Binding – Blinding – Grinding

- Sermon –

Behavior is not just what we do --- our physical actions.  Behavior is also what we think --- our thoughts.  It is also what we feel --- our emotions.  Let us remember that it is our spirits who come to earth to obtain a body ---- it is not our bodies that come to earth to obtain a spirit.  It is the spirit that should govern – not the body. The spirit governs successfully only when it brings the body under its subjection.

In the Book of Mormon in Alma 12:13 – 14 it says, “Then if our hearts (let’s pause there and note that, in many cultures, the “heart” has been viewed as the seat of our emotions or feelings.) have been hardened (think – “emotionally numb or past feeling”), yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.  14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us….” This passage clearly suggests that our thoughts and our feelings can lead us into wrongdoing.

Now let us be clear.  Just having a momentary improper thought or feeling is quite a different thing than creating a welcoming, encouraging, nurturing place for such thoughts and feelings to dwell within us.  Most of the time we can remove bad thoughts by our own mental and spiritual efforts, just as Christ did, “He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them D&C 20:22. 

However, for some, who have made improper thoughts and feelings welcomed guests, prayer and the help of family and trusted Church leaders may be needed. 

Now allow me to insert a disclaimer here.  There are those who suffer from specific mental and emotional disorders for whom intrusive thoughts and feelings are not connected with sin, but from faulty biological processes in the brain.  For such people, therapy and not necessarily repentance is the prescription.

When our brain becomes clogged with impure and improper thoughts, there is no room for the warm, loving, peaceful feelings to come forth from the spirit.  This is what is meant by the scripture that says, “see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love…” Book of Mormon, Alma 38:12

Sinful thoughts and feelings lead to sinful actions and in the end, as I heard from a preacher-friend of mine, “sin will BLIND us,   BIND us, and then GRIND us.”  It blinds us to truth. It binds us up with chains so tightly that we are numb, when it comes to choosing the right.   We become like Lamen and Lemuel in the Book of Mormon who became “past feeling” thus, destroying our true freedom.  And lastly, sin will grind us into dust to be blown about to and fro.

The story of Samson in Judges Chapters 13 through 16 is given to us, not as an example of strength, but as a warning of how not governing our thoughts, feelings, and actions can “blind us, bind us, and grind us.”   The preacher’s sermon went on to say that Samson’s destiny was to be a giant of physical and spiritual strength.  He was to be a new Moses, leading Israel out of 40 years bondage to the Philistines.  He was set apart as a Nazarite - one who took sacred vows of dedication and service to God.  The Nazarite was to be clean, not partake of strong drink, and his hair was not to be cut, all as a symbol of his dedication to God. 

Samson seemed to have the strength of a hundred men. This strength, given of God for Godly purposes, in Samson’s hands, was turned for personal vendettas and was totally self-centered.  The writer of Judges, however, makes clear that this was a spiritual gift of God - given by covenant.  Had he honored those covenants, he might have become one of Israel’s great leaders. 

Charged with subduing the Philistines, he actually married a Philistine woman.   Though he hated most Philistines, he affiliated with them; both fought and played games with them.  In the end, after a life of betraying his vows and being betrayed by his wife, we read in Chapter 16 verse 20:  “And she said, The Philistines [be] upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.   21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, (they blinded him) and brought him down to Gaza, that they might bind him with fetters of brass; and he did grind grain in the prison house.”

Thus, we see the end of him who lost control of his thoughts, his feelings, and his actions and dishonored his covenants.  He serves as a warning to all that sin is blinding, it is binding, and it is grinding.  What a different ending to the story we would have, had Samson repented along the way.  

For us today, what things are blinding us and causing us to lose hold of the iron rod of the gospel and to stumble in the “midst of darkness”?  What chains of sin bind us?  How much longer will we allow sin to grind us into dust?

We are all repenting of some things --- or should be.  None of us are perfect.  In this life – it is not expected – only consistent, persistent improvement – step by step perfection is the goal.  It is the Lord who purchased all our sins who will ultimately purify us prior to entering His kingdom.  The idea that somehow absolute perfection is the goal of this life is a doctrinal myth – often fostered by the Prince of Lies who seeks to blind us, bind us, and grind us.  Therefore, let us, as Jesus instructs, “be ye therefore perfect….,” but take it one day at a time.

