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.
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