King David (Never Given)

Brothers and sisters, there are thousands of stories in the scriptures that help us learn the nature of God and what we need in order to find the peace and love God has promises us. Some of my favorite lessons are included in the life and trials of King David.

In order to understand the full measure of his life, we need to understand why and how he was called to rule Israel. Samuel the prophet anointed his predecessor Saul, to be the King. Because of the wickedness of the Amalekites the Lord commanded Saul to destroy all that they had, and to spare none of them. Successful to a degree Saul and the Israelite army destroyed every Amalekite save the King – then they destroyed all that they thought was vile. But they saved the best of their flocks, taking the spoils of their conquest. Samuel came unto Saul, knowing from the Lord what had taken place. Saul, like many of us, justified his actions; he even blamed them on someone else. He declared that he had fulfilled his assignment and had saved the flocks in order to make a sacrifice to the Lord. But the Lord was asking for a sacrifice of obedience - not of flesh.

Samuel said – “when thou wasn’t little in thine own sight, was’t thou not made head of the tribes of Israel?” This is seemingly a common occurrence that when we are humble the Lord calls or uses us to accomplish his work – but as stated in D&C 121 “as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” Saul’s pride overtook his judgment. He blamed others. “But the people took the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord their God.” Does the end, brother and sisters, justify the means? They claimed they would use the spoils to worship God – but in order to get the spoils they had disobeyed the counsel that was given.

Could this be similar to someone cheating others in business – claiming that they would help the poor or be better prepared to serve God because of their means? Or – to hypocritically pray for help to win the lottery so they could better serve God. Wouldn’t the Lord be able to provide such means in a way that the commandments would still be followed if such means were needed? Samuel asked; “Hath the Lord as great delight in .. offerings and sacrifice as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” The act of obedience and following the counsels of God shows a humble and willing soul and heart. Someone being little in their own sight, – indicates an understanding of their place with God, it’s an admission of our total dependency upon Him. Indeed we would be nothing without his assistance.

Saul was once obedient to the commands of God. He then questioned why they couldn’t keep some of the material belongings of the Amelikes – He started to think he knew more than God, that his commandments really weren’t that important. He justified his actions, even using religion or worshipping God as part of his excuse. He took pride in the things he was able to do - forgetting it was because of God that they were possible.

This pride and disobedience caused the Lord to reject Saul as the leader of Israel. Samuel was commanded to anoint another in his steed. He was told to go to Bethlehem and to Jesse, because the Lord had chosen one of his sons to be the new King of Israel. After seeing Jesse's sons Samuel was extremely impress because of their countenances and stature. But the Lord refused the older brothers stating: “the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” Such a statement should give all of us bald guys some hope – what we look like isn’t as important to God, but instead it’s what is in our hearts. Seven impressive young men passed by Samuel – all were rejected. Samuel asked if were any more children? There remained one more, the youngest who was watching over his father’s flocks. He was the one that had the pure heart, and with whom the Lord would call. Then Samuel anointed him to be King of Israel. This was David. The scripture state “the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.”

Samuel learned that he shouldn’t judge or discriminate because of someone’s appearance. Do we treat other differently because of their skin – economic circumstances – or just because they think or look differently than we do. The Lord looks on the heart and the straight of their faith.

I think that most people think first of David when it comes to his encounter with Goliath. Most fail to realize that this event happened after he had been anointed King of Israel. What promises were given in that blessing are unknown. Perhaps he received the same promise given to the Sons of Mosiah – which resulted in their willingness to place themselves in harm way in order to show the power of God.

Not even a member of the army – David was delivering supplies to his brothers, on the request of his father. His military experience had no encounters with mighty worriers – but with lions and wild beast defending his father’s flocks. While at the battlefront, hearing Goliath blasphemy before God he said: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” He questioned why no one would go against this giant of a man – he knew that the Lord would deliver him, because he had done it before. So without any armor, assistance and much confidence from those around him – he submitted his faith, courage and pure heart to the glory of God and the defense of his country.

As Goliath defiled the God of Israel and mocked David, David answered: “Thou cometh to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defiled. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hands.” His faith and strength in the power of God was stronger than that of any other man – for the spirit of the Lord was with him. We all know the rest of the story. We all have had our own Goliaths in life – trials, challenges and pains that at first glance seem overwhelming or impossible to overcome. We need to come to the same understanding that David did, that with the assistance of the Lord nothing is impossible.

