Primary 137 - Help I need somebody

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Class, 

When God lets things happen, God is helping us to be better and tougher because of it. There is no pass in mortality when we follow Jesus. Paul tells of whipping, stoning and shipwrecks. Another example is the Redeemer. Just look at Jesus for his righteous. There was no holding back on the Son of God. He was ever vigilant in being righteous and His reward in mortality was a horrible death.

Brothers and sisters, He the only perfect son, knew that this was the second act of a three act eternity. The first being premortal life, the second, mortal life and finally, an eternal reward for a ever enduring righteousness. We need to see and live the same. Like the Savior we need to catch that vision and then share that vision with others. 

How do we show God that we love Him? The scriptures asked us to show love to Him who we do not see by showing love to those that we see daily (1 John 4:20). Paul wanted us to give because we have substance. The Corinthians had substance and had promised their wealth but held it because they wanted power through the manipulation of the Apostle and not to bless those who needed it. They needed chastisement. This lead to challenging the Apostle and his authority. 

Where does a servant of Christ get his knowledge? Google or God, Faith or Facebook, Christ or the crowd,  Spirit or celebrities. For the Apostle, he knew to where he could turn for strength and wisdom. The Corinthians turned to the popular people, people who would tell them anything for costly apparel and gifts. The saints hoped the Apostle was the same and it was upsetting that he was not the same. 

No apostle is the same do not think they are here for your entertainment. They are not a dancing monkey who ask for your approval but are beacons who's countinance has Christ in their speech and demeanor. They might be great at one thing or another. Listen to them. Conference is coming. They are not entertainers; they are messengers. Remember that. 

Corinthians we asked to donate to the church to take care of the poor. They were a wealthy people and had promised money but stayed their hand. Paul wanted the saints open their hearts by opening their coffers. Perhaps they were reminded that the poor will always be with them.  

We just realize that we are also encouraged to share and give. Some saints say within themselves, "they will misuse my gift so I will withhold my gift". It is not for us to decide how others will use our gift, God gives to us freely and He knows our hearts and even in knowing, still gives freely.  

Sister Bingham tells a story where she showed compassion for a woman who when she came to the check out, realized she didn't have enough and while she was distracted, Sister Bingham paid the bill and the clerk gave the change. The woman in her surprise protested that she had not paid. Then after loosing the argument was again blessed because the woman was going to walk home... in the rain. She still believing that my wife was her angel, she raced to her and asked my dear wife if she had blessed her. Sister Bingham said that God had blessed His little girl. Then Shelly offered a ride to this woman who now was getting wet. Begrudgingly she agreed. Coming to the appointment Sister Bingham saw she lived three stories up. Again this angel offered to carry her groceries and this aged woman reluctantly agreed. After being let inside, Shelly saw also that this sweet, humble woman had no milk and then my wife, in her compassion gave her own to add to her fridge. With tears this woman now pleaded to know why Sister Bingham helped. All she could say is God looks out for His little girls no matter the age. With that, this Saint drove home.

Heaven is watching and keeping track when we watch over the poor and take care of them. If you are the poor Heavenly Father knows your struggles and offers strength so when you when the opportunity comes you can share the love He offered you in your hardest moments.

The church vets the agencies that it gives to and perhaps we should too but we should never stay our hand. We are encouraged to give fast offerings every month of what we would of eaten that day or less than a tenth of what we eat a month. Those monies feed the hungry and clothe the naked. If you see the ones struggling and are inspired by the Holy Ghost, give. 

The song "Because I Have Been Given Much" (hymn 219) says it all when it says...

Because I Have Been Given Much

Because I have been given much,

I too must give;

Because of thy great bounty Lord,

Each day I live;

I shall divide my gifts from thee

With every brother that I see

Who has the need of help from me.

 

Because I have been sheltered, fed

By thy good care;

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share;

My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,

my roof's safe shelter overhead

That he too may be comforted.

 

Because I have been blessed by

thy great love dear Lord;

I’ll share thy love again

According to thy word;

I shall give love to those in need,

I’ll show that love by word and deed;

Thus shall my thanks be thanks in deed.

The song covers our blessings that our dear Father gives us and encourages us to do likewise. Give as the Savior would give and bless the lives of others is my prayer for you class in the name of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, the one who bails us out in our hardest moments, Amen.

Challenges

Read Galatians

Count your blessings this week.

Look for opportunities to bless your family and friends.