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Hai Elohim^* – The Oath of Oaths

- Verse -

But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.

Book of Mormon   1 Nephi 3:15

The Oath of Oaths is no longer spoken

Hai Elohim was its ancient name

“As the Lord liveth” was the token

Binding all within its claim

“As the Lord liveth, and as we live”

The strongest oath man could proclaim

Was the most solemn vow to give

Before the Lord with His holy name

The oath to God bestowed

A covenant not lightly spoke

A vow to pay what was owed

Or God’s wrath He would invoke

Hai Elohim is no longer employed

As a promise to our fellow man

But our words are null and void

If our vows are made of sand

May our word be a spoken covenant

A sacred vow that’s certain and sure

A Hai Elohim from a Godly servant

A holy testament whose words endure

^*Note: For thousands of years the Hai Elohim was the one thing

that was most sacred and inviolable among the Middle Eastern desert people and their descendants. 

There are at least 45 invocations of the Hai Elohim in sacred scripture – primarily in the Old Testament.

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

The Bedrock of Gospel Doctrine

- Sermon -

There was once a father named Alma whose son, Corianton, had sinned some grievous moral sins.  The father brought his son before him to call him to repentance, to instruct, and to edify.  The record of this father-son interview is found in the Book of Mormon, Alma chapters 39 through 42.

It is instructive to note that Alma takes only 19 verses to (1) identify the problem, (2) show how Corianton’s actions are affecting him and those around him, (3) call him to repentance, (4) show him how to repent and change his behavior, and finally (5) give words of encouragement --- 19 Verses.

Alma then takes 72 verses, not to expound further on the evils of immoral behavior, or to berate his son, but instead, he teaches and emphasizes key doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ, including the plan of salvation, temporal and spiritual death, the Spirit World, the resurrection, the doctrine of restoration, the doctrines of justice and mercy, and how all of this is brought about by the great Atonement of the Savior.  In these 72 verses we find several layers of truth, revelation, and light that form the bedrock of gospel doctrine.

Why did this father spend so little time dwelling on his son’s sins and so much time teaching these doctrines to this wayward son?  Why did he not do what we might be tempted to do and dwell on what punishments would be inflicted and, then set up a long list of rules for Corianton to follow? Rather than do these things he drilled down to the bedrock of sacred doctrines and taught them directly, pointedly, and plainly to Corianton.  This young-adult son, now having a better perspective of his place in the Lord’s kingdom and his accountability before God, could then exercise his agency to make wiser choices, govern his behavior, and be totally accountable.   This is an example of wise and prudent parenting behavior.

Alma had experience in how to change people’s behavior.  As the great missionary-leader of his day, he saw how powerful the doctrines of the gospel were to change lives.  Here is what he said a year or so prior to this interview with Corianton: “And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.”  Alma 31:5

How does this relate to us?  Our desire, like Alma, is to help change and shape righteous behavior in ourselves and our children.  We want to help our families build their lives on the bedrock of rectitude and righteousness.  Alma shows us that this is done best through the acquiring and applying of key doctrines – that is -- gospel knowledge, and skills and experience derived from the Bible, other sacred scriptures and the words of prophets, seers and revelators in all ages and times.  Such knowledge provides the wisdom to make correct choices and, as the scripture says, “it (has) a more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than…anything else.”  By teaching true doctrine in a persistently powerful and loving way we help ourselves and our families to build upon a bedrock of righteous behavior -- withstand temptations, increase in faith, exercise moral courage, make righteous choices, and be more reliant on God.

Indeed, as declared by an apostle, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. . . . That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel." (Boyd K. Packer, Conference Report, October 1986, p. 20.) 

Therefore, in today’s increasingly secular world, let us be evermore faithful in gathering our families together, enjoying wholesome activities, while always grounding them in the bedrock of true doctrine.

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Hard Things

- Verse -

And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord.