What is the will of the Father in our lives? Are our hearts pure, centered on the glory of God, or are we looking for the gratification and praise of men? Speaking of those that are unable to magnify their priesthood the Lord told us the reason - "because their hearts were set so much on the things of this world and aspire to the honors of men that they do not learn this one lesson – that the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled or handled only upon the principles of righteousness." This formula –may be simple in concept, but is seemingly hard for most of us to implement. The implementation is achieved by putting the things of God first – submitting to His will for each of us. The knowing of that "will" comes by the power of revelation, manifest by the Holy Ghost.

During the coming years David led the Israelite army, become a powerful and beloved King. He remained righteous most of his day. Indeed we could look upon the events that surrounded the life of this wonderful man and see some of the greatest stories of faith and dedication in the scriptures.

Then something happened that led to his downfall. One evening he rose from his bed and was walking on his roof and from his roof he saw a woman washing herself: and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. That event in it owns right, though inappropriate wasn’t the sin. It’s how he reacted and what he did next that led to his downfall. We don’t know if this was the only time that it had happened, or if it was her intent to be seem in the first place – but he looked upon her in a way that he shouldn’t have – which led him to sin. He enquired about her, he sent massagers to bring her to him. This was a man that was highly favored of the Lord – which had been blessed with perhaps everything he wanted. But he allowed an inappropriate thought to enter his heart and mind and began to dwell on it.

Today there are many ways to look upon a man or woman that we shouldn’t. Pornography seem to be running ramped – T.V., movies and the Internet seen to have an endless supple of inappropriate behavior. Do we come upon it innocently, and then allow our curiosity to overcome us. Do we awkwardly allow it to be seen in its simplest forms until we become desensitized to its existence? Some of us know that it isn’t good for us, but we think that it is different or exciting. Do you think it couldn’t happen to you – it happened to one of the Lords most valiant servants?

Prophets of God have warned us about this erosion of our tolerances – they have said: “first we abhor sin, then we tolerate it, then we embrace it.” We have seen this trend through out the world concerning chastity, and many other commandments.

These inappropriate thoughts are not just reserved to the law of chastity. King Benjamin made that clear when he said:

“And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.”

Brothers and sisters, I would like to ask the question why are you here today? Is it because you feel obligated? Were you excited to hear the word of God? Do you consider it a social event? Was it to partake of the sacrament and renew you covenants with God? What ever the answer to that question is – you need to also ask yourself what will I do now because I was here? Has the spirit has whispered in your hearts and minds helping you to understood what you need to do in order to come unto Christ?

Testimony -

Favorite Campfire Scriptures (Never Given)

Welcome brethren – but most of all I would like to welcome the youth men here tonight. I would like to speak to each of you. Now, what I’m going to say could also help the old guys that are with you – so please do me a favor and wake them up if they fall asleep.

The decisions that you will be making in the next few years will influence the rest of your eternity. Now if you make a mistake – you will still have time to make it right, that’s what the atonement is all about. But it’s also been shown that those of you that mostly make righteousness decisions in your youth will avoid many of the hardest hurdles that can be put in your path. (Example)If you never taste alcohol you cannot become an alcoholic. You need to make the decision NOW to not do anything that you will regret latter in your life.

Those of you that know me very well know that I’m a “sports-aholic.” When I was younger I played some sort of sport almost every day. Now you need to know that back in those days we didn’t have video games – I-pods – cell phones. We did have T.V., but there were only three stations, and I had six sisters that ruled the roost – it was better if I was outside playing ball with my friends. I remember after my mission when we got cable and ESPN became a part of my life – 24 hours of sports. I sure that is just like heaven!

Now everyday on ESPN there is a program called Sports Center - an hour-long recap of what happened in the world of sports that day. During that program there is a segment called the TOP TEN, the ten best sports plays of the day.

I’ve spent a lot of years working in the young men’s programs of the church. I have been a: scout master, advisor, your men’s counselor and a young men’s president four different times. I’ve sat around hundreds of campfires – telling jocks, eating smores – and telling stories from the scriptures. I would like to talk about my top ten favorite scripture stories as they relate to you young men and the decisions you are about to make. There are 100’s of possibilities – your list may be different than mine.

