Ruminate
Meditate
Till new thoughts fit
Ruminate
And chew on it
Lambs are in the family of animals that ruminate or "chew their cud." They eat. Then later, when content, they lie down, burp up, and chew their cud.
His New Sheep
This sheep was new...
And quite set in its ways.
The shepherd knew
And tied him up for days.
For good or bad
This creature of habit
Had to choose and
The stake was loosed from him
That night, the sheep came
In from the pasture, green
Each was called for by name
But the new sheep was not seen
The shepherd found him
And told him he was free.
The tether was rid, then
This for the sheep to see
The shepherd rejoiced
That the new sheep stayed
And heeded his voice
He called. The sheep obeyed!
Shrek the Lost Sheep
One precious sheep wandered
And for years was utterly lost
Calls for him went unanswered
The gentle shepherd mourned the loss
Then in a cave, he was found!
It had been six weary long years
He appeared to be round
And lost sixty pounds by the shears
From his burden, he was set free!
His every step was made light
Truly, the Lord's yoke is easy
Unto rest, to enjoy life
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
And for years was utterly lost
Calls for him went unanswered
The gentle shepherd mourned the loss
Then in a cave, he was found!
It had been six weary long years
He appeared to be round
And lost sixty pounds by the shears
From his burden, he was set free!
His every step was made light
Truly, the Lord's yoke is easy
Unto rest, to enjoy life
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
The Good Shepherd
The good shepherd became the lamb
To perfectly lead His sheep
To succor them and understand
How tenderly to watch-keep
He came without spot
As God's own blessed son
And selflessly He sought
His Father's will to be done
He bore the sins of all mankind
Every sorrow, every pain
The trials of death and hell combined
He received our stripes and was slain
His blood...that we might drink
His flesh... that we might sup
He went beneath all things
So He might then lift us up
Today He calls us all by name
We, His sheep, can know His voice
To repent oft and be freed of blame
His pure light governs every choice
He tends His lost sheep
Who have all gone astray
His love will never sleep
He's Light, and Life...the Way
Towards a brighter day
Jesus Declares the Parable of the Lost Sheep
To perfectly lead His sheep
To succor them and understand
How tenderly to watch-keep
He came without spot
As God's own blessed son
And selflessly He sought
His Father's will to be done
He bore the sins of all mankind
Every sorrow, every pain
The trials of death and hell combined
He received our stripes and was slain
His blood...that we might drink
His flesh... that we might sup
He went beneath all things
So He might then lift us up
Today He calls us all by name
We, His sheep, can know His voice
To repent oft and be freed of blame
His pure light governs every choice
He tends His lost sheep
Who have all gone astray
His love will never sleep
He's Light, and Life...the Way
Towards a brighter day
Alma 5:37 O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things of the world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice!
38 Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd.
Jesus Declares the Parable of the Lost Sheep
One sheep had wandered off!
The shepherd left the ninety-nine
His persistent call was soft
The sheep turned and heard him, in time
The shepherd left the ninety-nine
His persistent call was soft
The sheep turned and heard him, in time
Imagine the shepherd's joy!
In finding that one lost sheep
He carried it to join
His flock, safe in watch-keep
Then he called his neighbors
And friends to come and see!
To rejoice in his labors
Of having found his lost sheep
So, too, is the joy in heaven
When a soul enters the fold
And is rescued from sin even
What joy...when the news is told!
Oppressed
When oppressed, the sheep don't make a sound
So the shepherd will dare not fall asleep
For if, in the dark of the night, foes comes around
Naught is heard as they slaughter the sheep!
Isaiah 53: 7
John 10: 15
So the shepherd will dare not fall asleep
For if, in the dark of the night, foes comes around
Naught is heard as they slaughter the sheep!
Isaiah 53: 7
He was oppressed , and he was afflicted , yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter , and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
John 10: 15
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
The Good Shepherd
The good shepherd opens the door
And calls for His sheep by name
They follow, His voice they adore
Then, in disguise, a wolf came...
Thieves and robbers were there, too
Unknown to each hireling
The wolf pounces on the weak and the new
In the chaos, many flee
Still the shepherd knows His sheep
And lays down His own life for them
While the hirelings forget to watch-keep
For, to the sheep they are foreign
Still the shepherd has the power
To raise up his life again
Unto other folds in that hour
Preserving them as a friend
Offended Taking Offense and Being Offensive To Fall Away
And calls for His sheep by name
They follow, His voice they adore
Then, in disguise, a wolf came...
Thieves and robbers were there, too
Unknown to each hireling
The wolf pounces on the weak and the new
In the chaos, many flee
Still the shepherd knows His sheep
And lays down His own life for them
While the hirelings forget to watch-keep
For, to the sheep they are foreign
Still the shepherd has the power
To raise up his life again
Unto other folds in that hour
Preserving them as a friend
Offended Taking Offense and Being Offensive To Fall Away
First, there is avoidance, the act of ignorance. ("I don't know what you're talking about!")
Then, comes the misleading lie, set to confuse. ( "You must be mistaken!")
Last, the denial one cannot ignore hence
As it is abusive, defensive and designed to accuse! ("How dare you!
Then, comes the misleading lie, set to confuse. ( "You must be mistaken!")
Last, the denial one cannot ignore hence
As it is abusive, defensive and designed to accuse! ("How dare you!
You must stop accusing me!
It is you who knew him!" Like a bully, the words are meant to shut you up.)
Jesus and his disciples left the city and went over to the Mount of Olives. Knowing that his terrible ordeal was at hand, he spoke with those he loved. And he said to them: “All ye shall be offended [that is, shall fall away] because of me this night. …https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/04/and-peter-went-out-and-wept-bitterly?lang=eng
“Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
“Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
“Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.” (Matt. 26:31, 33–36.) Matthew 26: 24 The Son of man goeth as it isa written of him: but woe unto that man by whom theb Son of man is betrayed!c it had been good for that man if he had not beend born. 30 And when they had sung ana hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall bea offended because of me this night: for it is written, I willb smite thec shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. (Here is the prophecy:Zechariah 13:7 "Awake, sword, against my shepherd ..."Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand ..... "32 But after I amI will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered", was ..) a risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never bea offended.
34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
The Life of a Shepherd
The life of a shepherd
Revolves around his sheep
At night every sound is heard
Wrecking a peaceful sleep
Out in the open
With the moon all aglow
One thinks of Heaven
Which the stars seems to know
In the distance, thunder
They are past due for a storm
There's naught to get under
A flash of lightning answers
Revolves around his sheep
At night every sound is heard
Wrecking a peaceful sleep
Out in the open
With the moon all aglow
One thinks of Heaven
Which the stars seems to know
In the distance, thunder
They are past due for a storm
There's naught to get under
A flash of lightning answers
Two flashes struck the ground
And all the sheep fell over
Then the shepherd found
Each sheep was dead... They'd no cover
I just watched a documentary that showed hundreds of sheep died from two lightning strikes that hit the ground. This took place in American Fork Canyon, Utah.
https://roadtrippers.com/us/american-fork-ut/attractions/654-sheep-killed-by-lightning-on-this-spot?lat=40.80972&lng=-96.67528&z=5
I just watched a documentary that showed hundreds of sheep died from two lightning strikes that hit the ground. This took place in American Fork Canyon, Utah.
https://roadtrippers.com/us/american-fork-ut/attractions/654-sheep-killed-by-lightning-on-this-spot?lat=40.80972&lng=-96.67528&z=5
In Fulfillment of the Old Testament The Lord
Pondering the Savior’s second coming,
How He will come before Jerusalem-
I came to desire with my whole being
To find fulfillment in the Old Testament
Zechariah 9:9… behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass..
Zechariah 11:12... And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
Micah 5:1 …they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.
Numbers 24:17 ...I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob...
Malachi 3:1...Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me… Psalm 22:1- 17...My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people..All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts. I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly. Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
Psalm 22:18...They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Psalm 41:9...Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
Psalm 69:21...They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
Psalm 72:10...The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
Psalm 78:2... I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Psalm 109:25....I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads.
Amos 8:9....And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day: .
Isaiah 6:9-10...And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 8:14And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Isaiah 9:1-6Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 22:23...And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father’s house.
Isaiah 24: 22...And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Isaiah 35:5...Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert..
Isaiah 40:3...The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Isaiah 40: 11...He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 50:6... I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Isaiah 52:14... 14 As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men
Isaiah 53:3-12...He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.¶Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.¶Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 61: 1...The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; Isaiah 53:3-9 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
The Lord hath anointed me…to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives…to comfort all that mourn…to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” (Isaiah 61:1-3)
Proverbs 27:6-9...Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Deuteronomy 21:6-9...And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley: And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. Be merciful, O Lord, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel’s charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord.
Lev. 16: 8, 10...And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.
A Tabletop Prepared in the Presence of Enemies
On the tablelands of Galilee
Hides some homesteads of the enemy
Here in the summer the grass stays tall
So the shepherd brings his sheep till fall
Long ago the land was prepared well
Poisonous plants were pulled and trees fell
Today it is surrounded by foes plotting destruction
Here the sheep look to the shepherd for their protection
The World is Ripening
The world is ripening in iniquity
Ever growing dark and burdening
Lacking most... in integrity
As the distance from God is furthering
Who will stir up the lost souls
Unto a rememberance of God
Restore them as sheep to the fold
There to find the safety of His rod
D&C 18:6
Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity; and it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house of Israel.
Ever growing dark and burdening
Lacking most... in integrity
As the distance from God is furthering
Who will stir up the lost souls
Unto a rememberance of God
Restore them as sheep to the fold
There to find the safety of His rod
D&C 18:6
Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity; and it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house of Israel.
