Walk in the Light

With the Savior's Help

2011-02-24T19:18:00.001-08:00

February 24, 2011

Last Sunday at our ward conference, the bishop and the stake president talked on the atonement of Jesus Christ. We were taught that the atonement is much more than Jesus Christ dying, being buried, and raising from the dead.

During the 3^rd hour Sunday, I was asked to share my feelings about the atonement. Every time I have been called to a position in the church, I have felt inadequate, but I knew when I accepted each calling I would receive the help I needed from the Spirit. This is one example of what the atonement of Christ can do for us. It helps us with our feelings of inadequacy.

When I was called to be a bishop by the stake president, it was such a surprise to me, I didn’t think, I would ever be called to such an honorable calling with such great responsibilities. When the stake president said, “Heavenly Father would like you to be the next Bishop,” I could not speak, all I could do was cry until I gained my composure. Then I said, “I would be honored to accept the calling.”

I served for six and one half years as bishop; it was a wonderful growing experience for me and I enjoyed the opportunity to serve the people in the ward (congregation). During that time I conducted several funerals and not once did I have to miss teaching a class at the community college where I worked. This was not a coincidence. I had many spiritual experiences happen while serving as the bishop (Pastor).

When Moses was called by the Lord to be a prophet to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, he said, “Who am I…I am not eloquent, I am slow of speech, and slow of tongue.” The Lord said to Moses, “…I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say…and teach you what ye shall do.” The rest is history.

Baptism by Authority

2011-01-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

We know that baptism is an earthly ordinance and it is necessary for entrance into the celestial kingdom. This ordinance needs to be performed by someone who has the authority to do so.

The scriptures teach us that John the baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ, had the priesthood authority to do the ordinance. As Jesus Christ, fulfilled his mission on this earth he ordained 12 apostles and gave them the challenge to teach repentance and he gave them the authority to baptize those who believed on Him. In Mark 3:14 it says Jesus "...ordained twelve, and gave them...power (authority)...". And in John 15:16 it states, "I (Jesus Christ) have chosen you, and ordained you."

As the apostles were later killed, the authority for the ordinance of baptism was taken from the earth through apostasy.

Through baptism by proper authority, all mankind is eligible for entrance into Heavenly Father's kingdom.

Baptism by Immersion

2010-12-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

I was baptized by immersion. Baptism by immersion has many symbols. One symbol of baptism is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. (Romans 6:4) "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

A second symbol of baptism is a spiritual rebirth(Moses 6:59-60) "...Inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made,...even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin...by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified; and by the blood ye are sanctified";

"...a third potential symbol of baptism (Church News November 13, 2010 "Living the Scriptures" James H Frutos) ...the water in baptism is symbolic of Christ, the Living Water,
Immersion in water is symbolic of our need and desire to be immersed in Christ".

"Baptism by immersion demonstrates many things to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
First baptism by immersion demonstrates that we do not want to have just a casual relationship with Christ, but that we want to be immersed and engulfed in Christ.

"Second, baptism by immersion demonstrates that we do not want Christ to affect just part of us, but all of us.

Third, baptism by immersion demonstrates that we do not want Christ to play a relaxed role in our lives, but that we want Him to completely surround and consume us.

"Last, baptism by immersion demonstrates that we want to give ourselves completely to Christ and not hold back even one small part of us. We want to be 100 percent committed to Him, not 95 or 98 percent, but 100 percent".

WHY WAS JESUS CHRIST BAPTIZED?

2010-11-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

The baptism of Jesus Christ

"...the Lamb of God, ...baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness...he humbleth himself before the father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments. (2 Nephi 31:5-7) "...Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God". (John 3:5)

I was baptized on my 8th birthday by my Bishop in a baptismal font in the Church house of the town where I grew up. I really didn't comprehend at the time what an important choice I had made.

Since then, I have attended and conducted many baptisms and they have been very spiritual experiences with a short program before the person is baptized.

Now I know how important the first ordinance of the gospel is to me.

At the time I was baptized I made a covenant with God, that I would always remember Jesus Christ, and keep his commandments so I could have his spirit, the gift of the Holy Ghost, as a constant companion.

The Holy Ghost has been there to help me many times. He has witnessed to me that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, and resurrected

I know that Jesus Christ paid for my sins making it possible for me to be resurrected and to overcome physical and spiritual death.

Calmness, Faith, and Humility

2010-06-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

Calmness and Humility

I would like to share with you a good example of someone who chose to walk in the light, even when it was not easy. My son goes to Paris with a group of students in a study-abroad program, as a chaperon/instructor. every other year. He gets paid for doing this, and he usually has help. But this year, because of budget cuts, he had to take a reduction in pay and had to do it without additional help.