#10 – Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt – Here was a man that could have been one of the rulers of the greatest country or Kingdoms in the history of the world. He rejected it all to learn about the God of his fathers and help those that couldn't help themselves. With the priesthood he showed the power of God is far mightier than the power of men. He divided the Red Sea and led Gods people to freedom on dry ground. Are you willing to reject the praise of friends or the world to get to know the GOD of your fathers?

#9 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Aded-nego – Many of you won’t recognize these names. These were three young men, perhaps missionary age, that were in bondage in Babylon to King Nebuchadnezzar – they were still given great authority and responsibility because of their abilities and character. The King made a golden idol – a man made God. He then commanded everyone in the Kingdom to worship this idol or they would be cast into a fiery furnace. The King questioned them and told them their fate if they didn’t worship his Gods – they answered and said, “Our God that we serve is able to deliver us – “But if not”…. we will not serve thy Gods, nor worship the golden image which thou has set up.” When they were thrown into the furnace it was so hot that those that threw them in perished doing so. But they were protected. Are you willing to stand up for what is right no matter the consequences that could follow? Do we have the faith that God would protect us? What a great campfire story.

#8 – Nephi going to get the plates of Labon. Despite the complaining of his older brothers Nephi said – “I will go and do the things the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” We need to exercise total obedience to all of God’s commands – they may seem hard at times, but He will help us if He has commanded us to do it. The Lord has commanded all young men to prepare to serve an honorable mission – you need to start preparing today

#7 - King David - this is the same young man that killed Goliath. He had no armor or assistance from others. All he had was a sling, unwavering faith in God and a pure heart. He had shown this same kind of courage before protecting his father’s flocks from wild beast. He knew with the Lords help he was more powerful than this giant. He became a mighty King. Faithful and valiant - then he looked upon a woman that was not his wife in a way that he shouldn't have. This led to him breaking the law of Chastity and then he tried to hide his sins. One of Gods most beloved servants lost his standing with God. We should learn that no matter who we are - we need to be on guard, today there are many opportunities to look upon a woman in a way we shouldn't. Pornography can and will destroy your soul - run from it like it is a plague. Don’t touch others or ourselves in an inappropriate manner.

#6 - The Brother of Jared - What an amazing man. He wrote the sealed part of the Book of Mormon. He built barges or ships to come to the Promised Land. I envision they looked like large footballs floating in the ocean. But there were some problems - they couldn't breath inside the ships, there was no way to steer during the journey and they had no light in order to see. After asking the Lord – He gave him the solutions to the first two problems, then the Lord said about the third. "What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?" The Lord will give you guidance and direction - but he also requires you to study it out - to make decisions and then ask him if it is right, or is in accordance with His will in our lives. The result was far beyond his expectations - He saw the finger of the Lord, he received increased revelation.

#5 - Amman’s Missionary journey - How could be a list without Amman cutting off the arms of his enemies. Serving the King of the Laminates he was excited when something went wrong - in the past this would have caused all of the servant and himself to be put to death. He saw an opportunity to show the power of God. He and his brothers gave everything they had while serving their mission. The result was thousands of Laminates coming unto Christ. When you serve your mission - you will need to have the spirit of the Lord with you and give everything you have. A mission isn't always easy - but it's worth every sacrifice we may be called to endure

#4 - Elisha - This is my favorite campfire story, sitting in the mountain valley with a group of young men. Israel was at war - the King of Syria was mad because Israel seemingly knew their moves before they made them. So they came up with a wonderful idea - lets capture the prophet. In the night this great army surrounded the city in which the prophet lived. There was a young man living with and helping him - perhaps he was a deacon, when the boy came out he saw the army surrounding the city. He went to the prophet and asked what they should do. Elisha answered - "Fear not; for those that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord open his eyes that he may see. and the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw; and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." Brethren - those that are righteous will always be more than those that aren't and they can be protected by the powers of heaven. Are you worthy to receive heavenly assistance? I testify that the angels of God know you and will administer to your needs.

#3 - The Stripling Warriors - I don't need to spend much time on this one – all of us know the story. None of them perished in war, they fought valiantly with courage and straight, but behold, this was not all - they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. They fulfilled their responsibilities. Their mothers taught them what was right. Brethren listen to your Mothers and Fathers - be faithful in all you are asked to do. The almost 55,000 missionaries in the field are similar to these Stripling Warrior – we need to be valiant and serve where needed.

