Author: James Dodge

Be Comforted

This week, as we studied the scriptures, one that stood out to me was John 14:16. In this scripture we read, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.”

In these uncertain times that we find ourselves living in, it is nice to know and to be reminded of the promises that the Savior has made to us. If we follow Him, and try to live the life that He has led, we know that He will be there for us to help comfort us. But this scripture also reminds us of another Comforter that He has promised us, the Holy Ghost.

If we live our lives righteously, we know that we can have the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion and to help comfort us when times are difficult. He can help to guide us in the right direction and we can depend on him to confirm the things we learn as we study the scriptures.

With everything going on in the world today, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring, it is comforting to read about the life of our Savior and be reminded of the promises He has made for us. If we focus on the good things in life and if we center our thoughts on the Savior, we can be comforted and feel peace in these trying times.

Providing Service

In Matthew 23:11, it says, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” This was a great reminder to me of the service that we should each be seeking out to provide for those around us. Especially in the crazy times we find ourselves living in.

So many people this week are panicking and going to stores in droves to buy as much as they can. This new virus that has come about has affected all of us around the world. It is hard to believe that church has actually been called off until further notice. Of course, we are to still worship and learn as families within our own homes until the appropriate time comes that we may return to attending classes at church buildings as we are used to.

Seeing all the craziness, unrest, and the uncertainty of people has helped me to remember that we are to serve those around us. Even though we are told to try and remain isolated as much as possible, we must be available to help those in need at this time. It is important to remember that Christ is someone who always served others. As we strive to be better disciples of Him, there are many opportunities to provide service to those around us.

I pray that we can remain calm during these troubling times. I also pray that we can find and act upon the needs of those close to us that we might be able to provide the service that so many are going to desperately need in these crazy times.

Finding the One

In class this week, we were reading through the book of Luke in the New Testament. In Chapter 15, Verse 4, it asks us the question, which one of us, if we had 100 sheep, realizing that one had become lost, wouldn’t leave the other 99 in the wilderness so that we might go and find the one?

This was a great reminder to me this week of the importance of missionary work. It is so easy to go about our lives and our daily routines, not worrying about those around us. But, if we stop and look around, we are aware of those “lost sheep” all over the place. We know the importance of each soul to our Savior and yet, we don’t always go out helping to find those that are lost.

In Verse 7 of this same chapter it reads, “joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” This helps to remind me of the responsibilities that rest on my shoulders. I need to be constantly striving to be better and to be more like Christ. If I don’t, I am going in the wrong direction. As I strive to be more like Him, I need to be aware of those around me that may be struggling and I must do whatever I can do to help bring them back to where they should be.

This isn’t always an easy task, but it is something we should all be working towards.

All things are possible if we believe.

In our reading this week, a particular verse stood out to me – Mark 9:23. The scripture reads, “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

This scripture helps to remind me that we can do anything, if we only believe in our Savior and put our lives in His hands. He is there for us at all times, whether they be good or bad. As we struggle through life, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is there for each of us, regardless of what we think of Him. He will always love us and look for ways to help us.

If we work on obtaining a testimony of Him, and work to strengthen that belief every day, we can become more like Him and we can accomplish anything. If we only put our faith in Him, we can learn to be more like Him and help others around us.

I know that many times in my life I get discouraged or think that I am all alone in the things I deal with each day. This scripture helped to remind me that I am never alone and that I am able to look for help and receive it as needed. This is something I hope to continue to work towards in the future.

Helping to Bear Our Burdens

As we studied in class this week, we learn about how we need to be ready to give our burdens to our Savior, and that He will help us to bear them.  In the book of Matthew, Chapter 11, verses 28-30, it reads, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

We know that a yoke can be used to join two animals together to help make the load more bearable and to make it so that one does not have to bear all the burden on their own.  I love these scriptures that help to paint the picture that Christ is there for each of us, to help us bear our burdens.  What a great blessing to know that He is there for us in our times of need, and all we need to do is go to Him humbly to ask for help. 