To Tend the Sheep
Sheep are slow to accept a new shepherd
As they know the voice to trust in the hour of need
When, compassion is shown to a lamb that's hurt
This opens the door for him to tend and lead
tend- Latin origin to stretch and strain
Acts 20:28
A farmer drove his open bed truck
Filled to capacity with sugar beets
But, he lost some each time it was struck
With such potholes that also unseats
He stopped often to rest his back
Stiffening from all of his labor
And took with him a large gunny sack
To pick up all the beets that did neighbor
For each fruit was of such great value
That he wanted not one to be wasted
And we have a similar work to do
For each whom of the gospel once tasted
We should lift up those on the roadside
Who've been caught in the current so deep
And, too, turbulent times tear like a tide
While swirling whirlpools of sin do not sleep
But, all of this just needs not be!
For we have the doctrines of truth
We have the programs and the power to be
Saving each precious lost fruit
Of those who are now the wandering lost sheep
It is time to take a hand and reach a heart
For each is in need of our rescue, love, and watchkeep
There to restore what was engraved at the start
President Thomas S. Monson
Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul
Ensign, Jul 2009, 4–7
Nothing can separate us
from the love of God on high.
Through persecution, comes trust
and new strength one cannot deny.
Romans 8:
As they know the voice to trust in the hour of need
When, compassion is shown to a lamb that's hurt
This opens the door for him to tend and lead
tend- Latin origin to stretch and strain
Acts 20:28
¶Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
He Anoints Our Heads
He anoints our heads with oil, pure
That's without measure or limit;
for joy of mourning, comfort sure,
We can proclaim His love with it.
He anoints our heads with oil, pure
That's without measure or limit;
For understanding, to be sure
We've His gospel. We can live it!
foil to prevent or frustrate from attaining an end, success
And oil of joy for mourning gladness authority power wisdom understanding to heal to proclaim liberty to preach to comfort, the oil of his spirit
john 3:34
For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/the-atonement?lang=eng
The fleece has lanolin and it keeps the rain out and they can lie on the snow. The newly sheared sheep have to be smeared with oil to keep away the flies. The cuts need to be washed and dressed.
That's without measure or limit;
for joy of mourning, comfort sure,
We can proclaim His love with it.
He anoints our heads with oil, pure
That's without measure or limit;
For understanding, to be sure
We've His gospel. We can live it!
foil to prevent or frustrate from attaining an end, success
And oil of joy for mourning gladness authority power wisdom understanding to heal to proclaim liberty to preach to comfort, the oil of his spirit
john 3:34
For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/the-atonement?lang=eng
The Ordeal of the Atonement
The ordeal of the Atonement centered about the city of Jerusalem. There the greatest single act of love of all recorded history took place. 32 Leaving the upper room, Jesus and His friends crossed the deep ravine east of the city and came to a garden of olive trees on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives. There in the garden bearing the Hebrew name of Gethsemane—meaning “oil-press”—olives had been beaten and pressed to provide oil and food. There at Gethsemane, the Lord “suffered the pain of all men, that all … might repent and come unto him.” 33 He took upon Himself the weight of the sins of all mankind, bearing its massive load that caused Him to bleed from every pore. 34
Comparing us to sheep:The fleece has lanolin and it keeps the rain out and they can lie on the snow. The newly sheared sheep have to be smeared with oil to keep away the flies. The cuts need to be washed and dressed.
David anointed them with oil and made their troughs overflow.
Sheep
We're nothing more than sheep
Without the Savior
When His covenants we don't keep
We're lost and wayward
Without the Savior
When His covenants we don't keep
We're lost and wayward
Saving Each Precious Lost Fruit
A farmer drove his open bed truck
Filled to capacity with sugar beets
But, he lost some each time it was struck
With such potholes that also unseats
He stopped often to rest his back
Stiffening from all of his labor
And took with him a large gunny sack
To pick up all the beets that did neighbor
For each fruit was of such great value
That he wanted not one to be wasted
And we have a similar work to do
For each whom of the gospel once tasted
We should lift up those on the roadside
Who've been caught in the current so deep
And, too, turbulent times tear like a tide
While swirling whirlpools of sin do not sleep
But, all of this just needs not be!
For we have the doctrines of truth
We have the programs and the power to be
Saving each precious lost fruit
Of those who are now the wandering lost sheep
It is time to take a hand and reach a heart
For each is in need of our rescue, love, and watchkeep
There to restore what was engraved at the start
President Thomas S. Monson
Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul
Ensign, Jul 2009, 4–7
After the Tender Sacrament was Made
After the tender sacrament was made
Jesus raised His eyes Heavenward and prayed
"Father the hour is come
to glorify Thy Son
that, also, I might glorify Thee
I pray for them which Thou hast given me"
Then with the faithful apostles by His side
They crossed the Kidron Valley's divide
Climbed up the slope of Mt. Olivet
Onto Gethsemane (meaning olive press)
Here, gnarled trees to this day survive
As even in drought they give fruit and thrive
Providing much needed oil there to sooth
Unto this garden... the group did move
Jesus said, "All ye shall be offended because of me this night"
"For it is written...I the shepherd will smite"
Soon the sheep of the flock would be scattered abroad
They being the sheep... and He the Shepherd of God
Peter attempted to assure the Lord of his faithful devotion
His willingness to stand by the Master, he promised with emotion
Jesus said, "Before the cock crows...ye shall deny me three times"
With these heavy words... He then took Peter, James, and John into the night
Jesus became sorrowful and heavily weighed down
He asked "tarry ye here and watch with me," ...they sat upon the ground
For this was the night he would prove unfailing love for all of man
Eternally healing, like unto olives pressed... His blood ran
And this was the hour He was born and lived for
To feel the pains of every kind, age of time, and more
He left the three...perhaps there to witness what He'd say?
He, but a stones cast of a hundred feet away
"Oh, Father if it be possible let this cup pass," he prayed
Fallen upon His face as pain was increasingly laid
"Nevertheless, not as I will...
But as Thou wilt"
"My soul troubled and what shall I say Father?"
At this point...did the apostles shake hearing what He spoke, yonder?
..."Save me from this hour, but for this cause came I unto this hour"
Was this when an angel was sent with comforting strength to empower?
Finite minds cannot comprehend... how He withstood such misery
With naught to compare...His ransom is a mystery
The atoning Savior went to the three and found them sleeping
Too weak for but one night's watch...theirs for keeping
"Simon, sleepest thou? Could thou not watch one hour"
"Watch ye and pray lest ye enter into temptation," He said with power
A second time He distanced himself and prayed
"Father if this cup may not pass away..."
Then... accepted the bitter cup...
That the atonement might be made
Glory be to God that Jesus submitted that lone night
That we, weak in body, might be restored unto Light
Soon came His betrayal. A dawn of test awaited
Would He remain pure and forgiving though mocked, flogged, and hated?
Though a wooden cross and death were looming
His love for us and the Father was all consuming
As then would come the beautiful morning of the Lord's resurrection
When, for all, peace that surpasses understanding came through perfection
thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black
Jesus raised His eyes Heavenward and prayed
"Father the hour is come
to glorify Thy Son
that, also, I might glorify Thee
I pray for them which Thou hast given me"
Then with the faithful apostles by His side
They crossed the Kidron Valley's divide
Climbed up the slope of Mt. Olivet
Onto Gethsemane (meaning olive press)
Here, gnarled trees to this day survive
As even in drought they give fruit and thrive
Providing much needed oil there to sooth
Unto this garden... the group did move
Jesus said, "All ye shall be offended because of me this night"
"For it is written...I the shepherd will smite"
Soon the sheep of the flock would be scattered abroad
They being the sheep... and He the Shepherd of God
Peter attempted to assure the Lord of his faithful devotion
His willingness to stand by the Master, he promised with emotion
Jesus said, "Before the cock crows...ye shall deny me three times"
With these heavy words... He then took Peter, James, and John into the night
Jesus became sorrowful and heavily weighed down
He asked "tarry ye here and watch with me," ...they sat upon the ground
For this was the night he would prove unfailing love for all of man
Eternally healing, like unto olives pressed... His blood ran
And this was the hour He was born and lived for
To feel the pains of every kind, age of time, and more
He left the three...perhaps there to witness what He'd say?
He, but a stones cast of a hundred feet away
"Oh, Father if it be possible let this cup pass," he prayed
Fallen upon His face as pain was increasingly laid
"Nevertheless, not as I will...
But as Thou wilt"
"My soul troubled and what shall I say Father?"
At this point...did the apostles shake hearing what He spoke, yonder?
..."Save me from this hour, but for this cause came I unto this hour"
Was this when an angel was sent with comforting strength to empower?
Finite minds cannot comprehend... how He withstood such misery
With naught to compare...His ransom is a mystery
The atoning Savior went to the three and found them sleeping
Too weak for but one night's watch...theirs for keeping
"Simon, sleepest thou? Could thou not watch one hour"
"Watch ye and pray lest ye enter into temptation," He said with power
A second time He distanced himself and prayed
"Father if this cup may not pass away..."
Then... accepted the bitter cup...
That the atonement might be made
Glory be to God that Jesus submitted that lone night
That we, weak in body, might be restored unto Light
Soon came His betrayal. A dawn of test awaited
Would He remain pure and forgiving though mocked, flogged, and hated?
Though a wooden cross and death were looming
His love for us and the Father was all consuming
As then would come the beautiful morning of the Lord's resurrection
When, for all, peace that surpasses understanding came through perfection
thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black
This is His Body- His Living Bread
This is His body, His living bread
Spiritually born...risen from the dead
This is His water in living flow
That we might remember and ever grow
May we partake most worthily
Renewing our covenants lovingly
May we as His servants, reach out for Him more often
Humbly in prayer, that our hearts will warmly soften
Then, may our lives become more pure
Unto good works and strength to endure
Remembring the needy, the sick, the down trodden
And, finding the lost sheep that they may be brought in
Spiritually born...risen from the dead
This is His water in living flow
That we might remember and ever grow
May we partake most worthily
Renewing our covenants lovingly
May we as His servants, reach out for Him more often
Humbly in prayer, that our hearts will warmly soften
Then, may our lives become more pure
Unto good works and strength to endure
Remembring the needy, the sick, the down trodden
And, finding the lost sheep that they may be brought in
Ye Have Done it Unto Me
The Son of Man will come again
And all His angels with Him
He'll gather up at His right hand
His sheep, whom He'll welcome in
The Son of Man will come again
And all His angels with Him
He'll gather up at His right hand
His sheep, whom He'll welcome in
The Love of God - Can Anything Separate Us?
