Why the blog Bishop?

Not too long ago I had an epiphany, relative to 2 Nephi 4:15, I noticed Nephi said he "...writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children". This struck me forcefully because of the a definition of scripture given in D&C 68:4. I realized like Nephi, I was entitled to scripture for myself, for my family, and for those whom I had been given stewardship.

Recently, I was called to serve as the new Bishop for my ward, sometimes the Bishop is referred to as the father of the ward. Around the same time I began to receive very specific direction while studying the scriptures but what was I to do with the inspiration? It would be bad to talk in sacrament each week...and Sunday school and other auxiliary organizations have inspired curriculum that is to be taught each week by instructors called and set apart for that purpose.

I struggled with how to quickly and effectively disseminate the direction I was receiving and had the thought come after a period of reflection that a Bishop's blog might be just the thing. I hope it will serve its intended purpose and pray I will be diligent in putting down the thoughts and impressions I feel the Lord is giving me for the benefit of my ward family.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

April 2004 Elder Oaks asks...


I was studying in Matthew today and came across the parable of the 10 virgins, I remembered a talk given by Elder Oaks a few years ago and upon reviewing that talk the following paragraphs really struck me:
What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would we settle? What forgivenesses would we extend? What testimonies would we bear?

If we would do those things then, why not now? Why not seek peace while peace can be obtained? If our lamps of preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to replenish them.
We sometimes find ourselves complacent, waiting for a reason to make a change when the act of breathing combined with a testimony of the Gospel should be enough to get us up and headed in the direction we know we should be going. Let us do as Elder Oaks suggests and if there are changes we would be willing to make if we knew the savior would be here by the end of the month lets make them now while there is time.

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