He went to Paris with a good attitude. When there were delays, like someone being late, etc., he remained calm. When they had bad weather, he did not worry about it. He felt humbled, when they viewed that beautiful cathedral window in Chartres, France.

We all face choices each day as to our attitude. This includes remaining calm in stressful situations and humble when we are in the presence of great beauty and peace. I am thankful my son has such a wonderful attitude. As we learn to walk in the light we can all enjoy peace of mind as we choose each day how we will deal with the challenges of our lives.

The Book of Mormon

2010-06-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that, "a man would get nearer to God abiding by the percepts of the Book of Mormon, than by any other book". (History of the Church, 4:461).

In 2003 Book Magazine named the Book of Mormon one of the "20 books that changed America".

President Gordon B. Hinckley promised members who read the Book of Mormon that"there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God". (" A Testimony Vibrant and True", Liahona, Aug. 2005, p.2)

During the past 22 years I have read the Book of Mormon at least once a year. I found that each time I read it I learned something new. The spirit has borne witness to me that the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ.

When I read the Book of Mormon I know that I am walking in the light of Christ.

Moroni

2010-04-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

Joseph Smith continued to receive light. A few years after his First Vision, a light entered his bedroom and the light got brighter and brighter until it was brighter than at noon day. A personage appeared to Joseph Smith, and called him by name and introduced himself as Moroni who was the last living prophet upon the American continent around 420 A.D.

Angel Moroni, told Joseph Smith"... there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent..." (Joseph Smith History 1:34)

The Angel Moroni visited Joseph Smith every year for four years teaching and instructing him.

Finally, four years later Joseph Smith received the plates, and by the power of God he translated them into what we have today as The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The First Vision

2010-03-26T22:52:00.000-07:00

From the First Vision Joseph Smith learned several things: (1) That God the Father and Jesus Christ are two separate beings. (2) and they have bodies of flesh and bones. Genesis 1:26 "and God said, Let is make man in our image..." (3) That there was a need for a Restoration in fulfillment of prophecy made by Amos. (Amos 8:11 in the old testament) "...a famine in the land, not of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord

Some refer to this as the "Dark Ages."

After the death of Jesus' apostles,the power of the priesthood and many of the truths of the gospel were taken from the earth. This was a long period spiritual famine.

(4) That a prophet would once more walk the earth.

(5) That Joseph Smith would be that prophet chosen by God to perform the marvelous work and wonder of restoring the gospel and the church of Jesus Christ to the earth.

(6) He had seen two divine personages.

That morning was truly the dawning of a brighter day-light had flooded a grove of trees, and God the Father and Jesus Christ had called a 14-year old boy to be their prophet. (Our Heritage pages 1-4)

I have a testimony, that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, and that he was called of God to be a prophet in these the latter-days to restore the church of Jesus Christ.

God Answers Prayer

2010-03-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

In 1820 an unusual excitement about religion prevailed in western New York, where Joseph Smith lived. He was 14 years old.

Joseph Smith was very confused with so many different churches. One day he was reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, ...and it shall be given him."

This is a powerful scripture. If you lack wisdom, ask God and he will answer your prayer.

Joseph Smith went into the woods to pray. When he knew he was alone he knelt in prayer and he was immediately seized by a power and thick darkness gathered around him.

Then he saw a pillar of light. When the light rested upon him, he saw two personages. One of them spoke to him, calling him by name and said, pointing to the other, "This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

Be Strong and of Good Courage

2010-01-31T21:38:00.000-08:00

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints they have an organization called Young Women for girls between the ages of 12-18. In this program they are taught to follow the light and live the following values:

Faith
Divine Nature
Individual Worth
Knowledge
Choice and Accountability
Integrity
Virtue

Life is stormy, but like Joshua (Jushua 1:9) we are told to "...be strong and of good courage..." Just as umbrellas protect us from a storm the YW values protect us from the evil of our day.

We also need courage to stick up for our values as my granddaughter and her friend did when they were coming home on a bus from their senior trip.

On the way home many of the students wanted to watch an "R" rated movie, but two of them did not, the two Laurels who had been taught the Young Women values.

It took a lot of courage to say to the group we can not watch an inappropriate movie. This caused anger, persecution, and disappointment.

To show they were serious they said, "If you watch this movie, please stop the bus and we will get off. These two girls were not dismayed and they did not watch the movie.

In the Ensign, a church published magazine, in the Nov. 2009 issue pages 79-81 Ann M. Dibb Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency gives a talk titled HOLD ON. Which is the Iron Rod in the Book of Mormon. We need to hold on with both hands, one hand represents Personal Scripture Study and the other hand represents Personal Prayer.