Book of Mormon   1 Nephi 3:5

Hard things, not hard like rock or steel
But hard things – things hard for the soul
Things of the Spirit often hard to feel
When  faith is not our goal

Hard things about which we murmur
When hard choices must be made
If not suited safely in God’s armor
Covenants will likely be betrayed

Hard things the Lord requires
Sacrifice and laws to be obeyed
Our devotion and virtue He desires
Firm in the faith and unafraid

If hard things we would embrace
Things that are just and right
We must receive of God’s grace
And seek His truth and light

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

The Samaritan Cipher

- Sermon –

The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) contains several important messages for those who would follow the Savior’s admonition to care for the poor and needy.  However, providing such care “in the Lord’s way” according to correct principles is not always simple, nor properly understood and applied.   The Lord’s way is not man’s way – His view of the poor and needy is not complicated by politics, social class, or theories of economics, but is a code that can be deciphered only by a greater understanding of gospel principles.

1.      I can always be a “Good Samaritan.” 

A gift or “blessing” can always be bestowed that responds to another’s need.  However, the gift or blessing, in the form of help or assistance may not necessarily respond to another person’s wants or expectations.  Example: New Testament | Acts 3:6 Upon being asked for assistance, Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”  Such may be the case when we are asked to give material aid, but because of our perspective or discernment in that moment, we see that counsel or some other type of help would be more productive or is needed rather than cash or material assistance.  So it may be when, as a parent, or teacher, or friend, or leader, we reach within ourselves and give what is needed rather than what is wanted. 

                                                              

Lesson to be learned: I can always bestow a gift or blessing of assistance to the person in front of me who is requesting help. In ministering to another I need never say "No," I can always say “Yes! Such as I have, give I unto thee.”

2. Good Samaritans bless others, but blessings bestowed are almost always self-selected by the receiver.

Even though a gift or blessing of some type of help or assistance can be bestowed, it may not be received.   A kind word, counsel, advice, material help, or even cash may not be well-received or appreciated because these things do not measure up to the recipient’s wants or expectations.  The Lord described it this way.  Referring to how we essentially self-select the blessings of the gospel, and ultimately the kingdom that we are willing to receive, the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 88:32 – 33 says “And they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.  For what doth it profit a man if a gift (perhaps counsel or material assistance of some type) is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?  Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.”  Neither Samaritans nor their gifts are always well received or respected. 

Lesson to be learned: Receivers, not givers, determine what is received. When giving, I should be principled, prudent, and patient.  When receiving, I should be humble, gracious and qualify and prepare myself for the gifts I receive.

3. Givers become receivers and receivers become givers.

There is a place, a time, and a season for all good and necessary things. The gospel of Jesus Christ encourages generous giving and gracious receiving as divine attributes. There are seasons wherein I must learn about giving --- in all of its many forms.  There are other times wherein I must learn about receiving --- in all of its many forms.  The seasons themselves, and the objects of my giving and receiving are sometimes not of my choosing. For example, there are times when I visit and minister to the sick or grieved.  There are also times when I am sick or grieved and will receive the ministry of others. Giving and receiving “in the Lord’s way” are both divine attributes – each to be experienced and learned in time and eternity.

 

Lesson to be learned: Often, God chooses how and by whom I will be blessed, and who I need to bless. He will often cause our paths to intersect. In those moments I may be either a giver or receiver, but “in the Lord’s way” I actually  become both.  Question:  Am I ready in either case? 

4.    The Lord asks, “Are we not all beggars?”   Within each of us are elements of poverty and need – but they are not the same and are not addressed the same.  The ministry to each is different.   Understanding the difference – makes a difference.

There is a type of poverty within each of us that can be persistent and debilitating.  This kind derives from a poverty of knowledge, understanding or beliefs and attitudes more than a deficit of money or material things, or devastating circumstances caused by nature. Such a disposition leads to a poverty of emotion and a poverty of action.  We are thus held prisoner by what we don’t know or what we don’t feel capable of doing.  These poor habits of thinking, feeling, or doing may be acquired along life’s way, or inherited from previous generations.  For example, in today’s world those of the rising generation who do not value education may find a poverty of opportunity available to them in the world of employment. Those who have not learned to value principles of good health and nutrition may reap the consequences of debilitating disease and poor health. We are thus blessed or cursed by our beliefs, our passions, and our actions. It is in overcoming this poverty that we break the bonds of being poor in this sense, and become “Saviors on Mount Zion” to ourselves and future generations.

