Setting Worthwhile Goals

If you believe it you can achieve it; my Dad told me as a young child. I had dreamed of being a state champion wrestler. As the years moved by, that dream became reality. As I drove back to my hometown the weekend after the state championships my name was plastered all over the business billboards and all over the newspapers. The local channels interviewed me and my picture was placed on the hall of fame where it still stands today.

All of this was a product of a “GOAL” I had set at the young age of 8 to be a state champion. I had pasted it all over the walls in my room. That goal drove me to run longer, work harder and do things that others wouldn’t think of doing. Early mornings, late practices, long hours drilling and lifting weights while my friends hung out, played video games, watched movies and reminisced about girls.

Fast-forward a few years. My companion and I are kneeling down in prayer, seeking guidance and assistance as we prepared to preach the gospel and minister the good news to our brothers and sister. You see we had set a goal to find someone to commit to baptism by the end of the week. We were newly transferred in and I was training a new missionary who was on his second transfer in the field, Elder Haws. There had not been a baptism for quite some time and missionaries were working to build the trust of the branch members. Later that day we were inspired to stick around this apartment complex. We had several appointments cancel or not show earlier that day. Elder Haws and I headed back to the car to figure out what to do next. We were both feeling tired and let down. As we walked toward the car I had a distinct impression to turn around and stay there. Knock some doors or do some street contacting. It no sooner was revealed as to the reason why, as we ran into Mandy. A single mother at that time, searching and praying for assistance and guidance that same moment we walked up to her apartment building, She called down to us asking who we were and what we were doing. 2 months later her and her 3 children entered the waters of baptism.

Both of these true stories were crucial in developing who I am today. They both built character and they built my faith. One built faith in the power of thought and belief and the other built faith in the Lord. Both of which are good.

However not all goals are good or worthwhile. Take a look at the example of Amalickiah. His goal was to become the king of the Lamanites. His goals and ambitions lead him to lying, deceiving and last of all murder. He did whatever it took to accomplish his evil design. [1]

Look at Satan today. The scriptures teach us that his goal is to have us choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.[2] Unfortunately, he has been very successful in accomplishing this goal through deceit and subtle temptations, slowly leading one down to hell.[3]

Today, We need to make a stance against his goal of “captivity and death.” We need all, both old and young, male and female to make a fixed and determined resolution to choose liberty and eternal life through the great mediator of all men.[4] We need young men and woman to serve faithful missions. We need to stand in holy places now more than ever!

WE NEED TO MAKE WORTHWHILE GOALS:

In this life there are things to act (that’s us, we have the ability to act and to do) and there are things to be acted upon. The things to be acted upon are our goals.[5] Amulek said this, “For Behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.[6]

You noticed it did not say this life is the day to sleep in, or to perform our best at our favorite “video game.” He did not say perform countless wasted hours by flipping through social media to see who can find the most pintresting facts and pictures. He said, “TODAY IS THE DAY TO PERFORM YOUR LABORS. TODAY IS THE DAY TO PREPARE TO MEET GOD! TODAY!

You see now is the time to set and accomplish your goals. Amulek said, “Today.”

To you young men, make the goal “TODAY” to serve a full time mission: This will drive you to other goals to prepare yourself physically and spiritually. If you have not decided yet if this is your path. Get on your knees so that Lord can tell you that he needs you to serve. I promise you will never regret the decision to serve the Lord in any capacity.

To those of whom are just coming home or graduating from high school, Pursue your education: You can never be too educated.

For each of us we should set a goal to Love The Lord our God, for he said, “If you love me keep my commandments.[7]

Set a goal to attend the temple and to marry in the temple.

Set a goal to resist temptation: We know ourselves better than most others. We know our weaknesses. Pray and fast for strength to resist temptations. I find this a very admirable goal.

Set a goal to have daily scripture study and daily Personal and family prayer.