We are told if we hold onto the rod we will never perish and Satan will have no power over us.

Ann tells a story of a crew of men painting a bridge without safety equipment. they had the right equipment, but chose not to use it, as a result four
men lost their lives.

The safety equipment for Young Women is to hold on to the iron rod, and walk in the light, and showing courage to live the YW values.

D&C 50:23 "And that which doth not edify is not of God and is darkness."

D&C 50:24 "That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and the light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

A Christmas Letter

2009-12-30T16:29:00.000-08:00

When we open our eyes, we can see our family and friends walking in the light, and they are sometimes not aware of it. President Thomas S. Monson said, "When you take the last syllable from the phrase 'The Spirit of Christmas' you have the Spirit of Christ."

This Christmas my granddaughter wrote me a letter and I could feel the Spirit of Christ. It was such a sweet letter it brought tears to my eyes. I could feel her gratitude and love. She made me feel that I wanted to follow the Savior and His light by being more obedient and a better example to my children and grandchildren. She said, "I know that you love me very much and will love me no matter what."

Let me take this to a higher level. We would always have the Spirit of Christ with us, not only at Christmas, if we could all have that same feeling about our Savior, and know that He loves us very much and that He will always love us no matter what.

I will always treasure this sweet granddaughter's letter because of her Christ-like attributes.

Blessed with His Light

2009-12-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

"...Heavenly Father used light to announce the birth of His Son, our Savior...

"...A new star was visible in both the Eastern and the Western Hemispheres.

"...The Wise Men rejoiced because of the birth of the Christ, Who is the light and the Life of the World.

"We remember at Christmastime not only the light that announced the birth of Christ into the world but also the light that comes from Him

"Every person born into the world receives that light as a gift...the Light of Christ is real and precious.

'And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.

'That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.'(D&C 50:23-25)

"...Our worship of the Savior and our service for Him brings light into our lives and into the lives of those around us."

(Ensign, December 2009, pp. 8-9, President Henry B Eyring)

Another Testament of Jesus Christ

2009-12-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

Amos 3:7 says "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the Prophets."

In the old world he revealed His word to the prophets who wrote it down on scrolls that were translated to become the Holy Bible.

Since God is no respecter of persons, He also talked to His prophets in the New World. (this the American continent) They wrote on gold plates which were translated into The Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon is:
1. A companion to the Bible.
2. Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
3. God's dealings with His children on the American continent.
4. The fulfillment of prophecy. (Ezekiel 37:16-17) In verse sixteen, the stick of Judah represents The Bible and the stick of Ephraim represents The Book of Mormon. In verse seventeen it says, "And join them to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thy hand." Thus we see that God has provided us with scriptural accounts of all His people

For a free copy of the Book of Mormon call: 888-537-2200, or order on line: www.mormon.org
For a free Holy Bible call: 888-537-1212 or order on line: www.freeholybible.org

2009-11-28T07:32:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the first presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Thomas S. Monson President, and prophet of the church (sitting down) Henry B. Eyring, first Counselor on the left. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second Counselor on the right.
Thomas S Monson is the president and prophet of the church and he and his two counselors preside over the quorum of twelve Apostles. I feel these fifteen men have been called of God, just like Moses, Abraham, Peter, James, and John, and have the same authority to be our Heavenly Fathers mouth piece to the whole world. When we follow their council, we will be walking in the light and not in darkness. I feel the happiest when I obey the word of God revealed to man through His prophet.

LDS Prophets

2009-11-27T12:40:00.000-08:00

My last post was on the importance of having living prophets today. Above is a picture of the twelve living apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the last general conference held in Salt Lake City Utah, in October, the members of the Church sustained them as prophets.

I feel a strong need to listen to the latter- day prophets and follow their council. The first presidency preside over the twelve apostles, which is made up of the president of the church and two counselors.

Prophets

2009-11-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

Amos 3:7 "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

There were prophets during old testament times such as Abraham, Moses, and Noah. When Jesus Christ was on the earth He chose twelve apostles.

If God is no respecter of persons, Then we should have prophets and apostles today.

Since 1830 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has had apostles and prophets.

I feel very blessed to have a living prophet upon the earth today to give guidance and direction to Heavenly Father's children.

