Primary 80 - Who wants to be a builder?

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Children, 

When Israel was taken from their lands by Babylon, it was at this time that the hand of God was revealed that God is in charge, He is merciful. For decades the people were in bondage but then one day, the Holy Ghost inspired, Cyrus, the king of Persia. He wanted to return the Israelites to their homelands. He commissioned the saints of that time to choose among them who was ready. At the time Ezra and Nehemiah were prophets. These two men found those that we're ready and with them built the wall and the temple. 

This was no small task. The enemies of Israel and Judah wanted the people to fail. They taunted them and fought them. They petitioned the kings not to allow this. They wanted to tear down and destroy. They wanted Judah and Israel to tear down and destroy. How easy is that, for us, to follow that same disaster? Hurt and destroy others. Lose faith or doubt others. We cannot go down this path. We must follow the example of the prophets.

All the while Nehemiah was building walls, Ezra was building faith; helping and holding others up. At times we're asked to do a task; make a pasta dish or visit the sick or needy. At times we are asked to help clean or move. These tasks have a beginning and an end, much like building the walls of temples. Ezra was tasked to do something equally great, build faith.

Building faith is like keeping our homes, chapels, or temples beautiful. It cannot be done once but must be done daily. We do not mow the lawn once a summer or shovel the walks once a winter. These tasks are a regular thing. Building your faith is no different. You must read, ponder and pray daily so that your walls of faith are strong and your temple of faith is a home to behold.

Just like Nehemiah and Ezra, some people will want you to fail and do whatever they can to stop your progression. These are times that we have to rely on the Lord and get to work. Building faith is like keeping our homes, chapels, or temples beautiful. It cannot be done once but must be done daily. We do not mow the lawn once a summer or shovel the walks once a winter. These tasks are a regular thing. Building your faith is no different. You must read, ponder and pray daily so that your walls of faith are strong and your temple of faith is a home to behold.

The people of Ezra and Nehemiah's time were asked to build and restore a city but in doing so, their faith increased. The broken walls of Jerusalem were put up in less than two months for example. Where the people lacked the Lord made up.

The task of building your faith is a long one but not a daunting one. When we build faith together we find joy in the hard work that is placed before us. The journey to the work site is filled with laughter and song. The work goes quickly because God is in the work, the inspiration, and the craftsmanship. Finally, when we return as the dusk sun is setting, though our bodies ache, we are overwhelmed by the love and faith that became part of our day and the friendships along the way. 

Brothers and sisters being here on earth is fun but it is hard work. God is with us every step of the way also our brothers and sisters. Let us build each other up and increase the faith that is ours so that others can be sheltered and warmed by the love we have built by, with, and for others. Let us share that joy and charity. There is strength in numbers and comfort that comes from being surrounded by those who believe as you do.  Our job here on earth is to learn, grow and strive to qualify for the Celestial kingdom and to bring as many of our brothers and sisters with us as we can. Look for ways to uplift and strengthen each other. You are a great class and we have been privileged to be part of your lives. Thank you.

Challenges 

1) Read Esther

2) Make a goal to take time at night to reflect on and write down how the Lord blessed you that day? The more we practice seeing and recognizing the more we see.