There is another kind of poverty that is related to temporary or transient need.  Not overly burdened with too many poor habits of thinking, feeling, and doing, the needy temporarily lack resources perhaps of money, productive work, health, or other assets brought about by unemployment or under-employment, an illness, economic downturns, or other unplanned disruptions.  "Inner resources" are generally sufficient. "Outer resources" are those that are lacking. Hence, the poverty of need, when properly addressed, need not be long-term nor permanently debilitating. 

As we explore both kinds of poverty – the poverty of the poor and the poverty of the needy – we see that both elements are present within us, within others, and even within nations and cultures.  We are all both poor and needy whether induced by man or nature.  Hence, the Savior’s persistent insistence on ministering to the poor and the needy as one of our basic requirements in life and as part of one’s covenant obligations. 

Lesson to be learned: The oft repeated command to care for the poor and needy and minister relief leads down two related, but different roads - not one.  The one road out of poverty leads to acquiring new knowledge, attitudes, skills, abilities, increased self-worth and self-reliance.   The other road out of being needy is taken by acquiring or restoring assets and resources and increasing productive capacity - all done without creating dependency.  

In either case such a ministry is truly “the healer’s art.”

Like a Valley

- Verse -

And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!

 Book of Mormon   1 Nephi 2:10

O my Son, Lemuel

Be thou like this valley firm

Steadfast, immovable, and secure

May thy virtuous acts affirm

That thou art clean and pure

May thy resolve be clear

To obey God’s law in every way

And keep the Holy Spirit near

To guide all you do and say

Follow thy younger brother

And let him be thy guide

Strengthen him and one another

And with God you will abide

Be thou like this valley strong and stout

Full of faith and works, hope and love

Tough enough to keep avarice and evil out

And be blest by God above

May we walk in valleys steadfast and firm

May we march bold, resolute and secure

Until the Spirit of Promise doeth confirm

Our calling and election is made sure

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Like a River

- Verse -

And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!

Book of Mormon   1 Nephi 2:9

O my Son, Laman

Be thou a river running

Flowing with virtue and light

A fountain of truth ever becoming

A father’s blessing - a father’s delight

Be thou humble lest thou fall

Be thou obedient all the day long

Be thou a servant to one and all

Be thou a river mighty and strong

A younger brother thou will heed

Let him teach thee and be thy guide

In precept and word and deed

For God will bless thee if thou abide

Be thou a river rolling out to sea

A mighty river steady and slow

Great blessings will await thee

If like this river thou will flow

I too would be a river mighty and strong

Flowing with virtue, goodness, and light

A river of integrity rolling along

Flowing to heaven with eternity in sight

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Disorders of the Heart

- Sermon -

In describing the state of the inner man, the scriptures commonly use the word heart. This word occurs over a thousand times in the scriptures, almost always as a figurative expression.    Heart is often used to identify the extent to which one is receptive to the message of the gospel. Nephi said, "The Lord . . . did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe" (1 Nephi 2:16). A later prophet also named Nephi described his preaching to a people who "did harden their hearts and did not hearken unto the words of the Lord" (Helaman 10:13)     

Heart is sometimes used as a synonym for mind. Speaking of the multitude who heard the risen Lord on this continent, the Book of Mormon says, "neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak" (3 Nephi 17:17). "Their hearts were open and they did understand in their hearts the words which he prayed" (3 Nephi 19:33).     

Heart is also used in contrast to mind, with mind apparently connoting the powers of reasoning (the intellectual) and heart connoting the powers of intuition (the spiritual), or emotion and feeling. President Harold B. Lee used those two words in this contrasting sense when he said: "When we understand more than we know with our minds, when we understand with our hearts, then we know that the Spirit of the Lord is working upon us" (Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974] 92).     

Similarly, the Lord described the house of Israel as having "hardness of heart, and blindness of mind" (Ether 4:15). And at the beginning of his sermon, King Benjamin challenged his people: "Open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view" (Mosiah 2:9).     