I hope that each of us can remember to go to our Savior in times of need and ask for His help.  I know that He will be there for each of us, helping to make the load light, and helping us bear whatever burdens we may have. 

Resisting Temptation

This semester we are learning from the New Testament about the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  One of the stories we learned about this week was when Jesus was tempted after fasting in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights.  As He came back, He was approached by Satan who told Him to prove that He was the Son of God by turning stones to bread so that He might eat.  When that didn’t work, Satan tempted Jesus to cast Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple.  Jesus told him that He would not be tempted.  Satan then tried to tempt Him again by showing Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and promising them to Him if He would worship Satan.

Jesus was able to withstand these temptations even though He was weak and vulnerable at the time.  He was able to stay true to Himself by knowing who He truly was and by not doubting Himself.  This is a great lesson for each of us as we struggle with temptation and with wanting to become a better disciple of Christ.  Each of us is a son or daughter of God and we each have the ability to withstand temptation when it is before us.  We need to prepare for these times by working on strengthening our testimony and asking for help from our Father in Heaven when in times of need.

Gathering Together in One

This week, I was asked to lead a discussion at Church about a talk given by Elder Bednar from General Conference last month.  The talk is called “Gather Together in One All Things in Christ” and was given during the Saturday morning session.

I really enjoyed studying this talk and wanted to share my thoughts about it.  Elder Bednar begins his talk, explaining that a rope is something that we are all familiar with.    He continues to tell us that a rope is made up of many smaller pieces that, by themselves, usually aren’t that strong.  But, when they are all woven together to create one rope, they become much stronger and can accomplish much more.

Elder Bednar continues by giving different examples of how this can relate to ways we live the gospel in our lives.  I really enjoyed reading through and listening to this talk.  It made me think of each of us, as members, and how we can be so much stronger and more effective if we strive to work with others. If we reach out to those around us, and offer help to them, while accepting help for ourselves, we can accomplish so much more than as individuals.

This has helped me to look at my own life, and what I can do to be more active with others around me. I know that if I start trying to make changes within myself, I can start to become the type of person that will help lift others during their times of need.

Whose Church is it?

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to watch General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  One talk that really stood out to me, was given by our Prophet, President Nelson.  In his talk, he addressed the name of the Church and the proper use of it as we move forward.  He was referring to a couple of months ago, when an announcement was made that we should stop calling ourselves Mormons and should start referring to ourselves as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or just as Latter-day Saints.  It was said that we should start using the full name of the Church, rather than the nickname of the Mormon church that many, including myself, have used over the years.

At first, when I heard this announcement in August, I didn’t think too much of it, other than I felt I had heard this before.  It seemed to me that there have been other times when people have said this, but it never really seemed to be taken that seriously.  And at first, I didn’t really understand the importance of distancing ourselves from the name Mormon.  To me, it has never seemed like a big deal to be called Mormon, or to refer to others the same way.  I know that I have felt, “does it really matter?”  And as I watched President Nelson start to speak, I couldn’t help but think, “is he really going to devote an entire talk to this?”

As President Nelson spoke on Sunday, I really started to understand the reasons he gave for wanting to make sure we keep the name of our Savior in the Church that we belong to.  He explained that as we remove His name from the Church, we are, in a way, disregarding all that He has done for us. Including the Atonement.  And he talked about how, to much of the world, the Lord’s Church is hidden behind the name of the Mormon Church.

As I heard these things being said, I started to really understand the importance of the name of the restored Church of Jesus Christ.  His talk really helped to open my eyes.  I can completely see the point being made, and I feel a strong desire to tell others of my thoughts on this.  I know that President Nelson has been inspired to share this with us.  I know that we must make sure to put the Savior’s name into His Church, and make sure that others know it is His church.  I know these things are true, and I am thankful for a living Prophet in these days that is there to help direct us and to let us know the will of our Father in Heaven.

I feel somewhat ashamed for the feelings that I initially had after the announcement in August.  But, I have come to know that this directive is inspired of the Lord.  I know that President Nelson is a true Prophet, here to help lead us all.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have watched this talk, and I am grateful to be able to call myself a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.