You see my goal to win the state championship lead to actions and accomplishments along the way that built character and strength. I wouldn’t be the man I am today had I not walked that path.

Likewise, our ultimate goal is to live with our heavenly father again to be sealed up unto everlasting life.[8] As we keep our eyes on the prize, this will lead to actions and accomplishments along the way that will build us into the likeness and image of him who sent us, our eternal Father in Heaven. This is my humble prayer and testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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[1] Alma. 47:1

[2] 2 Nephi. 2:27

[3] 1 Nephi 14:3

[4] 2 Nephi 2:27

[5] 2 Nephi 2:13-14

[6] Alma 34:32

[7] John 14:15

[8] D&C 131:5

The Holy Priesthood

Talk presented in Sacrament meeting about 6 months ago, hope you enjoy.

Brothers and sisters, It is amazing to realize that in thousands of chapels throughout the world, others of us (the saints) and fellow holders of the priesthood of God—are gathered in such a cause on this sacred day, witch is, to serve our brothers and sisters and to purify and strengthen our faith and our hearts. I would like to direct my words to the brethren of the ward this morning. A common thread binds us together. We have been entrusted to bear the priesthood and to act in the name of God. We are the recipients of a sacred trust. Where much is given, much is expected, Brethren, our prophet and president declares, “Much is expected of us”.

President Monson admonishes, and quote “Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. There are many tools to help you learn the lessons which will be beneficial to you as well as helping you to live the life you will need to have lived to be worthy. Adherence to which will bring the blessings of our Heavenly Father and the guidance of His Son to each of you. Begin to prepare for a temple marriage as well as for a mission.

President Monson has also warned, not speaking of any particular situation or place including, but no limited to, internet, house parties, work activities ect… “Be careful to go to places where there is a good environment, where you won’t be faced with temptation.

A wise father said to his son, “If you ever find yourself in a place where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!” Good advice for all of us.

Our Heavenly Father has counseled us to seek after “anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy. A prophet of God declares,” Whatever you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression on you. Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see it, don’t read it, and don’t participate.” (End quote) And I will add, JUST CHOOSE THE RIGHT.

President David O. McKay, ninth President of the Church, advised, “I implore you to think clean thoughts.” “Every action is preceded by a thought. If we want to control our actions, we must control our thinking.” Brethren, fill your minds with good thoughts, and your actions will be proper.

In the book of Mosiah, King Benjamin warns, “I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers’ ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them. But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye mush perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.

In conclusion I read the first two verses of the popular hymn, “Come All Ye Sons of God,” But I would like you to imagine if you are a young man walking the streets of your mission, and if you are a husband, father, or grandparent imagine this call out to your friends, neighbors and co-workers. “Come all ye sons of God who have received the priesthood, go spread the gospel wide and gather in his people. The latter day work has begun, to gather scattered Israel in and bring them back to Zion to praise the Lamb. Now speaking to those of whom we are to share the gospel with, here is our message.

Come, all ye scattered sheep, and listen to your shepherd, while you the blessings reap which long have been predicted. By prophets long it’s been foretold: He’ll gather you into his fold and bring you home to Zion to praise the lamb.

I leave you my testimony, that I know the priesthood is a true gift from god. It can be utilized to bring forth much righteousness, to lift the heavy heart, to touch to hardened mind, or to lift up the broken spirit. Just as Christ demonstrated many years ago, the priesthood can heal the sick, it can sooth the afflicted and can comfort those who stand in need of comfort. This testimony I bear in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The title of "Laborer"

In today's world the title "laborer" most often depicts the factory worker, the slave laborer, or just plain working hard for not very much money. The title is often looked down upon from the upper and middle classes of society. the Webster's dictionary describes "labor" as a person who does unskilled physical work for wages.
The definition of "Laborer" in the gospel sense is much different. A laborer in the gospel has a deeper sense of understanding of the worth of souls. The laborer in the gospel is a dedicated individual who has a deep desire to bring about the Lords will and not their own. The Lord told Joseph Knight in a revelation through the prophet in 1830, give your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the laborer.
The Lord says in revelation in 1829 to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer, "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! Here in, we learn of one of the sweet rewards of being a laborer in God's kingdom. He continues, "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!
A laborer in the kingdom of our father desires to help others come unto the gospel. A laborer in the gospel seeks to do the will of God, a laborer in the gospel strives to fulfill their duties with full purpose of heart.

