Sunday Scribbles 1/29/12 (Bro. Voss Chaston)

The fifth Sunday message was given by Bro. Voss Chaston of the bishopric this month.

BUILDING A SURE FOUNDATION OF JESUS CHRIST

1.  PRAYER

President Shafer recently said that ...'perhaps the greatest foundation in the church is prayer.  Really, praying draws us closer to the spirit...'  How can we make prayer more meaningful?  Members in the class suggested:

• Think of others in need of your prayers
• Don't be repetitious and just say what you always say
• Take turns praying as a family to learn more about the needs of one another
• Speak respectfully
• Say what you are prompted to say, and ask for the things you are prompted to ask for
• Ask Heavenly Father for what you need to hear today, instead of telling Him what you want

2.  SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

John 5:39 says: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."  The scriptures are the only place we can go to study the actual words of the Savior.  When the class was asked how they have a more meaningful experience when they study the scriptures, here is what they said:

• There are different levels of scripture study - reading, and reading and pondering
• Get focused and in the right frame of mind before you begin
• Keep a scripture journal
• Listen to the scriptures during your commute
• Ponder over and study a particular segment or topic
• Make scripture study a PRIORITY, not something you squeeze in at the end of the day
• Start and end your study with prayer

3.  CHURCH ACTIVITY

Bro. Chaston spoke about the difference between showing up on Sunday, and fully participating in the gospel.  "We are a very busy people!"  Some of the ways in which we participate actively that should not be overlooked are:

• Attend all of our meetings
• Magnify our callings (this is more than showing up; it's preparing for and fully participating in our callings)
• Pay a full tithe - to be worthy for a temple recommend and to receive the blessings
• Temple attendance
• Be doers of the word
• Serve willingly (See Mosiah 2:17)
• Take the gospel home with us after church on Sunday - what did we learn?  What did our family members learn?
• Pres. Eyring said: "... form a habit of pushing on through the fatigue and fear that might make you think of quitting. The Lord’s great mentors have shown me that spiritual staying power comes from working past the point when others would have taken a rest." 

4.  FEEL THE SPIRIT

A sure testimony will come to us a little at a time by doing these things.  Bishop Howell asked us in October: "What are we willing to sacrifice or give up to gain a sure testimony?"  Time?  Effort?  Sleep?

True happiness can only be found in fully living the gospel.  Build upon a foundation of Christ, and the rest will fall into place. 

In these uncertain times, the only sure way to have peace and happiness in our lives is to live the gospel of Jesus Christ to its fullest, so that our foundation, built upon the Savior and His teachings, cannot be shaken.