In Relief Society at church today I taught the final lesson in the Teachings of the Prophets: George Albert Smith book. The chapter was "Living Righteously in Perilous Times." The timing for the topics in relation to what is going on in the world really is mind-blowing and a testament to me of the omnipotence and love of our Heavenly Father. It is a comfort to be reminded that he truly knows the end from the beginning.
My heart aches for the victims and families of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. These past few days, I've held my children a little longer, gazed at them more intently and tried to be more loving. We really do live in perilous times. We live in the last days when we are preparing for the return of our Savior.
After my lesson today, a sister came up and asked if she could use my handout (like to post on facebook, etc.) She indicated that everyone needs the principles therein, not just members of our church. I thought that was a good idea, so I'm going to post it here.
Righteous Living in Perilous Times
Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: George Albert
Smith
Chapter 24
Serious difficulties
have been predicted in the latter days. (Page 255)
1.
JS
Matthew1:22-23, 29-30
22-23
For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets…you
also shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for
all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet.
29
Behold I speak for mine elect’s sake; for nation shall rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom; there shall be famines, and pestilences, and
earthquakes, in divers places.
30
And again, because iniquity shall abound, the love of men shall wax cold; but
he that shall not be overcome, the same shall be saved.
We need have no fear
if we do what the Lord has asked us to do.
(Pg. 260) “We need have no fear if we do what the Lord has
asked us to do. This is His world. All men and women are subject to Him. All
the powers of evil will be controlled for the sake of His people, if they will
honor Him and keep His commandments.”
2.
Alma 14:11 (Alma and Amulek witness a horrible scene of carnage, but are restrained from stopping it; the Lord takes up the righteous unto Himself in glory, and their blood will stand as a witness against the wicked in the final day of judgement.)
(Pg. 261) “No matter whether the clouds may gather, no matter
how the war drums may beat, no matter what conditions may arise in the world,
here in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wherever we are
honoring and keeping the commandments of God, there will be protection from the
powers of evil, and men and women will be permitted to live upon the earth
until their lives are finished in honor and glory if they will keep the
commandments of our Heavenly Father.”
3.
Alma
14:12-13 (Alma and Amulek's work is not yet finished; "They burn us not".)
The only way to peace
is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
4.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the
world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the
world.
(Pg. 260) “Though the world may be filled with distress, and
the heavens gather blackness, and the vivid lightnings flash, and the earth
quake from center to circumference, if we know that God lives, and our lives
are righteous, we will be happy, there will be peace unspeakable because we
know our Father approves [of] our lives.”
Our homes can be
peaceful, holy places even in the midst of calamities. (Pg. 261)
We can be a positive
influence in the world.
5.
Matt
5:13-16
(Pg. 263) “I want to plead with you, … be as anchors in the
community in which you live that others may be drawn to you and feel secure.
Let your light so shine that others seeing your good works will have a desire
in their hearts to be like you. It is
our duty to set the example; it is our duty to hold aloft the banner of truth.”
(Pg. 263) “… Let us set our hands to the work that he has
entrusted to our care, let us bless our Father’s children wherever they may be,
and our lives will be enriched and this world will be made happier.”
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Please continue to pray for the families who mourn.
Love you, Amy
