them by name, and ask them who they are teaching. Elder Russell M. Nelson wisely contributed, “Until you know a person’s name and face, the Lord cannot help you know his or her heart.”

I attended the baptism of a wonderful sister, who shared her testimony. I will forever remember her saying, “I’ve never had so many people praying for me and feeling so much love! I know this work is true!” Believe in the power of prayer; that its power is magnified by the number of people united in a specific cause/purpose.

Third, invite a friend to an activity in or out of your home. Wherever you go or whatever you do, ponder who would enjoy the occasion and then listen to the Spirit as He directs you. Just let people know you want to spend time with them. Don't make it about baptizing them...

The Savior has taught me a subtle lesson remember Elder Bednar's talk...he was all over this idea of learning subtle lessons and recognizing subtle blessings...in my personal gospel learning which, I believe, applies beautifully to “the hastening.” Will history look at this day officially as "The Hastening" like we say "The Restoration"? When I’m emotionally charged about something, it shows in my writing and often ends in an exclamation point that by definition conveys a “strong feeling [or an] indication of major significance” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed. [2003], “exclamation point”). haha...Elder Nielson looks up the dictionary definition of words too!

I became intrigued as scriptures about “the gathering” which ended with this punctuation mark started popping up, like Alma’s heartfelt plea: “O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!” (Alma 29:1).

Research suggests there are 65 passages showing this kind of strong missionary emotion, including these:

“How great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! …

“And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! (personal side note here: I'm joyfully and willingly writing this blog and my Book of Mormon Study Blog but I'm not gonna lie...it's a "labor"...of love, but still... a labor. If you are someone out there in "internet-land" that was led to the gospel by reading either of these blogs, I would love to hear from you and "have joy with you" in this gospel. Please send me a comment below:)

“And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (D&C 18:13, 15–16).

My awakening this "awakening" can happen all the time as you study the gospel...to these unique verses played an important role in my first assignment as an Area Seventy. I was a bit nervous being the companion of an Apostle, Elder Quentin L. Cook, at a stake conference. As I walked into the stake president’s office for the initial meeting that weekend, I noticed a pair of tattered-looking, bronzed shoes on the credenza behind his desk, accompanied by a scripture ending in an exclamation point. As I read it, I felt the Lord was aware of my study, had answered my prayers, and that He knew exactly what I needed to soothe my anxious heart.God knows you, hears you, and answers your prayers

I asked the stake president to tell me the story of the shoes.

He said:

“These are shoes of a young convert to the Church whose family situation was strained, At first I thought he meant financially, but now I think he meant relationally...yet he was determined to serve a successful mission and did so in Guatemala. Upon his return I met with him to extend an honorable release and saw his shoes were worn out. This young man had given his all to the Lord without much, if any, family support. again...I think he's talking emotionally, not financially..

“He noticed I was staring at his shoes and asked me, ‘President, is anything wrong?’

“I responded, ‘No, Elder, everything is right! Can I have those shoes?’”

The stake president continued: “My respect and love for this returning missionary was overwhelming! I wanted to memorialize the experience, so I had his shoes bronzed. It is a reminder to me when I walk into this office of the effort we all must give regardless of our circumstances. we must never let our circumstances determine our obedience or love for God The verse was from Isaiah: ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!’ (Isaiah 52:7).”

My dear brothers and sisters, the good bishop’s wife may have been wondering why the prophet was calling her. I testify she and we need wonder no more—EXCLAMATION POINT! This is OUR time!

I know we each must develop and carry out our own personal game plan to serve with enthusiasm alongside the full-time missionaries—EXCLAMATION POINT!

If you are feeling the enthusiasm, take it as a sign that the Spirit is with you and your time to act is now. If you have not "caught the wave" as Elder Nelson spoke about...review his talk and figure out how to get on board emotionally. 
I add my testimony to that of the Prophet Joseph Smith: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!” and He's coming back!  soon.  (D&C 76:22). In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

IMPERATIVES

• The prophet has called you to a very important work: “Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him"
• Listen and heed this call; the time is NOW
• Whatever your age, capacity, Church calling, or location, you are as one called to the work to help Him in His harvest of souls
• Put your excitement and faith in Jesus Christ into action
• We need to be engaged as never before to match the excitement of our leaders and the commitment of our full-time missionaries
• Develop and carry out your own winning game plan; pray, study, ponder
• Be ready to play
• Really love your family, friends, and associates and share your testimony of the restored gospel with them
• Game plan ideas:
• specifically pray to bring someone closer to the Savior and His gospel every day. 
• see all people as sons and daughters of God
• help each other on your journey home. 
• Think of the new friends you can make.
•  Pray for the missionaries serving in your area and their investigators by name every day. 
•  greet them, 
• look at their badge, 
• call them by name
• know their face then the Lord can help you to know their heart
• Invite a friend to an activity in or out of your home. 
• Wherever you go or whatever you do, ponder who would enjoy the occasion 
• listen to the Spirit as He directs you.

• Give your all regardless of your circumstance

DOCTRINAL INSIGHT

• The Savior’s declaration to Joseph Smith in 1832 is being fulfilled: “Behold, I will hasten my work in its time”
•  All 15 members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were present at the Worldwide Leadership Training: Special Broadcast: The Work of Salvation
• “This is the most remarkable era in the history of the Church. This is something that ranks with the great events that have happened in past history, like the First Vision, like the gift of the Book of Mormon, like the Restoration of the gospel, like all of the things that build that foundation for us to go forward and teach in our Father in Heaven’s kingdom”
• There are 65 passages of scriptures related to missionary work that end in exclamation points, that by definition convey a “strong feeling [or an] indication of major significance”

PROMISES

• The Lord was is aware of your study, will answer your prayers, and knows exactly what you need  to soothe your anxious heart.

WARNINGS

• This work is not going to move forward in the Lord’s intended way without us!