Nothing can separate us
from the love of God on high.
Through persecution, comes trust
and new strength one cannot deny.
Romans 8:
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As Christ's Body Lay in the Tomb
As Christ's body lay in the tomb
Guarded by His enemies
The new day was of mourning and gloom
For the disciples and their families
But, what joy in the world of those who had passed!
As Christ, in the spirit, came to preach
Unto the righteous who knew Him well
For redemption was promised to each
Christ organized and set up order
So the unlearned could be taught
From every dispensation and corner:
Whether they had rebelled or had known Him naught
For God's people, this day was anticipated
Mercy would be offered to man!
Each Elder to receive a call... delegated
Believing through Christ, in all things, he can!
Each taught... all would be judged in the flesh
To accept or reject Christ's offering
To rejoice, repent and with God mesh
Or choose another way, with one's own suffering
Echoing round paradise the message rang
"Repent of all things and feed lost sheep
Ever to the Lord, all salvation hangs"
Thus His servants in death, still watch keep
And I in my station, what shall I do?
Am I willing to help another in need?
Do I seek much to know and follow through?
Serving His children, am I eager to feed?
thoughts from day 13
14 day walk with christ- oviedo ward youth
from sugardoodle
Guarded by His enemies
The new day was of mourning and gloom
For the disciples and their families
But, what joy in the world of those who had passed!
As Christ, in the spirit, came to preach
Unto the righteous who knew Him well
For redemption was promised to each
Christ organized and set up order
So the unlearned could be taught
From every dispensation and corner:
Whether they had rebelled or had known Him naught
For God's people, this day was anticipated
Mercy would be offered to man!
Each Elder to receive a call... delegated
Believing through Christ, in all things, he can!
Each taught... all would be judged in the flesh
To accept or reject Christ's offering
To rejoice, repent and with God mesh
Or choose another way, with one's own suffering
Echoing round paradise the message rang
"Repent of all things and feed lost sheep
Ever to the Lord, all salvation hangs"
Thus His servants in death, still watch keep
And I in my station, what shall I do?
Am I willing to help another in need?
Do I seek much to know and follow through?
Serving His children, am I eager to feed?
thoughts from day 13
14 day walk with christ- oviedo ward youth
from sugardoodle
And Nothing Shall Offend Them
Through the strengthening power of the atonement
An offense is over-ruled. We triumph
We can live together with at-one-ment
If we petition in prayer for guidance
Keeping covenants requires dedication
And, of the many who've left their covenants
They are in need of our inspiration
We need prayer to open walls of offense
Why have they not been participating
In the blessings and programs of the church?
Offtimes they're lifestyles are dissipating
And, grievances have turned them away hurt
These are some of the reasons some have cited:
Some felt excluded and without a friend.
Until some have moved or died
Some vow to not set foot in again
With commandments they struggled to live within
They avoided change and went another way
Do they remember the spirit given?
Do they remember what the scriptures say?
Where once they might have viewed us severely
We pray that they might feel of our concern
If we'd visit and ask them sincerely
Perhaps the spirit might help them return
One of the Lord's disciples has proclaimed
It is time to stop feeling offended
Each of us do things of which we're ashamed
It's time for the lost sheep to feel tended
All must act and not be acted upon
As free agents we can choose for our good
It is time to find the faith that we stand on
The Holy Ghost will witness how we should
Elder David A. Bednar
“And Nothing Shall Offend Them,”
Liahona, Nov 2006, 89–92
An offense is over-ruled. We triumph
We can live together with at-one-ment
If we petition in prayer for guidance
Keeping covenants requires dedication
And, of the many who've left their covenants
They are in need of our inspiration
We need prayer to open walls of offense
Why have they not been participating
In the blessings and programs of the church?
Offtimes they're lifestyles are dissipating
And, grievances have turned them away hurt
These are some of the reasons some have cited:
Some felt excluded and without a friend.
Until some have moved or died
Some vow to not set foot in again
With commandments they struggled to live within
They avoided change and went another way
Do they remember the spirit given?
Do they remember what the scriptures say?
Where once they might have viewed us severely
We pray that they might feel of our concern
If we'd visit and ask them sincerely
Perhaps the spirit might help them return
One of the Lord's disciples has proclaimed
It is time to stop feeling offended
Each of us do things of which we're ashamed
It's time for the lost sheep to feel tended
All must act and not be acted upon
As free agents we can choose for our good
It is time to find the faith that we stand on
The Holy Ghost will witness how we should
Elder David A. Bednar
“And Nothing Shall Offend Them,”
Liahona, Nov 2006, 89–92
They Know
Sheep listen and follow
The voice of the shepherd
Nowhere else would they go
And not a grumbling is heard
The voice of the shepherd
Nowhere else would they go
And not a grumbling is heard
Who'll Be the Shepherd
The Lost Sheep
Who'll be the shepherd
And bring in the sheep
Some are now stranded
And in need of safe keep
Safety nets are required
To make the difference
Lurking wolves' desire
With naught but persistence
A shepherd must lead
Those prone to distraction
These lambs are in need
Shall we be missing in action?
Missionary work
To our neighbors we carry
A candle burning tall
And each missionary
Is awaiting our call
Their voice is unknown
Their stay... temporary
They need us to be shown
As extraordinary
Great things will happen
As we shed positive light
For we're a safe haven
Bright against the night
Let swelling testimonies be heard
Spreading our love for the Savior
That we might burst with new herds
Filled joyously with God's favor
May our mouths ring out thrice
Because we've new scriptures at hand
We've a vision from the Father and Christ
For the gospel's restoration and plan
Let us start with one ewe
Who's bleatings have been unheard
Let us lead and rescue
Through the call of the shepherd
As this lamb takes a hold
More are retrieved
And introduced to the fold
To be raised up to lead
Elder L. Tom Perry
Bring Souls Unto Me
Ensign May 2009
A Good Shepherd
 |
| Painted by Paul Mann |
As he knowingly guides all his flock (leadership)
He senses how to stay off what preys (protective/in tune with the spirit)
For with each sheep he takes time to talk (knows each individually)
The Black Sheep
Feeling like the black sheep
Who will never fit in?
Sadness cuts dark and deep
PRAY! Put God's love there in
I Am Like a Cast Sheep
With my feet straight up
Death is all I will meet
Save me, please, my love
Like an old ram
Toppled and alone
I need the Lamb
To make my needs known
From this angle
Death is all I will meet
Be His angel
The blood has left my feet!
Spiritual death is like this...it is not an easy process to move on. You need steadying and righting. You need a lot of help.
Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
Only the Shepherd Can
The lamb bolted and ran
To the mountains wild and bare
Only the shepherd can
Calm him to safety from there
To the mountains wild and bare
Only the shepherd can
Calm him to safety from there
Luke 15
3 ¶And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
All too often
I am that lost sheep
Walking off, when
I've a path to keep.
I am that lost sheep
Walking off, when
I've a path to keep.
Pride or something
Sends me off track.
A voice, loving,
Cries, "Come. Turn back!"
We love the Lord on the surface
When we think of Him often
Then, to really know your purpose
Be a disciple of Him.
From the very depths of your soul
Go after but one lost sheep.
Bear your heart and let your love show.
You have commitments to keep.
John 21: 1-22
John 21: 1-22
We Like Sheep Oft Go Astray
We like sheep oft go astray
Going about our own way
The shepherd waits for a bleat
And calls out, "Come follow me".
Going about our own way
The shepherd waits for a bleat
And calls out, "Come follow me".
Losing Faith and Holding On Patiently
Is it pain, is it pride?
Confusion reigned. I took one side
I can only say one simple thing
God's love for me means everything
Faith in the rest is a test... in life's journey
Let go, let God and be free
Live the faith, you will see
The seed can grow, if planted right
Seeking to be nourished by God's purest light
Oh, tender sheep
Once of the fold
For you I weep
And offer Christ to hold
That chip of pain
Can heal away
Through light you gain
But day by day
Grazed to their fill
They lie down, so blessed
To chew their meal
Again to digest
Confusion reigned. I took one side
I can only say one simple thing
God's love for me means everything
If faith is a path that weighs you
Here are some suggestions of what to do
For now, in my celestial heart, it's just Him I seeFaith in the rest is a test... in life's journey
Let go, let God and be free
Live the faith, you will see
The seed can grow, if planted right
Seeking to be nourished by God's purest light
Oh, tender sheep
Once of the fold
For you I weep
And offer Christ to hold
That chip of pain
Can heal away
Through light you gain
But day by day
He Makes Me to Lie Down in Green Pastures
Grazed to their fill
They lie down, so blessed
To chew their meal
Again to digest
We like content sheep
Can lie down in rest
And relive what's sweet
In thanks greatly blessed
Can lie down in rest
And relive what's sweet
In thanks greatly blessed
The Scribes and the Pharisees
The Scribes and the Pharisees counseled anew
Not with God...but with each other
If they let this Jesus continue
They'd lose their place to another
The men developed a plot of malice
Reasoning it would save their whole nation
This their best attempt to trip and surpass
They waited with ears, eyes, and lips in station
Jesus left...for His 'time' was not yet at hand
Journeying to Ephraim and the coastlines further away
Then... for the Passover, He went back to the holy land
Unto His sheep that had all gone astray
Traveling among the pilgrims in white
He saw curtains at hospitable doorways
As even strangers had a place for the night
And a Pascal lamb to eat that last day...
thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black
One Stayed Behind
Among all the shepherds on the hill
With their nightly duties to fulfill
One stayed behind, to watch the sheep
As responsibilities never sleep
Angels had announced the Lord had come
Upon the earth the birth of God's own son
This shepherd pondered all then seen and heard
And prayerfully, he treasured every word
With their nightly duties to fulfill
One stayed behind, to watch the sheep
As responsibilities never sleep
Angels had announced the Lord had come
Upon the earth the birth of God's own son
This shepherd pondered all then seen and heard
And prayerfully, he treasured every word
No Longer Cast Down
Our Moral Environment
I Will Remember Your Sins No More However long and painful the process of repentance, the Lord has said, “This is the covenant … I will make with them. … I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. ” ( Heb....