A perfect example of a laborer in the gospel was Hyrum Smith, The Lord tells him in revelation, thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart is opened, and thy tongue loosed; and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continually. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church forever, and this because of thy family. Amen.

herein lies my testimony, that we might laborer all our days to fulfill the will of the Lord, to serve and build faith among the saints. I testify that a Laborer in the gospel sense will one day inherit the kingdom of our Father in Heaven. The Lord will guide our path and free us from condemnation and from the bands of justice. The loving arms of our Savior will wrap around our wounded souls and will eternally weave our hearts as one. These things I leave in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


References:

D&C 23:3 Hyrum Smith, 1830
D&C 23:7 Joseph Knight, 1830
D&C 18:15-16 Jossph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, 1829

This post is for everybody who, day in and day out feel the pains and struggles of trying to do their best but feel they have fallen short again and again. I personaly have been working hard at waking up early and reading the scriptures. At times, when I am rushed I read them at the office before anyone shows up for work. This routine has gone on for about 3 weeks and has been working very well. Each day I read the scriptures and been saying honest heartfelt prayers. I have found that my day's would rn much more smooth than when I would not. So we all know that in life when all well and going great, a storm is about to hit. Well, at work we started a remodel of my store which took my office away. We also had thrown at us three trainings where we had to send my entire staff to Salt Lake for training which cuts the staff down in the store by 40% through out the month. I also had a training that started at 6am on Monday and Monday night they started the remodel which caused me having to be at the store at 7am the next morning all the while working to drive exceptional numbers. With all this happening I of coarse did not read or believe it or not, talk with the Lord for two day's. This may sound crazy but I didn't even think about it until Tuesday night when Amy says to me, so what are you guy's doing for Young Men's tonight. I looked at her and said, I honestly forgot about it. So many times in life we find ourselves caught up in our day to day struggles that we forget to turn to the one person who knows us better than ourselves; the Lord. We have all felt this struggle but it is tough to break out of the mindset to turn to our savior apposed to someone in the flesh. Not saying it is bad to turn to a close family member or a friend, however, I think we must remember that the Lord has lived and fully understand what we are going through. I was reading in the Doctrine and Covenants section 17 this morning which is a revelation given through the prophet Joseph in regards to the 3 witnesses seeing the record of the Book of Mormon. The lesson I pulled from the first verse of this section is that, you must rely on the words of the Lord with full purpose of heart. One cannot keep the commandments half-heartedly, or pray half-heartedly, or read the scriptures half-heartedly, we must read, study, pray, attend church, keep the commandments with our whole hearts. Now, remember we are imperfect, we are going to fail and fall. We then must repent with full pupose of heart and ask the Lord for help and strength to do these each and every day. I found that the last two day's I was split between early morning trainings, remodels, work struggles and more. What I forgot to do was communicate those troubles to my Heavenly Father. I could have told him, Father this morning I will not be able to read the scriptures but I promis I will read when I come home. This tells the Lord that we are thinking of him first but we just have a lot on our plate right now. So many times we put him off, not intentionally, but we do, we forget him and go about our struggles alone. This in turn drives a heavy heart and even depression at times. My prayer is that we can no longer put off the Lord, but do as King Benjamin advised in the book of Mosiah; For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. This Scriptures means more to me now that I have recognized my imperfections. Now that the Lord has instructed me, I feel more equipped to to turn to him and not the things of the world.

Tory Savage :)

References:

D&C 17:1
Mosiah 3:19