#2 - Joseph Smiths first vision - This is the greatest event that has happened in this dispensation. It was the beginning of the restoration of the gospel on the earth. The restoration of the priesthood - the power and authority of God on the earth. If this event happened - the Book of Mormon is true - there is a living prophet on the earth - he is guiding and directing us. This should be your desire - to receive a testimony of the restoration of the gospel. That God lives and answers our prayers. The Prophet Joseph Smith was your age when he received these manifestations - you can receive a testimony of these events and the truthfulness of the gospel as well

#1 - The Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. This is the greatest event in history - it opened the door of salvation, a way to be forgiven of our sins and return to be as God. Every organization, event, meeting in the church and family should be directed to this purpose, to bring us closer to the Savior - to accept his sacrifice and repent of our sins, to become as He is. Then as eternal families to return to live with God. This is the reason we do what we do - that we have the priesthood - that we go on missions and help those in need. Our goal should not only be to receive this testimony - but too tell every living soul that Jesus is the Christ and He loves for each of us.

These are some of the greatest stories in the scriptures. We need to read them over and over - along with all the scriptures. As well do so the spirit of the Lord will be with us and give us the direction that we need.

Dry Canyon 7/17/11 (Never given )

Congratulations to Elder Christiansen –

One of my Favorite activities in stake leadership is when missionaries come home and report to the Stake Presidency and High Council about their opportunity to serve the Lord as a missionary.

Their spirit – enthusiasm and smiles are contagious as they speak about those individuals with whom they have served, sacrificed for and loved. The Lord allowed them to be His personal and special witness – testifying of the divinity and truthfulness of this wonderful work. All of us that have had the opportunity to serve, and any of us that have been a part of someone’s conversion – know that there is no better feeling than to see the light of the gospel ignited in the soul of someone that they love.

Indeed the Lords words in D&C 18: 15 – have great meaning

And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my father!

These people will be eternally grateful – but perhaps the greatest conversion or the most important person to come unto Christ for our salvation is ourselves.

As a missionary I had the opportunity to see many souls come to knowledge of the truth and enter the waters of baptism – but none had greater manifestations of the spirit and a change of heart more than I did.

Indeed as Alma states – I desire “to sing the song of redeeming love.” The greatest part of the story is the answer to his next question – “do you feel so now?” The answer is a resounding yes! And even at a greater magnitude than when I returned from my mission.

Now – before you start thinking that I’m planning to be translated – I like the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians – “have been given thorns in the flesh, the messenger(s) of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” All of us have bought’s of discouragement, a lack of gratitude, and way too often we feel alone and have to search for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. But, my testimony and knowledge is stronger than any other time in my life. – For which I am grateful.

Not to insinuate that this will happen to Elder Christensen – but, why do some missionaries / or for that matter any faithful member of the church – with responsibilities lose this fire – take a vacation or sabbatical from it’s teachings and the covenants that we have made? Is it a conscience choice – or did it just happens over time – others claim they never really believe it in the first place?

In order to understand our testimonies, we need to know what they are and how we get one. “A testimony is a manifestation of the spirit of the truthfulness of a principle – or doctrine of the gospel – or a manifestation of the existence or reality that God lives and Jesus is the Christ. The receiving of these witnesses or manifestations is revelation.

In our last General Conference, Elder Bednar spoke about the Spirit of Revelation and how it works in each of our lives. He used two examples of light – to explain how revelation can come to each of us.

I quote -

The first experience occurred(s) as we entered a dark room and turned on a light switch. Remember how in an instant a bright flood of illumination fill(s) the room and caused the darkness to disappear. What previously had been unseen and uncertain became clear and recognizable. This experience was characterized by immediate and intense recognition of light.

The second experience (takes) place as we watch night turn into morning. Do you recall the slow and almost imperceptible increase in light on the horizon? In contrast to turning on a light in a dark room, the light from the rising sun (will) not immediately burst forth. Rather, gradually and steadily the intensity of the light increased, and the darkness of night (is) replaced by the radiance of morning. Eventually, the sun did dawn over the skyline. But the visual evidence of the sun’s impending arrival (are) apparent hours before the sun actually appeared over the horizon. This experience was characterized by subtle and gradual discernment of light.

Brothers and sisters - these are common occurrences that happen to us each day. Elder Bednar cont…

Some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are recognized gradually and subtly. The two experiences with light I described help us to better understand these two basic patterns of revelation.