Flail on uneven ground
Our sins cast us down and
To get up we need a hand
Only Then
Sheep will only lie down
When security is found
They know that they are safe
With the good shepherd around
When security is found
They know that they are safe
With the good shepherd around
Preach the Gospel
Preach the gospel
Unto all people
Teach what is true
Be Thou humble
And fill the temple
There is work to do
Come and unite
With oil for light
Awake and watch keep
Do what is right
The goal is in sight
Call in the lost sheep
Keep the mind pure
There's help to endure
Great blessings await
There is treasure
Of greatest pleasure
On the path that is straight
Unto all people
Teach what is true
Be Thou humble
And fill the temple
There is work to do
Come and unite
With oil for light
Awake and watch keep
Do what is right
The goal is in sight
Call in the lost sheep
Keep the mind pure
There's help to endure
Great blessings await
There is treasure
Of greatest pleasure
On the path that is straight
We're Hastening the Work
We're hastening the work
In gathering lost sheep
As shepherds to the world
We've the gospel to preach
In gathering lost sheep
As shepherds to the world
We've the gospel to preach
The Good Shepherd and Other Sheep I Have
Trust in the shepherd.
His voice can be heard.
Green pastures await
Beyond His sure gate.
Beware of the wolf
Who seeks more than wool;
Who seeks to destroy
What's good to enjoy!
Heed the shepherd's voice.
The rewards are choice.
To those of His fold
Come blessings untold.
Trust in the shepherd.
His voice can be heard.
Green pastures await
Beyond His sure gate.
Beware of the wolf
Who seeks more than wool;
Who seeks to destroy
What's good to enjoy!
Heed the shepherd's voice.
The rewards are choice.
To those of His fold
Come blessings untold.
The Light and Life is Without End
The Light and Life is without end
And the night is now far spent
The day's at hand of our Lord
As His marvelous light shines forth
In Bethlehem, a light was shown
And a promise was fulfilled
It did not end when Christ did groan
Nor will it ever be stilled
The restoration has begun
That His Glory might be seen
Fair as the moon, clear as the sun
Out bursts forth marvelous light beams
Unto all the ends of the earth
The good shepherd tends His sheep
In their own tongue He is heard
As they awake from a deep sleep
Let us cast off works of darkness
And each become a disciple
Armoured to endure hardness
We shine the light of the gospel
Robert D. Hales
"Out of Darkness
Into His Marvelous Light"
Ensign, May 2002
Romans 13:11-12
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
And the night is now far spent
The day's at hand of our Lord
As His marvelous light shines forth
In Bethlehem, a light was shown
And a promise was fulfilled
It did not end when Christ did groan
Nor will it ever be stilled
The restoration has begun
That His Glory might be seen
Fair as the moon, clear as the sun
Out bursts forth marvelous light beams
Unto all the ends of the earth
The good shepherd tends His sheep
In their own tongue He is heard
As they awake from a deep sleep
Let us cast off works of darkness
And each become a disciple
Armoured to endure hardness
We shine the light of the gospel
Robert D. Hales
"Out of Darkness
Into His Marvelous Light"
Ensign, May 2002
Romans 13:11-12
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
With the Light of Christ in All Things
With the Light of Christ in all things
Is it any wonder
That all we see points to Him
From above the Earth to under
With the Light of Christ in all things
We are not left wondering
For we've examples in Christ's teachings
Of what this principle is offering...
Jesus spoke of the lost sheep
And the hen with ample wings
He taught where to cast our seeds
And of the law of harvesting
Let us look around us
And see from all that's near
Then with our thoughts on Jesus
Let us think with Light so clear
And see from all that's near
Then with our thoughts on Jesus
Let us think with Light so clear
The Pain Was Striking and Intense
The pain was striking and intense
As Christ bore all our sins
With love as an offering
He was crushed in suffering
His agony, underscored,
Not one sorrow was ignored
He sweat blood from every pore
As He taught us what love's for
He heard cries of the innocent
With hands clenched, His heart wrenched
Then in frightful moments fought
All of Satan's darkest thoughts
His disciples lent no support
In sleep, they'd not watchkeep
He was tried and proved our Lord
Let's not weary, we're His sheep
A prayer engaged and delicate
Fleets to the advocate-
Our needs, He discriminates
And with God, He mediates
How can we not remember prayer?
All our pains, He can bear
He knows what we are in need of
As He sends forth love from above
Through His grace comes tender mercy,
Which proves He is discerning
As Christ bore all our sins
With love as an offering
He was crushed in suffering
His agony, underscored,
Not one sorrow was ignored
He sweat blood from every pore
As He taught us what love's for
He heard cries of the innocent
With hands clenched, His heart wrenched
Then in frightful moments fought
All of Satan's darkest thoughts
His disciples lent no support
In sleep, they'd not watchkeep
He was tried and proved our Lord
Let's not weary, we're His sheep
A prayer engaged and delicate
Fleets to the advocate-
Our needs, He discriminates
And with God, He mediates
How can we not remember prayer?
All our pains, He can bear
He knows what we are in need of
As He sends forth love from above
Through His grace comes tender mercy,
Which proves He is discerning
The Night of the Oil Press
The night of the oil press
Men came with one Judas
With swords and with meanness
To arrest our Lord Jesus
He having just won
The sins of all man
Warned His task was not done
For evil was at hand
Judas stepped forward
With a kiss as the sign
The collusion untoward
Was conspired by design
The wounds of a friend
At the height of deceit
Did the crime more lend
And demise more greet
The temple police force
Soon fell back to the sod
When Jesus discoursed
"I Am", for He was God
Then Jesus was bound
With a rope round his neck
The scapegoat was found
As He was without speck
The hour of darkness
Was filled with hypocrisy
And now this harshness
Culminated the conspiracy
He’d caused an upheaval
To the Sanhedrin prestige
And warned them of evil
As in the night was this siege
In the House of Prayer
Jesus had taught daily
But, they'd not arrest Him there
For the renting and wailing
All that Jesus had spoken
Within the temple and without
Had been out in the open
And left little doubt
With Roman concern
And want for money tables
Sanhedrin's plots soon burned
For witnesses with fables
As their craft deepened
His sedition was called
And, as they darkened
A fair trial was forestalled
While in judicial court
They ignored Mosaic law
In the name of retort
They smote Jesus’ jaw
He opened not His mouth
In defense or hatred
Nor in anger did He shout
Though slaps turned His skin red
From Pilate to Herod
Then to Pilate again
Jesus was queried
But, naught was against
He was found without fault
Yet, Pilate washed his hands
And replaced Him with the false
At the crowd's loud demands
His stripes of the scourge
Dried in the purple cloak
And they crowned Him with thorns
As they spit and they spoke
Then bearing His cross to be
To the place of the skull
Our Lord was nailed to the tree
Between thieves He would school
His place was made sure
And a sign told it all
The King of the Jews endured
And above all He stood tall
And below malefactors railed
While His heart melted like wax
His strength was curtailed
From pain that did wrack
His raiment was parted
And lots cast for His coat
And more laughter started
When Christ was parched in His throat
They watched Him hung and torn
And they shot out the lip
Mocking Him to scorn
With vinegar to sip
He thought but to forgive
And prayed for them too
And that’s how we should live
In all that we do
Love one another
He taught till the end
He thought but of others
Till in spirit He did ascend
Stretched out like a bird
In the darkening sky
His last words were heard
As to God He did cry
Then His spirit did soar
Back to His home above
Until three days more
To further work of love
And thus was fulfilled
What lie in Holy writ
Our Lord’s life was spilled
And the ancients wrote of it
May we reflect deeply and often
On the life of the Son
Towards Him, may we soften
For all that He has won
Scriptural, Historical,
and Legal Evidence
of the Events Surrounding
the Crucifixion of Christ
Andrew C. Skinner
BYU Education Week:
August 18, 2008
Click on the title to listen to this mp3
Psalm 22
6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8 He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Psalm 69
21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
Isaiah 53
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Proverbs 27 of Judas' kiss
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Deuteronomy 21 ...of Pilate washing his hands
6 And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley:
7 And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.
8 Be merciful, O Lord, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel’s charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them.
9 So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord.
Lev. 16: 8, 10, 26
8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
• • •
10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.
Luke 15 | Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Lost Sheep | The Bible
They are not just a flock to collect.
The good shepherd calls after each one,
To nourish, inspire, and direct.
For those lost, His work is never done!
There's a Force
The Son of the Morning was cast from God's presence.
The heavens wept o'er him and there was sadness.
He's practiced at persuading others to him.
He took with him a third of the hosts of heaven.
Now he's the bad force bent to destroy us.
He's ever expanding. He's ever devious.
He's smart from experience and not from skill.
His lies will blind men until captive to his will.
He seeks to be in control, his own purpose to fulfill.
He will try incitements and use deceitful ways.
Pretense and sophistries, he weaves in last days.
“All is well we prospereth, so all is well”.
He says as he leads man carefully down to hell.
Now he's a lion seeking whom he may devour,
Ever wanting glory, dominions, and power.
We say “get thee hence, Satan, Imitator.
We refuse to hear your entreaties any more.
We pray for the day you're gone. And your dominions by force.”
The devil cites scripture, if it suits his purpose.