Important Choices

2009-11-20T11:36:00.000-08:00

In this life we have to make many choices. Some are very important choices. Some are not. Many of our choices are between good and evil. The choices we make, however, determine to a large extent our happiness or our unhappiness, because we have to live with the consequences of our choices. Making perfect choices all of the time is not possible. It just doesn't happen. But it is possible to make good choices we can live with and grow from. When God's children live worthy of divine guidance they can become "free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon." (2 Nephi 2:26) (James E. Faust)

Some of these choices have to be made when we are young. Such as what do I do after graduation? Where do I go to school? Who do I date? And who do I marry? Good choices can be made when we walk in the light? This week I was talking to a senior in high school who reads her scriptures and prays every day. She will be able to make the right decision and when she does she will fill good about it.

Walking in the Light

2009-11-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

My son was married this week. His mother, dad and sisters where there to celebrate the wedding. We fell in love with the bride and her family. At the reception I had the opportunity of talking to my son's friends. One couple I talked to had met each other in the Peace Corp and she had been in for three years and he had been in for two years. That is amazing to find someone willing to sacrifice in order to help someone else. I said that is where we find true happiness and we find out how much we do not need. They were aware that my wife and I had served a mission in Oklahoma for a year. We did not have many worldly possessions and we were very happy as we served others. I feel when we are serving others is a good example of "walking in the light." and this is when we will experience true joy and happiness.

When we watch the news on T.V. or read the newspaper and hear and see all the bad things that are going on around us, may cause us to get depressed, or discouraged.

"Indeed, there is darkness about. For many, getting through the day means navigating an obstacle course of worry and dread. Hope can seem vague, even unattainable concept." (LDS Church News, Nov. 2009)

A latter day prophet said, "Do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight.)

2009-10-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today is such a beautiful day here in Utah, the sun is shining and not a cloud in the shy. I even went for a walk. After breakfast, my wife and I delivered treats to four of our primary boys who helped out with sharing-time last week.

My wife has been editing my dad's life history and I have been working on a time line for him.
Trying to do it from memory is hard.

I called my friend to see if he wanted to play golf next week and he told me he was through for the year. So now I am without a partner because the other golfer we were playing with wants to go on a mission. I have already paid my annual fees for next year, now what do I do? Maybe I should give up golf, but I need the exercise.

Why am I feeling like I'm not walking in the light? What do I need to do to be happy?

I'm sure we all have felt like this one time or another.

For the past two hours I have been working on my lesson for family home evening. I'm using a talk that president Thomas S. Monson gave at general conference at the Saturday night priesthood session last April "Be Your Best Self." Quoting from I Nephi 15:24-25
"And I said unto them (the rod) was the word of God: and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations...of the adversary overpower them unto blindness..." I found my answer, when we walk in darkness we become blind as I had earlier. When I started studying the Ensign, and reading the scriptures, I realized I was walking in the light. Now I understand why I am losing my two golfing friends. I am now happy with everything and feel good about life.

2009-10-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday as I was watching the BYU-TCU football game, at first I felt, frustrated, disappointed, and I could feel myself getting angry. I realized I was not walking in the light.
These emotions I experienced are negative. When we have positive emotions we are walking in the light. We left watching the ball game after the third quarter because we felt pain and anger.
I let my negative emotions control me as I walked into darkness and I could feel the Holy Ghost leave me. After getting home, I did not feel like praying and it took a couple of hours before I felt good about my self and sorry for walking in the the dark allowing my negative emotions to control my behavior.

Why do I want to walk in the light? So that I can experience the Holy Ghost and feel the Spirit of Jesus Christ and this makes me feel good about myself and brings peace and happiness to me. I know this is what we all would like is to be happy, and we can be, if we will walk in the light.

Rex Hayes

John 8:12

2009-10-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

(David O. McKay, Man May Know for Himself: Teachings of President David O. McKay, compiled by Clare Middlemiss, p.397 - 398)

Men may choose the right or they may choose the wrong; they may walk in darkness or they may walk in the light; and, mind you, God has not left his children without the light. He has given them in the various dispensations of the world the light of the gospel wherein they could walk and not stumble; wherein they could find that peace and happiness which, as a loving Father, he desires his children should enjoy. But the Lord does not take from them their free agency.

I love the light. That is one reason I love Utah because the sun shines almost every day. I also love the light that radiates from you my friends.

Bye for now,

Rex Hayes

2009-10-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

When I walk in the light I feel happy and good about myself. I have had experiences walking in the dark, and I felt ill at ease. We have a living prophet upon the earth today that gives us guidelines and values to live by and when I follow his council I feel peace and happiness in my life. Our prophet has asked us to love each other, to not get angry, to be tolerant of others and their believes. When Jesus Christ left the earth He sent a comforter, The Holy Ghost, who will help us walk in the light.

Walk in the Light

2009-10-20T16:25:00.000-07:00