A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once. Many of us have experienced this pattern of revelation as we have been given answers to sincere prayers or been provided with needed direction or protection, according to God’s will and timing. Descriptions of such immediate and intense manifestations are found in the scriptures, recounted in Church history, and evidenced in our own lives. Indeed, these mighty miracles do occur. However, this pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common.

The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare.

Chances are that most of us have had both methods of revelation in our lives. But those moments of intense manifestations will be fleeting if they are not followed up with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Laman and Lemual we’re visited by angels – Cain walked and talked with God. Oliver Cowdrey and Martine Harris both fell away from the church after all they had seen and heard.

The scriptures also tell us that the seeds of truth always perform better when they are planted in fertile ground. That’s one of the blessings of a missionary as they contact someone that has never heard or felt the truths of the gospel. I know Elder Christensen loves to ski – it’s kind of like coming upon fresh power that has never been touched. These feeling are new and make a huge impart on the pure in heart that are seeking the Savior and His will in their lives.

Now lets talk about these wonderful returned missionaries – what have they been doing for the past two years? They have been preparing the soil that the seeds of truth have being planted in – they have been nurturing and watering these truths with selfless service – continual prayer and scripture study - then the greatest tool - love. Each of these acts is like powerful fertilizers that stimulate the soul and testify of the divinity of God and this wonderful work.

One difficulty in the church is that not all new converts continue to be active – this is also the same for some of us old guys – why? Because we forget to continue to fertilize our testimonies, or we take offence with someone or something that we can’t control. No wonder President Hinckley said that all new converts in the church need a friend, a calling and nurturing in the gospel of Christ. Being offended is an interesting event for me – I will admit that I’m sure I’ve offended far more people than have offended me.

What if the Savior wouldn’t have fulfilled his assignment because someone had treated Him unfairly?

Revisiting Elder Bednar’s analogy of light – I believe those that lose their testimonies most of the time do it the same way that they received it small pieces at a time. At first imperceptible degrees of change – They set their heart on the things of the world and the honors of men. They stop sincere prayer and searching the scriptures. These are replaced with repetitive quick prayers – have you ever said a prayer and right after not remembered what you just said. Our study becomes casual and at the last minute in order to be ready for the class we are assigned to teach. I couldn’t count the number of time I has seen individual preparing their lesson during sacrament meeting. Good thing we have sacrament meeting first. We allow the filth of the world to creep in through the Internet – movies – and television; they start out slow and can become addictions.

These and countless other examples are like turning the dimmer switch on the lights of our testimonies little by little until we find our selves and darkness and despair. This is when the buffeting of Satan allows us to be critical of our leaders and take offence because of the imperfections of men.

Now it’s going to be impossible for Elder Christensen – or any of us to continue to participate as fully in the things of the spirit as a full time missionary does. Work, school, family and just the trials of life seem to dull or spiritual senses. But, when we continue to put the things of God first in our lives the Lord will make up the differences. As we do the little things each day - we are preparing our soil or souls so that the seeds of faith can grow and flourish.

I would like to invite each of you to take a moment of reflection. Ask yourselves how is the strength of my testimony at this time of my life? Is it stronger than it has been before – do I have questions and concern that are bothering me? Is it strong enough that I could share it at any time no matter what the cost? We should remember the greatest bearing of our testimonies is in the way we live our lives.

When the children of Israel were being led out of Egypt and journeyed to the Promised Land the Lord tested their resolve. Because they had hardened their hearts he sent fiery serpents among them. And after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many that perished.

Because of complacency or laziness do we fail to do the simple things – or as the Israelites do they seem too trivial – that we don’t humble ourselves to be strictly obedient to all the words of God. Indeed by small and simple thing are great things brought to pass.

Perhaps the most used missionary scripture is a formula to receive revelation. Not only is it the promise to find out if the Book of Mormon is true – but it can be used to find the truth of all things and the assistance we all need as we forge this wilderness of life.

Moroni 10:3-5

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

What a great promise – does it seem simple and direct? Let’s remember how much the Lord has done for us – and that He loves each of us. Evaluate out standing and act on the things we know we need to correct.

Testimony -

Oath and Covenant - Priesthood leadership

Brethren there is an oft-used scripture that all of us know in the D&C that states:

There is a law, irrevocably decreed in the heaven before the foundation of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated –

And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

We as Latter-day Saints are a covenant making people. The gospel is a covenant!

I hope that all of you read President Romney’s talk on the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood.

