Sisters and Brothers –
I have loved studying the First Vision this week.
I have been reminded of the faith shown by a young man, Joseph Smith, to prayerfully study the scriptures, heed the counsel he read in James 1:5 and go to a predetermined place to utter his first vocal prayer for guidance. The answer he received would change the course of his life — and the whole world.
As we face a world full of confusion, frustration, decision and doubt, I can’t help but think that each of us can appreciate Joseph’s need for guidance.
“… if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know.”
Joseph Smith—History 1:12
How many of us lack wisdom in our lives? How many of us need more wisdom than we currently have?
I know that God has infused in us a sacred, eternal ability to receive personal communication from the Divine. Through the Holy Ghost, we can receive answers regarding our lives. As your bishop, I would encourage each of you to be spiritually self-reliant by living worthily of the Lord’s Spirit, finding moments to commune in quiet, studying issues out in your mind and then asking for the confirmation from the Spirit about a given decision.
Shortly after his call as the prophet, President Russell M. Nelson said:
“The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.”
“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” April 2018 general conference
And what a privilege it is!
Historically, parishioners would quietly wait for educated clergy to read and interpret the words of God in the scriptures. But, with the Restoration of the gospel, we know that the Lord speaks to each of us through the quiet whisperings of the Spirit.
We can each be prepared to hear the voice of the Lord by preparing ourselves to receive inspiration. In that same address, President Nelson taught:
“Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will ‘grow into the principle of revelation.’”
“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” April 2018 general conference)
Sometimes the answers feel slow to come. Sometimes they are quiet. Sometimes we feel distanced from the Lord for any number of reasons. However, as we are patient and as we diligently seek, I know we can receive heavenly help in our earthly existence. President Nelson shared his desires for us:
“My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. Let this Easter Sunday be a defining moment in your life. Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.”
“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” April 2018 general conference
I encourage each of us to extend beyond our current comfort and do the small and simple things we need to do to bring the Lord’s will clearly into our view. Then, as we work to align our will with His, we will find clarity, perspective, wisdom and peace — even as the storms are raging around us.
As we seek peace, as always, I encourage each of you to take advantage of the Atonement of Christ daily. Partake of the sacrament weekly. Serve others. Be grateful.
As a reminder, our sacrament services are now at 10:30 a.m. Families with last names beginning with the letters A through G are invited to attend in person at the chapel. Others are invited to participate online at the link below:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
Click on “River View Sacrament.”
Following the sacrament service, members watching from home are authorized and invited to receive the sacrament at home, administered by worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate office. Those attending in-person sacrament will receive it in the chapel following the service.
Young women’s and Relief Society classes will start at 11:30 a.m. Aaronic Priesthood and elders quorum instruction will start at 12:00 p.m. Links to those classes will be distributed through the various organizations.
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A couple of additional calendar items to be made aware of:
Devotional for Young Adults with Elder and Sister Gong
Jan. 10, 6 p.m.
This devotional will be broadcast through the Church’s website at the link below:
Stake conference
Jan. 16-17
- Jan. 16, 4 p.m.: Priesthood leadership meeting (bishopric, ward clerk, assistant ward clerk, executive secretary, elders quorum presidencies and secretaries, Aaronic Priesthood quorum advisors and specialists, ward mission leader, assistant ward mission leader)
- Jan. 16, 7 p.m.: Saturday evening session (all adults 18 or older)
- Jan. 17, 10 a.m.: General session (everyone)
The link to stake conference sessions can also be found at the link below:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
Great to Be 8
Jan. 24
This Zoom meeting is for children turning 8 in 2021 and their parents.
Self Reliance Devotional
Jan. 31, 7 p.m.
This Zoom meeting is for any enrolled or interested in the Self Reliance courses offered through the stake. Please contact Evan Zaugg (elders quorum president) or Georgette Rowley (Relief Society president) for more information about the Self Reliance course and to get enrolled.
Have a great week!
Bishop Bennett