Faith
Lesson Review:
"Pray Always"
Ezra Taft Benson - Chapter2
Doctrine:
"Remember that whatever you do or wherever you are, you are never alone. Our Heavenly Father is always near. You can reach out and receive His aid through prayer. Thank God we can reach out and tap that unseen power, without which no man can do his best." - Ezra Taft Benson
"Men ought always to pray, and not to faint." (Luke 18:1)
"Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation." (Matthew 26:41)
"Pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place."
(D&C 93:49)
Invitation to Action:
If we would advance in holiness-increase in favor with God-nothing can take the place of prayer. And so I adjure you to give prayer - daily prayer - secret prayer - a foremost place in your lives. Let no day pass without it. Communion with the Almighty has been a source of strength, inspiration, and enlightenment to men and women through the world's history who have shaped the destinies of individuals and nations for good.
Families that pray together are blessed with stronger ties of love and the peace of heaven.
There is power in prayer. All things are possible through prayer.
"It is my testimony, my bothers and sisters and friends, that God does hear and answer prayers. I have never doubted that fact. From childhood, at my mother's knee where I first learned to pray; as a young man in my teens; as a missionary in foreign lands; as a father; as a church leader; as a government official, I know without any question that it is possible for men and women to reach out in humility and prayer and tap that Unseen Power; to have prayers answered. Man does not stand alone, or at least, he need not stand alone. Prayer will open doors; prayer will remove barriers; prayer will ease pressures; prayer will give inner peace and comfort during times of strain and stress and difficulty. Thank God for prayer. - Testimony of Ezra Taft Benson
Read or Listen to the entire lesson here:
FAMILY
Families Come First
Maybe we are one of the lucky ones who was raised in a happy and secure family with two loving parents. Maybe we weren’t, and growing up was tough without the love and support we longed for. Likely, as an adult you want a happy home for your family. Living peacefully in a family isn’t always easy, but in God’s restored Church, marriage and families are the most important social unit now and in eternity.
People who have lived through a disaster never say, "All I could think about during the earthquake was my bank account." They almost always say, "All I could think about was my wife and children." It shouldn’t require a disaster for us to know this truth. But too often, we let earning money, chasing pleasure, or even the needs of people outside our families divert our attention. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints families come first.
RELIEF
Can you believe we are more than half way through the month of January? If you haven't done your visiting teaching please make sure you make your appointments now! It is a great message about Obedience.
“A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently. The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life." —Julie B. Beck (Liahona, May 2010, 10-11)
Sweeping the Earth As If a Flood:
"With your guidance, those you lead will be able to see, want, and
believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God’s
kingdom."
"God
knows our gifts. My challenge to you and to me is to pray to know the
gifts we have been given, to know how to develop them, and to recognize
the opportunities to serve others that God provides us. But most of all,
I pray that you will be inspired to help others discover their special
gifts from God to serve.
I
promise you that if you ask, you will be blessed to help and lift
others to their full potential in the service of those they lead and
love. I testify to you that God lives, Jesus is the Christ, this is the
priesthood of God, which we hold, and God has prepared us with special
gifts to serve Him beyond our fondest hopes. In the name of Jesus
Christ, amen." - President Henry B. Eyring
Relief Society Announcements:
Lesson manuals - If you or any of the ladies you visit teach have not received an Ezra Taft Benson lesson manual or the teaching schedule please get with a member of the presidency. They would like to make sure everyone who wants one gets a copy.
Have you had the chance to see all the cute new babies in the ward?
Congratulations to all the new moms and their families.
Calvin Ryan Hansen
Born: November 14, 2014
8 lbs. 21 oz. - 21 inches
James "Madsen" Ball
Born: November 21, 2014
10 lbs. 11 oz. - 21 inches
Noelle Collinwood
Born: December 19, 2014
7 lbs - 19 inches
Lesson Schedule for January:
January 4th - President's Instruction
January 11th - Ezra Taft Benson #1 - "The Great Commandment" - Love the Lord
January 18th - Ezra Taft Benson #2 - "Pray Always"
January 25th - Teachings For Our Time - "Joseph Smith" by Elder Neil L. Anderson - November General Conference
2015 Relief Society Curriculum:
Teachings of President's of the Church - Ezra Taft Benson
Recipes on the blog:
If you have a recipe you would like to share send them to: drbennett1@hotmail.com or call or text them to 208-351-7083. We would love to have your favorite holiday recipes!Visit the ward recipe blog: www.burton4threcipes.blogspot.com