The more we draw to God; he's there to thwart us.
The minute the Saints revolt, what comes from God.
He'll take a hold and have us singing his ballad.
We need to be sober and vigilant this day.
As in the Lord's work we anxiously engage.
We can and do roll back bad input on us.
Through our brother and Savior, our Lord Jesus.
Through him we hold God's priesthood.
We hold God's powers in trust.
We're given gifts from God. We can have discernment,
If we live to obey all God's commandments.
Although Satan knows to sins' our tendency,
He has no real authority, we've agency.
He has no real power, unless we permit it.
A wicked spirits' bound, by law and limit.
We can resist him more than we now realize,
If we heed the counsel of those who do preside.
And allow the Holy Ghost to be our companion and guide.
A wolf in sheep's clothing, He's a thief in the night.
He'll send plagues and break hearts. He'll try to snuff life.
Yet, he needs our bodies for all they can do.
We can render him powerless, if we've faith to.
There is no soul that's safe. That he would not destroy,
For he has legions under his employ.
They are the masters of speech, and they whisp'reth.
“There is not a hell or a devil,” they flatt'reth.
Of this they'll persist to way beyond the umptieth.
We must warn young people of his sly devices.
Before they succumb to his vain entices.
He'll seek to divert them from their future path.
He'd like to hold us within his fingerless grasp.
We have our strong bodies to command him, “retreat”.
Resist him, be righteous and then he will flee.
He'll tell us there's no hope, once we transgress,
But, we've been given our agency to progress.
We can repent of our sins 'though they may be most grievous.
We can voice a warning sound against the devil
And against his angels, who mainstream evil.
On the Saints, he will increase use of power.
As the kingdom of Heavenly Father grows stronger.
We believe that Satan's ever-expanding efforts
prove all the truthfulness of the gospel work.
We will need greater spirituality to perceive
his attempts to pacify and then deceive.
He will intrigue the naive. We can have wisdom or grief.
He'd love to destroy us. Mostly of our usefulness
in carrying the gospel into its fullness.
Yet, we have the still small voice for our stopping.
And if we don't listen, we'll fall to tempting.
This mechanism can't stay when we're weakened.
So, we need to help those who have lost this friend.
Heavenly father, please bless us, when we are weak.
And generously, please, forgive when we misdeed.
Help those in need of solace. And keep us from pride and greed.
President Faust
4–9, James E. Faust, Jan 2007,
“The Forces That Will Save Us,” Ensign
The heavens wept o'er him and there was sadness.
He's practiced at persuading others to him.
He took with him a third of the hosts of heaven.
Now he's the bad force bent to destroy us.
He's ever expanding. He's ever devious.
He's smart from experience and not from skill.
His lies will blind men until captive to his will.
He seeks to be in control, his own purpose to fulfill.
He will try incitements and use deceitful ways.
Pretense and sophistries, he weaves in last days.
“All is well we prospereth, so all is well”.
He says as he leads man carefully down to hell.
Now he's a lion seeking whom he may devour,
Ever wanting glory, dominions, and power.
We say “get thee hence, Satan, Imitator.
We refuse to hear your entreaties any more.
We pray for the day you're gone. And your dominions by force.”
The devil cites scripture, if it suits his purpose.
The more we draw to God; he's there to thwart us.
The minute the Saints revolt, what comes from God.
He'll take a hold and have us singing his ballad.
We need to be sober and vigilant this day.
As in the Lord's work we anxiously engage.
We can and do roll back bad input on us.
Through our brother and Savior, our Lord Jesus.
Through him we hold God's priesthood.
We hold God's powers in trust.
We're given gifts from God. We can have discernment,
If we live to obey all God's commandments.
Although Satan knows to sins' our tendency,
He has no real authority, we've agency.
He has no real power, unless we permit it.
A wicked spirits' bound, by law and limit.
We can resist him more than we now realize,
If we heed the counsel of those who do preside.
And allow the Holy Ghost to be our companion and guide.
A wolf in sheep's clothing, He's a thief in the night.
He'll send plagues and break hearts. He'll try to snuff life.
Yet, he needs our bodies for all they can do.
We can render him powerless, if we've faith to.
There is no soul that's safe. That he would not destroy,
For he has legions under his employ.
They are the masters of speech, and they whisp'reth.
“There is not a hell or a devil,” they flatt'reth.
Of this they'll persist to way beyond the umptieth.
We must warn young people of his sly devices.
Before they succumb to his vain entices.
He'll seek to divert them from their future path.
He'd like to hold us within his fingerless grasp.
We have our strong bodies to command him, “retreat”.
Resist him, be righteous and then he will flee.
He'll tell us there's no hope, once we transgress,
But, we've been given our agency to progress.
We can repent of our sins 'though they may be most grievous.
We can voice a warning sound against the devil
And against his angels, who mainstream evil.
On the Saints, he will increase use of power.
As the kingdom of Heavenly Father grows stronger.
We believe that Satan's ever-expanding efforts
prove all the truthfulness of the gospel work.
We will need greater spirituality to perceive
his attempts to pacify and then deceive.
He will intrigue the naive. We can have wisdom or grief.
He'd love to destroy us. Mostly of our usefulness
in carrying the gospel into its fullness.
Yet, we have the still small voice for our stopping.
And if we don't listen, we'll fall to tempting.
This mechanism can't stay when we're weakened.
So, we need to help those who have lost this friend.
Heavenly father, please bless us, when we are weak.
And generously, please, forgive when we misdeed.
Help those in need of solace. And keep us from pride and greed.
President Faust
4–9, James E. Faust, Jan 2007,
“The Forces That Will Save Us,” Ensign
The Spiritual Gift of Being Quick to Observe
A message is heard.
It leaves an impact.
It wasn't a word.
Or even a fact.
What made us discern?
Our spiritual ears?
Or observed concern
Mingled with tears?
As new resolve nears.
Without a reserve
We're set, we resolve.
“Be quick to observe,”
As care does evolve,
When we have felt moved.
We know we must leap.
It's time to be proved.
We've promptings to keep.
We are not lost sheep.
Through prayer we're given
Power to detect
What is from heaven,
What not to neglect.
Our growth we'll behold.
Where once was concealed,
Our good will unfold,
Spiritually revealed.
And, resolve is sealed.
- Elder Bednar
30–36, David A. Bednar, Dec 2006, “Quick to Observe, ” Ensign
It leaves an impact.
It wasn't a word.
Or even a fact.
What made us discern?
Our spiritual ears?
Or observed concern
Mingled with tears?
As new resolve nears.
Without a reserve
We're set, we resolve.
“Be quick to observe,”
As care does evolve,
When we have felt moved.
We know we must leap.
It's time to be proved.
We've promptings to keep.
We are not lost sheep.
Through prayer we're given
Power to detect
What is from heaven,
What not to neglect.
Our growth we'll behold.
Where once was concealed,
Our good will unfold,
Spiritually revealed.
And, resolve is sealed.
- Elder Bednar
30–36, David A. Bednar, Dec 2006, “Quick to Observe, ” Ensign
We Have a Duty to Do
We declare, we've a duty to do
Our part of a promise to keep
In service we vow and seek for anew
The Lord's own, now floundering sheep
Which one is but a sleeping giant
A leader for great things to come
For the wayward- a shoulder to cry on
A symbol of what we can become
The Atonement is real
To be seen all around
To lift us , to heal
That hope might abound
Let friendships be made
To spark this remembrance
Then don't let it fade
Through neglect, sin, or distance
Our part of a promise to keep
In service we vow and seek for anew
The Lord's own, now floundering sheep
Which one is but a sleeping giant
A leader for great things to come
For the wayward- a shoulder to cry on
A symbol of what we can become
The Atonement is real
To be seen all around
To lift us , to heal
That hope might abound
Let friendships be made
To spark this remembrance
Then don't let it fade
Through neglect, sin, or distance
On A Night Where Light Shone Down
On a night where light shone down from brightened skies,
A town was burdened by kindred’s' with long ties.
And last to arrive were Joseph and Mary.
In labor hard pressed. Soon she should not tarry.
Yet God provides. There is a place- a warm manger.
Of a kind keeper who would welcome a stranger.
Wonder of wonders on this eve,
The babe from heaven soon would be.
On a night where light shone down from brightened skies,
The sheep and Joseph alone hear her birth cries.
And first to be born when there was no room.
A small babe who'd struggled to leave its safe womb.
God did provide, shelter for the babe from the night's chill,
Where all could welcome the babe quiet and still.
Oh night of nights a sacred sight,
The Christ child under a star light.
On a night where light shone down from brightened skies,
The angels came down to announce Jesus Christ.
The least to be first, the first to be last.
A star burst forth and on the babe did cast.
Providing light for the shepherd's witness.
Here lay the lamb without spot for us.
Wonders of wonders so sublime
A sacred record for all time.
On a night where light shone down from brightened skies,
Far from the east men saw- being noble and wise.
And prepared to honor the new born king.
On camel's backs they brought gifts for offering.
And followed the heavenly star clear to chart.
Recognizing it's importance from the start.
"A King, a King is born this night!
The gifts we bring must be just right."
Watching the stars shine in the night skies.
I think of that star and try to devise.
All that occurred that night so long ago.
When a star light shone and made the babe aglow.
I try to prepare a place for Him within my heart
And honor His birth; What can I impart?
How sweet, how sweet my yearning soul,
On this night His love warms me whole.
A town was burdened by kindred’s' with long ties.
And last to arrive were Joseph and Mary.
In labor hard pressed. Soon she should not tarry.
Yet God provides. There is a place- a warm manger.
Of a kind keeper who would welcome a stranger.
Wonder of wonders on this eve,
The babe from heaven soon would be.
On a night where light shone down from brightened skies,
The sheep and Joseph alone hear her birth cries.
And first to be born when there was no room.
A small babe who'd struggled to leave its safe womb.
God did provide, shelter for the babe from the night's chill,
Where all could welcome the babe quiet and still.