We started our covenant making while in the pre-existence, then on this earth in the waters of baptism, when we partake of the sacrament, received the priesthood and entered the temples of God.

A covenant in a promise between God and ourselves. (Do we really understand its importance and the responsibilities that come with it?)

(STORY)

(I love to watch basketball – to a fault. One day I wanted to see a certain basketball game - I found out what network it was suppose to be on. I sat down on my bed with the remote to see if I could find it. I found out that it wasn't part of my viewing options.

But on the station that was right next to it was something that caught my interest. There was a televangelist that made me think I was at a Aggie basketball game - he was standing behind the pulpit jumping up and down - with his arm out stretched saying I believe. His congregation wasn't as in sink like the Aggies student section - a few of them had their hands in the air and were saying Amen.

After he was done he pulled out a large key ring about six inches in diameter and some large skeleton keys on it. He started to shake them - and said these represent the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. He proceeded to say that they are give to all followers of Christ and those that believe in the Bible. HE then pulled out a small plastic set of keys (baby's toy) and shook them and said they represent the keys that Satan holds.)

I'm sure he got his reference from Matt 16:19

I give unto you the key of the Kingdom of Heaven.

He didn’t quote the rest of the verse or those before it, that put it into context.

These words were spoken by the Savior to Peter the chief Apostle. After the Savior asked who do men say that I am? Peter answered – “Thou art the Christ the Son of the Living God.” The Savior told him he received that knowledge by revelation.

He then told him he would give unto him the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.

This was the man that would be at the head of the Church – that would be given all the authority and responsibility after the death of the Savior.

When each of us gets our Temple recommend we are asked the question –

Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator – and the only person on the earth that holds and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?

Brethren, not only was this authority given to Peter, but has also been given to President Thomas S. Monson. These keys are then delegated through the lines of authority to those called to exercise them.

President Larsen has the Keys for this stake –

Each of the Bishops hold the Keys for the individual Wards –

Elders Presidents, Teacher and Deacons Presidents are given authority for their individual Quorums.

Each of us has callings and responsibilities that have come under the direction of these Keys.

- With these callings come promises, blessings and covenants between each of us and God.

Unlike the televangelist said – this power and authority doesn’t come to all professors or followers of Christ or because of one belief in the Bible.

- Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money.

Saying, “give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.”

I think that on occasions we don’t understand or appreciate what having the priesthood means or can do for yourself and our families.

Is it because every young man in the Church receives it – and that it is commonplace or seems like a formality?

Numerous Prophets have told us that those that receive the Priesthood were foreordained to receive such. Is it a coincidence that you were born into a covenant home and the area in which we live – or that you received the missionaries message and knew of its truthfulness?

Those that are holders of the priesthood are in the extreme minority.

- There is great responsibility that is given.

- But, there is even great promised blessing.

Those faithful to the lesser priesthood are promised to the ministering of Angels.

President Romney reading from the 84 sections of the D&C told us that it is also available to the Melchizedek Priesthood as well.

As we magnify it - our blessing are: Sanctification, Renewing of our Bodies, we can become Princes and Kings, Members of his Church and Kingdom, the Elect of God and are given all that the Father has.

Who wouldn’t want those blessings?

We must magnify that priesthood to receive the promised blessings.

President Romney stated that we must do three things to magnify our priesthood:

1) That we obtain the knowledge of the gospel.

2) That we comply in our personal living with the standards of the gospel.

3) That we give dedicated service.

We must learn our duty – live in accordance with that knowledge – and serve diligently.

All throughout the scriptures there are wonderful examples of the results of Truly Dedicated Service.

- Angels were sent to help them, hearts were softened, seemingly impossible tasks were accomplished, and mountains were moved before them.

President Romney stated -

The nature of this service is spelled out in detail in the revelations and by the living prophets. The burden of it the Lord has laid upon his priesthood. It can be done properly only by men who are magnifying their priesthood—who know the gospel, conform their lives to its standards, and enthusiastically give dedicated service in the spirit of the divine proclamation that “men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in them” (D&C 58:27–28).

Elder Perry has asked us to do curtain things – that if accomplished can save hundreds of souls for eternity – many more missionaries will be sent throughout the world to bring truth and righteousness to a troubled world.

We all know the blessing that will come from bringing one soul unto God – lets start with the one closest to us – our own, by magnifying the priesthood opportunities we have been given.