I haven’t been very “writerly” this week. Sorry about that. Sometimes the brain just takes a holiday.
This weekend is our Stake Conference (a meeting of several congregations combined that happens every 6 months). The Saturday evening session is usually for adults only. I was impressed by how many people showed up. I’d better not sleep in tomorrow, or I won’t have a seat with all the full families at the meeting!
Our stake president read and discussed these verses at stake conference tonight. He pointed out that we are supposed to ask Heavenly Father what He wants us to do, and seek for the best gifts from God, so that we may not be deceived. Then he emphasized the importance of remembering that those gifts are given to be of benefit to EVERYONE. They aren’t just for ourselves or just for our own family. They are given to help us reach out and bless others. This is a gospel of love. It was good for me to be reminded of this.
“But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. 8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; 9 For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.”
Weathering The Journey 