Oh night of nights a sacred sight,
The Christ child under a star light.
On a night where light shone down from brightened skies,
The angels came down to announce Jesus Christ.
The least to be first, the first to be last.
A star burst forth and on the babe did cast.
Providing light for the shepherd's witness.
Here lay the lamb without spot for us.
Wonders of wonders so sublime
A sacred record for all time.
On a night where light shone down from brightened skies,
Far from the east men saw- being noble and wise.
And prepared to honor the new born king.
On camel's backs they brought gifts for offering.
And followed the heavenly star clear to chart.
Recognizing it's importance from the start.
"A King, a King is born this night!
The gifts we bring must be just right."
Watching the stars shine in the night skies.
I think of that star and try to devise.
All that occurred that night so long ago.
When a star light shone and made the babe aglow.
I try to prepare a place for Him within my heart
And honor His birth; What can I impart?
How sweet, how sweet my yearning soul,
On this night His love warms me whole.
Oh Moon Can You Fool And Make Me Crazy
Oh moon that looks down on me
Can you fool and make me crazy?
When you're out, do you effect my sleep?
Enough to have nightmares or even count sheep
No, in truth, I think it is your light
Bathing my room, bringing in light
And not your gravitational pull
That makes me weak and feel a fool
Do the crazies come out on a moon lit night?
Perhaps if only because of the extra light
For we all need sleep and should not be out
Till the wee hours, when the mind tricks about
Perhaps this is the day we need to prepare for
And get extra sunshine, a lot, the day before
Melatonin and chemistry keep
Us on a regular pattern of sleep
Teachers, have you ever wondered if your students are wild because of the full moon? Medics, do you feel like all the crazies come to the ER on a full moon? Well, for the most part there is no study to prove it. Could have fooled me. Well, in Las Vegas it is more like the wind makes us crazy. Or the kids at least. And if it rains, watch the energy fly! Any thoughts on this?
Oh the wind plays
And whistles at me.
"Come out," It says
I do, and can't see.
Can you fool and make me crazy?
When you're out, do you effect my sleep?
Enough to have nightmares or even count sheep
No, in truth, I think it is your light
Bathing my room, bringing in light
And not your gravitational pull
That makes me weak and feel a fool
Do the crazies come out on a moon lit night?
Perhaps if only because of the extra light
For we all need sleep and should not be out
Till the wee hours, when the mind tricks about
Perhaps this is the day we need to prepare for
And get extra sunshine, a lot, the day before
Melatonin and chemistry keep
Us on a regular pattern of sleep
Teachers, have you ever wondered if your students are wild because of the full moon? Medics, do you feel like all the crazies come to the ER on a full moon? Well, for the most part there is no study to prove it. Could have fooled me. Well, in Las Vegas it is more like the wind makes us crazy. Or the kids at least. And if it rains, watch the energy fly! Any thoughts on this?
Oh the wind plays
And whistles at me.
"Come out," It says
I do, and can't see.
While Setting Sail
While setting sail for distant shores
T'wards the Gaderene countryside
The winds grew turbulent amidst a downpour
Frightening fishermen and disciples alike
The Savior's slumber was undisturbed
Despite the pitching of the sea
He slept peacefully and unperturbed,
Though all feared the craft was in jeopardy
Shouts were made to waken Jesus
"Master, Master! We're going to perish!"
He rose and calmed the mighty storm, thus
And caused them to marvel and cherish
Then, seeing the eastern shoreline
They ended their voyage in bliss
What miracle would Jesus do this time?
Truly, not a one wanted to miss!
It was not long before the answer appeared
As from the tombs a naked man came
And fell down before as slowly they neared
Saying, "Torment me not!" Calling Jesus by name
"What is thy name?" The Lord asked the crazed man
"My name is Legion, meaning many," he replied
"Please," they implored. "Send us into the swine...rather than
Turn us out to the lone countryside"
But, these creatures, once possessed violently ran
Off of a cliff, to a lake and were choked by the sea
While the lunatic went to Decapolis, a cured man
Such that, scared, some begged off the Lord... and they did leave
And so the rest crossed the watery deep
Without storm or noted incident
Each pondering how the Lord had tended His sheep
While, as a man of miracles, He became more evident
thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black
T'wards the Gaderene countryside
The winds grew turbulent amidst a downpour
Frightening fishermen and disciples alike
The Savior's slumber was undisturbed
Despite the pitching of the sea
He slept peacefully and unperturbed,
Though all feared the craft was in jeopardy
Shouts were made to waken Jesus
"Master, Master! We're going to perish!"
He rose and calmed the mighty storm, thus
And caused them to marvel and cherish
Then, seeing the eastern shoreline
They ended their voyage in bliss
What miracle would Jesus do this time?
Truly, not a one wanted to miss!
It was not long before the answer appeared
As from the tombs a naked man came
And fell down before as slowly they neared
Saying, "Torment me not!" Calling Jesus by name
"What is thy name?" The Lord asked the crazed man
"My name is Legion, meaning many," he replied
"Please," they implored. "Send us into the swine...rather than
Turn us out to the lone countryside"
But, these creatures, once possessed violently ran
Off of a cliff, to a lake and were choked by the sea
While the lunatic went to Decapolis, a cured man
Such that, scared, some begged off the Lord... and they did leave
And so the rest crossed the watery deep
Without storm or noted incident
Each pondering how the Lord had tended His sheep
While, as a man of miracles, He became more evident
thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black
The Ever-Present Power of Rome
The ever-present power of Rome
Was an empire none could ignore
From Africa to England and around the Mediterranean coast
It was to be obeyed, though repugnant and abhorred
The taxation decree was a demand
Which read that families must register
Each in their ancient, original land
Thus, it became Joseph and Mary's turn
But, by this time the first born was nearly due
And it was a ninety mile journey to Bethlehem
Upon reaching the hills that King David once knew
They discovered there was no room for them at the Inn
Could it simply have been for safety that as darkness came
The caravansary had closed its doors for the night
Now, their only choice were the limestone caves
As it became apparent the babe would soon arrive
Then, like generations of Jewish mothers before her
Mary wrapped the newborn in swaddling clothes
And, improvising, she laid him in a manger
Now, this would be a frightful night one would suppose...
But, very nearby was the Migdal Eder tower
Where shepherds guarded the sheep temple bound
Here angels came, to announce the birth, with power
As the glory of the Lord shone all around
The angelic declaration resonated
With the customs of the ancient Bedouin:
"We bring good news of great joy, for to you is born this day-"
There to proclaim, with praise: "and on earth peace, good will toward men"
How many caves they searched we know not
Till they found the babe lying in a manger
But it was a moment not a one forgot
For they now knew the saving Messianic answer
Yet, the story simply cannot end here
For what of the Romans who nearly ruled the land
Things became complicated as wise men appeared
For King Herod could see royal gifts at hand
Their visit was not for him but a babe he'd not heard of
A "rightful successor" to the throne, in fact
The king gathered all his chief priests and scribes thereof
Then told the wise men of Bethlehem to return on their way back
He, full of deceit, said he too would worship the king of us all
With kind words, the wise men left... their search was not hard
As they'd only to wait for the evening to fall
Having just come from the east following... a star
There, in a humble abode they found
The prophesied wondrous king
There, they offered their gifts to surround
That were not of a typical thing
For symbols of His royal destiny
The wise men brought gold to show His worth
Then temple incense for His role yet to be
And, last... the embalming myrrh for His eve of rebirth
We know not much of these special wise men
But, we do know they were truly inspired
For they were warned in a dream as they left Bethlehem
To do not as the Roman king had desired
But, sadly, when they failed to return
And in fact bypassed Jerusalem
A fearsome revenge soon started to burn
For truly King Herod now felt threatened
Gathering his soldiers about him
He ordered the slaying of children
All two and younger around Bethlehem
A hellish edict too painful to imagine
Of... mothers pleading for their innocents
Those who could barely walk or question why
How many we know not were disobedient
Like Zacharias who hid where his baby lie
How many heroes and heroines... we do not know
But we do know the Promised Babe had left
For Joseph and his family escaped in the night
He being warned by an angel, as he slept
The holy family crossed the wastelands of the Negev
And passed the Sinai deserts seeking respite
Unto safety in the land of pyramids to live
And blend in with other Jews along the Nile
Soon...King Herod's health waned and death stalked this despot
And he not wishing others to surpass his greatness
Divided his kingdom between three of the sons he'd begot
There to end his reign with a funeral procession... by far the greatest
But... still Jesus was kept afar in Egypt
As the family awaited news from God
Once again word came to Joseph as he slept
And they journeyed home to dwell on holy sod
Joseph sought a land ruled by the least of the kings
And turned aside into the parts of Galilee
Back to his place of birth and workings
Imagine, in Nazareth, the reunion of family!
And it was here Christ grew up as a tender plant
As a root sprung out of dry ground
Nurtured by extended generations at hand
Here, His increase of wisdom and stature was found
Each year the Feast of the Passover was held
Where was commemorated Israel's deliverance
Here, Jesus sat with the learned as the Temple Mount filled
And of Him, they were quite astonished at the experience
Young Jesus, at twelve, was declared a Son of the Law
And, as per custom of the Passover, was now granted
To sit and learn among His elders in the synagogue
But, instead, for days questions to Him were handed
Here, as men compared their bondage to Egypt
Did they realize who they had before them?
Or was this knowledge secretly kept?
Being Jesus' first pilgrimage to Jerusalem
And... this was when Joseph and Mary were reminded
As they lost sight of their son on the way back
That Jesus was to be ever spiritually minded
As traits of His Father became evident in fact
So... after a celebration of sacrificial lambs
Here, before all, He was being prepared for the world
Here was the beginning of His many life exams
And... here, His purpose was beginning to be unfurled...
thoughts from Jesus Christ - Son of Man- The Early Years
By Susan Easton Black
Let Us Follow the Savior Who Went About Doing Good
Let us follow the Savior
Who went about doing good
As, for the will of the Father, He labored
Preaching God's plan to each neighborhood
He and His apostles went to Capernaum
And stopped in a town called Nain
There the Savior looked with compassion
At a widow grieving in pain
Knowing her only son had died
He felt the pain of her grief
"Weep not," He said as she cried
To the lad, "Arise." Who but did, then to speak....