Heart can also refer to motives, desires, and attitudes.   “In the language of the scriptures, the word heart is a powerful figurative expression, rich in meaning. It is the primary instrument used to teach us that, from the perspective of eternity and in terms of God's commandments, the hidden thoughts of our minds are just as important as the observed actions of our bodies.”   (Dallin H. Oaks, Pure in Heart, Preface)

Because of its importance, the heart is often the target of the adversary. Five “disorders” fostered by him are noted.

1. Disorder: Hard Heart

Description:   Like clay left to harden then fired and glazed, the heart can become hardened, unmoldable, unchangeable, past feeling. The only chance for change at that point is for the heart to be broken -- melted by the refiner’s fire and then remolded and cooled.

Effect: Uncaring, unfeeling, unreachable, numb, like being in an emotional coma

Scriptural Examples:           

1. Laman & Lemuel: 1 Nephi 17:41-42, “And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.  42 And they did harden their hearts from time to time, and they did revile against Moses, and also against God; nevertheless, ye know that they were led forth by his matchless power into the land of promise.”

2. Nephites prior to Nephi’s death: 2 Nephi 33:1-2 “And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men. 2 But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught.”

3. Pre-converted Amulek:  Alma 10:6  “Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart,

2. Disorder: Blind Heart

Description:   The person is not capabable of sensing accurately the true environment. It is a world of illusion rather than reality. Like seeing the world thru a dirty window, one is blinded to the true light.

Effect: Lost, depressed, insecure, unstable, disoriented.

Scriptural Examples:           

1. The Ephesians:Ephesians  4:17-19  17 “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

2. Korihor (Knew the truth but blinded by Satan), Alma 30:52-53 52 “ And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I know that I am dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing save it were the power of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always knew that there was a God.  53 But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I have brought this great curse upon me.”

3. Disorder: Distant Heart

Description:   The removal of self from righteous influences or truth

Effect: Estrangement, arrogant, victimized, persecute

Scriptural Examples:

1.     People of the Latter days: Isaiah 29:13 “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:”

2. Any who distance themselves from the powers of heaven: D&C 121:35-38 35 “Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson— 36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.  37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.  38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.”

4. Disorder: Congested Heart: 

Description:   The person becomes controlled by pride, malice, anger, stubbornness. These infections cause the heart to become misshapen, “swollen or puffed-up”

Effect: Obsessive, compulsive, hysterical, temperamental, out of control (emotional rollercoaster)

Scriptural Examples:

1.     King Noah 2 Nephi 28:9,15,20  “Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark….15. O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell…. 20. For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.”

2.     Warning to us in our day: D&C 42:40 “And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands;”

5. Disorder: Fearful Heart

Description:   Like being frozen in ice or trapped in the jaws of a powerful vise

Effect: One becomes incapacitated, unable to move or perform, or one attempts to run and hide.

Scriptural Examples:

1.     Jonah: Jonah 2:2-3,7  “And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.  3 For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me….7. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord.”

2.     People of our day: Luke 21:25-26 “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

3.     First Elders of this dispensation: D&C 67:3  “Ye endeavored to believe that ye should receive the blessing which was offered unto you; but behold, verily I say unto you there were fears in your hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive.”

4.     Peter: Matthew 14:28-31 “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

As we serve the Lord from day to day, may we do so as those of whom it was spoken, Helaman 3:35 “… . Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. 

- Larry Doyle Crenshaw -

Precious Things

 - Verse -

And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 2:4

Precious Things of silver and gold

Precious Things treasured only by man

Precious Things, but not for the soul

Not valued by God nor salvation’s plan

But Precious Things like daughters and sons

Precious Things like friends, family and clan

Those they loved and cherished, these are the ones

These they took to the Promised Land

Nothing else did the family take

Except for scriptures, tents and provisions

Some thought it a great mistake

Lehi, a dreamer and seeker of visions

But into the wilderness they went

Strangers afoot in a hostile land

Led by God if they would repent

And follow God’s command

What Precious Things do we cherish

As we wander through the earth

Temporal treasures that dim and perish

Or heavenly gifts of eternal value and worth

One day we’ll declare our Precious Things

And account for what we love and treasure

Until then, let’s seek the peace that Jesus brings,

His Atonement, and await glory beyond measure

Larry Doyle Crenshaw