Christ walked the roads of Palestine
He healed the sick and again raised the dead
He opened the eyes of the blind
And of eternal truths He continually fed
He taught to serve and love one another
And bless those who, in hate, persecute
He taught how to pray to Heavenly Father
Which He did in front of and a bit away from them too
He cast out and quieted demons
Caused the lame to walk and dumb to speak
He proclaimed to the Sanhedrin
And changed water to wine at a feast
He fed a vast multitude
With but some fish and loaves of bread
And a woman with blood that issued
Was healed by just touching His hem
Ever again and again He healed
As He spoke with a commanding voice
Even the sea was calmed and stilled
By this man we follow and in whom we rejoice
To where a crippled man for 38 years
Waited and watched at Bethesda
Who was unable to step down as the water's stirred
Then... the Lord said, "Rise." And he did and took up his bed
He taught along the shores and at the sea
In homes, at the temple, and the hillsides
Ever He served the Father willingly
As He taught with a love He could not deny
He was a friend to the friendless
He forgave people and said "sin no more"
He nourished those who were hopeless
And he taught as crowds came pressing forth
He walked to Jericho and showed mercy
To the blind man in need of sight
He walked from Judea to Galilee
Through Samaria- something frowned on as not right
There... a woman came to Jacob's well
And He taught how to thirst no more
He knew her past... she ran to tell
He was the Messiah they'd been waiting for!
He walked to Cana, where He met a nobleman
And healed his son twenty miles away
He not of a faith to follow Him
Believed Him still mighty to save
He walked through towns in Galilee
And taught in synagogues and homes
He walked to Nazareth, near family
Where He was ridiculed as just Joseph's son
He walked to Capernaum again
And cast out the evil spirits about
The lepers He touched and healed all ten
And those with palsy... still others did doubt
He walked on water as a storm arose
To aid His apostles in a small boat
One walked to Him, till his fear rose
Learning He'd not enough faith to stay afloat
He walked back to holy Jerusalem
And rode in on the back of an ass
He walked to the Garden of Gethsemane
And pled with the Father to let the cup pass...
He submitted still to His will
Taking upon Him the sins of the world
As only pain and anguish could fulfill
The lamb's sacrifice of unspotted wool
He walked through the streets of Jerusalem
Then to Golgotha upon a hill
He bore a death that was gruesome
Finishing the works His to fulfill
He walked out of the tomb the next morning
As a resurrected perfected being
Then to "other sheep" He went for forming
The church and good news ever freeing
And now, this new year, let us focus
On what Christ would have us do
That others might find joy and happiness
There to follow the Living Christ too
God be thanked for the matchless gift
Ever of the beloved divine Son
He has conquered the world there to lift
Mankind to a greater victory won
Douglas Guild
a high councilman talk
picture from turnbacktogod.com
Little Things are the Big Things
To bring up a child in light
Requires heavenly insight
It requires instilling truth
To those while still in their youth
It requires we show them their worth
How they've been cherished since their birth
With care and with dedication
We show forth selfless consecration
Little things are the big things
They make us feel like we're kings
Like a Thousand threads of love
That's rich in colors from above
It forms a warm tapestry
That's passed down from ancestry
As a treasured legacy
Of one who showed tenacity
Jesus added silken thread
When He fed all fish and bread
Jesus added golden strings
Every time He did small things
His concerns were specific
All He did was terrific
With threads of faith, love and work
He sacrificed, He did not shirk
The beauty of Diety
Has been placed for all to see
If we search in the scriptures
We'll find the painted pictures
Jesus along the seashore
Cooking breakfast, a small chore...
He would that we feed his sheep
And help God's children covenants keep
Requires heavenly insight
It requires instilling truth
To those while still in their youth
It requires we show them their worth
How they've been cherished since their birth
With care and with dedication
We show forth selfless consecration
Little things are the big things
They make us feel like we're kings
Like a Thousand threads of love
That's rich in colors from above
It forms a warm tapestry
That's passed down from ancestry
As a treasured legacy
Of one who showed tenacity
Jesus added silken thread
When He fed all fish and bread
Jesus added golden strings
Every time He did small things
His concerns were specific
All He did was terrific
With threads of faith, love and work
He sacrificed, He did not shirk
The beauty of Diety
Has been placed for all to see
If we search in the scriptures
We'll find the painted pictures
Jesus along the seashore
Cooking breakfast, a small chore...
He would that we feed his sheep
And help God's children covenants keep
Ever the Majesty of His Touch
Ever the majesty of His touch
Is reaching unto the least of us
Ever our afflictions are discerned
Ever our demons- He has conquered
Ever He's there to lend us support
Of our troubles- He'll never abort
The greatest lesson He ever taught
That for each of us, Satan, He fought
He's carried each burden of sin
And borne all our sorrows within
We must trust in heaven's promises
That not a hair fallen He misses
To take upon us His name
Means to be Christ- like - the same
To follow Him, there to do
What shares of His Light all anew
And ever we will learn, thus
Where to turn and where to trust
And ever we can face life
As we do like Jesus Christ
To succor those who're in need
To find the lost sheep and feed
To lift up hands that hang low
To serve with love there to show
With that kind of love displayed
Light shines that we're not dismayed
And as Christ's splendor is in detect
We daily do and ever connect
thoughts from
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Broken Things to Mend
Deseret Book
Is reaching unto the least of us
Ever our afflictions are discerned
Ever our demons- He has conquered
Ever He's there to lend us support
Of our troubles- He'll never abort
The greatest lesson He ever taught
That for each of us, Satan, He fought
He's carried each burden of sin
And borne all our sorrows within
We must trust in heaven's promises
That not a hair fallen He misses
To take upon us His name
Means to be Christ- like - the same
To follow Him, there to do
What shares of His Light all anew
And ever we will learn, thus
Where to turn and where to trust
And ever we can face life
As we do like Jesus Christ
To succor those who're in need
To find the lost sheep and feed
To lift up hands that hang low
To serve with love there to show
With that kind of love displayed
Light shines that we're not dismayed
And as Christ's splendor is in detect
We daily do and ever connect
thoughts from
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Broken Things to Mend
Deseret Book
Don't Be Surprised!
Don't be surprised if more is found
For He said there were other sheep.
What record lies beneath the ground
Hidden away for angels watch keep?
Apostasy once covered the Earth
The prophets had been taken away
With authority given, truth is unearthed
As God wills, through living prophets today
For He said there were other sheep.
What record lies beneath the ground
Hidden away for angels watch keep?
Apostasy once covered the Earth
The prophets had been taken away
With authority given, truth is unearthed
As God wills, through living prophets today
Teachers You are Shepherds
Teachers, you are the shepherds
Leading Christ's own sheep
Helping His word to be heard
Through the covenants that you keep
Leading Christ's own sheep
Helping His word to be heard
Through the covenants that you keep
The pasture is so green
Where the tree of life is found.
The stream is pure and clean,
And, oh, how love abounds!
There is so much near to hear
If you tune out afar scoffers.
A joyful feast appears,
Of His love, freely He offers!
I LIFT MY HAND AND SIGNIFY THAT THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
I Lift my hand to signify a desire to be heard
Second, all truths points to our LORD who leads us Heavenward.
Third....... that the longest finger is IS for our ever present Son
Fourth...... Who promises "I know MY sheep and each hair is numbered"
Fifth, the pinky: In the end the SHEPHERD's work is never done
Now which finger would you hold on to as you think of the Lord? In the book The Lord is My Shepherd by Robert J Morgan, I was deeply touched to read of a boy who had fallen off a cliff and must have survived for a while. He was later found dead with one hand holding tightly to his promise finger. Apparently, there are a lot of people who memorize and recite Psalms 23 during trying times to feel peace and have pain decrease.
The Lord is My Shepherd
I am like a lost sheep, fallen and afraid.
God's eyes are upon us
Watching what we do
We've each a gift in trust
That we might share it, too
Wealth, power, and position
Does not come to all
Yet, we've each a place in Zion
With stewardships that call
It is up to us to search
And discover who we really are
In God's image...to discern
We're each a brilliant star
To one good at listening
A still small voice is heard
To another like dews drops glistening
The mind receives God's word
The list must not stop here
As there are many more
The scriptures makes this clear
We're like sands upon the shore
To some they've tears to weep
While another's given to feel
Uniquely, we're to find the lost sheep
And share how faith does heal
Some look to God for guidance
While others ponder long
And, how, the spirit brightens
As we share from where we're strong
May we each look oft to God
And value our time on earth
We, with blessings broad,
Come of individual worth
Elder Marvin J. Ashton
There are Many Gifts
Ensign, Nov 1987, 20
1.
Scourged as they mocked, He suffered rejection
Bloody and torn beyond recognition
Then, nailed and raised He taught tenderly a new
Father forgive them they know not what they do
Surely He loved all who stood there
Purely He prayed with perfect care
2.
Hanging on still He forgot just Himself
For a thief, a lost sheep, still needed His help
Today thou shalt enter into paradise
A place for the spirit to go when one dies
Surely He saves us from the fall
Purely He cares for one and all
3.
Then, watching His mother He the first born
Now offered another for her comfort
The bond of the family will never end
He put her into the care of a friend
Surely preparing to depart
Purely He spoke from heart to heart
4.
Alone and forsaken... by Father above
He then taught us all to be loyal to love
So He could save us after all that we do
Gethsemane's sacrifice came all anew
Surely His suff'ring for us did atone
Purely He stated that God's work was done!
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865612481/President-Thomas-S-Monson-Ponder-the-path-of-thy-feet.html?pg=all
I lost my scriptures which had notes from cover to cover-
all my years of institute! Hope they went into good hands. I MISS them!
thoughts from
Through eyes of small children
The Christ child can be seen
They, so fresh from heaven
Still shine with where they've been
Fastened with golden ribbons
Draped along just so
The ornaments and pineboughs
Set the lamp aglow
The centerpiece now bright
Warmed each heart to bind
Unto that holy night
And the baby...ours to find
The night was filled with music
We recreated the ancient scene
Wearing robes, sheets, and tunics
And with new eyes Jesus was seen
Like that star once lit
Be Christ's light to share.
Help, serve, and lift
Those in need of care
While others slept
The star shone everywhere
Be His light and lift
The lost sheep and show His care
He lifts us from despair
And perfects us through our gifts
Changes come as we share-
Service is love, which uplifts
Gathering up steam
Like a locomotive
The end crash, it would seem
Is about to give
There is only one
Who can save us now
The living Son
Only knows how
Turmoils will cease
When He comes again
We will know peace
Let us prepare more, then!
'Tis the season to decorate
And think on joyous things
To forgive all those who hate
For the spirit that this brings
Be generous
This is Christmas Day
Jesus is with us
In a special way
Tis the season to go home
Or at least visit in your heart
And rejoice within with hope
That family bonds will not part
#sharethegift
While growing more hopeless on a path I have made!
In an habitual rut without any light
I cry out for help and I hear these words in the night:
"I am thy shepherd and you shall not want
Through my goodness and mercy, you can confront
All the dark paths you have taken and the pits you have made
Come follow me to where redemption is paved!"
I partake of green pastures
Where my Spirit can now hrive
Near a pure stream to treasure
I am so blessed, made alive!
Thankful, I still remember how easy it is to fall
I know I must stay within the shepherd's call
Through His merciful good news I know I am safe
And share with others how I have been saved!
Through His merciful good news I know I am safe
And share with others how I have been saved!
The Lord is my shepherd,
To Him, I belong.
I am thankful I heard...
His pasture I'm on.
A Message from the Bishop
Jesus has told me
That He loves you
He wants you to see
The way back, too
My Bishop shared this in his testimony. Every time someone is in his office. This is what he senses- how much the person is loved. A bishop is a shepherd to the lost sheep.God's Eyes Are Upon Us
God's eyes are upon us
Watching what we do
We've each a gift in trust
That we might share it, too
Wealth, power, and position
Does not come to all
Yet, we've each a place in Zion
With stewardships that call
It is up to us to search
And discover who we really are
In God's image...to discern
We're each a brilliant star
To one good at listening
A still small voice is heard
To another like dews drops glistening
The mind receives God's word
The list must not stop here
As there are many more
The scriptures makes this clear
We're like sands upon the shore
To some they've tears to weep
While another's given to feel
Uniquely, we're to find the lost sheep
And share how faith does heal
Some look to God for guidance
While others ponder long
And, how, the spirit brightens
As we share from where we're strong
May we each look oft to God
And value our time on earth
We, with blessings broad,
Come of individual worth
Elder Marvin J. Ashton
There are Many Gifts
Ensign, Nov 1987, 20
Asleep with Alliteration
alliteration- a splash or splattering of words that start with the same letter.
Asleep adrift above somewhere
I counted the cotton clouds so fair
A sheep, a draft and I awoke
My feet had my sheet and would not share
A Bishop is Always a Bishop
A bishop is always a bishop
A shepherd to all of his sheep
He leads them to green pastures to sup
With the Lord, in safe watch-keep
A shepherd to all of his sheep
He leads them to green pastures to sup
With the Lord, in safe watch-keep
His Words Ring in Your Ears
1.
Scourged as they mocked, He suffered rejection
Bloody and torn beyond recognition
Then, nailed and raised He taught tenderly a new
Father forgive them they know not what they do
Surely He loved all who stood there
Purely He prayed with perfect care
2.
Hanging on still He forgot just Himself
For a thief, a lost sheep, still needed His help
Today thou shalt enter into paradise
A place for the spirit to go when one dies
Surely He saves us from the fall
Purely He cares for one and all
3.
Then, watching His mother He the first born
Now offered another for her comfort
The bond of the family will never end
He put her into the care of a friend
Surely preparing to depart
Purely He spoke from heart to heart
4.
Alone and forsaken... by Father above
He then taught us all to be loyal to love
So He could save us after all that we do
Gethsemane's sacrifice came all anew
Surely His suff'ring for us did atone
Purely He stated that God's work was done!
Pondering: “We need not walk by the shores of Galilee or among the Judean hills to walk where Jesus walked. All of us can walk the path He walked when, with His words ringing in our ears, His spirit filling our hearts, and His teachings guiding our lives, we choose to follow Him as we journey through mortality. His example lights the way. Said He: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.' ”
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865612481/President-Thomas-S-Monson-Ponder-the-path-of-thy-feet.html?pg=all
Together with the Bible
Together with the Bible
The Book of Mormon teaches us
How to live the gospel-
Through love for man and Jesus
I want to have more confidence
That He might speak through me
I want that grand experience
Of gathering His sheep
I lost my scriptures which had notes from cover to cover-
all my years of institute! Hope they went into good hands. I MISS them!
thoughts from
"The Book of Mormon—a Book from God” by Elder Tad R. Callister
On a Journey Far
Book of Mormon-
On a journey far,
We have come to embark.
On high cliffs we will smelt
Where there is much to melt.
For a ship that is tight,
Must be built just right.
Old Testament-
From the mountain peaks,
Prophet Moses speaks.
When a prophet prays.
We are taught God's ways.
I must keep them, too.
The Lord commands anew.
New Testament-
In the waters deep
My feet gently keep.
As the Savior stays
The high and rising waves.
Only look to Him,
Or you will need to swim.
Book of Mormon-
To the misty dark-
There is not a spark.
Grab the golden rod,
To the love of God.
Watch! Hear those mocking calls?
Hold! There one slips and falls.
Old Testament-
In the desert dry
My mouth utters cries.
And, my Savior leads.
For, He knows of my needs.
Gather manna first.
Look to Him as you thirst.
New Testament-
On a prepared path,
His seeds, I will cast.
If our hearts will grant.
Out will rise a plant.
Tend it. Watch it grow.
Let the waters flow.
Book of Mormon-
In a vineyard tall
The Lord tends but all.
The grafts will reroute.
Then he digs about.
He feeds to the root.
To yield the best fruit.
Old Testament-
In the wilderness,
We were neediest.
And for forty years.
We cried many tears.
Covenants I must keep.
Look first, and then leap.
New Testament-
In the pastures sweet
Lie the wand'ring sheep.
Here the Shepherd came
He called each by name.
Here are the ninety nine.
He has one more to find.
Book of Mormon-
From Moroni's hand.
We have counsel grand.
He saw our day.
There's pride in our way.
His Words have been kept.
So we are not left bereft.
Old Testament-
Promise, the Jews found.
Upon holy ground.
For their sacrifice
Which lamb would suffice?
The best of the lot.
A first without spot.
New Testament-
As the wedding nears,
A new sign appears.
Each must carry oil,
For the marriage royal.
Watch and prepare much.
With light within your clutch.
You cannot read from one
Without pouring into the other
See what the Lord has done
And love one another....
On a journey far,
We have come to embark.
On high cliffs we will smelt
Where there is much to melt.
For a ship that is tight,
Must be built just right.
Old Testament-
From the mountain peaks,
Prophet Moses speaks.
When a prophet prays.
We are taught God's ways.
I must keep them, too.
The Lord commands anew.
New Testament-
In the waters deep
My feet gently keep.
As the Savior stays
The high and rising waves.
Only look to Him,
Or you will need to swim.
Book of Mormon-
To the misty dark-
There is not a spark.
Grab the golden rod,
To the love of God.
Watch! Hear those mocking calls?
Hold! There one slips and falls.
Old Testament-
In the desert dry
My mouth utters cries.
And, my Savior leads.
For, He knows of my needs.
Gather manna first.
Look to Him as you thirst.
New Testament-
On a prepared path,
His seeds, I will cast.
If our hearts will grant.
Out will rise a plant.
Tend it. Watch it grow.
Let the waters flow.
Book of Mormon-
In a vineyard tall
The Lord tends but all.
The grafts will reroute.
Then he digs about.
He feeds to the root.
To yield the best fruit.
Old Testament-
In the wilderness,
We were neediest.
And for forty years.
We cried many tears.
Covenants I must keep.
Look first, and then leap.
New Testament-
In the pastures sweet
Lie the wand'ring sheep.
Here the Shepherd came
He called each by name.
Here are the ninety nine.
He has one more to find.
Book of Mormon-
From Moroni's hand.
We have counsel grand.
He saw our day.
There's pride in our way.
His Words have been kept.
So we are not left bereft.
Old Testament-
Promise, the Jews found.
Upon holy ground.
For their sacrifice
Which lamb would suffice?
The best of the lot.
A first without spot.
New Testament-
As the wedding nears,
A new sign appears.
Each must carry oil,
For the marriage royal.
Watch and prepare much.
With light within your clutch.
You cannot read from one
Without pouring into the other
See what the Lord has done
And love one another....
The Bible and the Book of Mormon
The Bible and the Book of Mormon
Contain the everlasting gospel
Witnessing that God's love for man
Sheds forth unto all lands and people
Two sticks sweetly fashioned
As holy writ from prophets' hands
Have joined together as companions
Tools for man to understand
Two records of man's journeys
Through the lonely wilderness
Unto promised lands for turning
To find Zion and happiness
John the Revelator saw an angel
Fly in the midst of heaven
Having the everlasting gospel
In our day preparations are given
Surely the Lord will do nothing
Save He reveal it first to His prophets
With signs and wonders forth coming
Of future events...the ancients foretold of this
Long ago when the Savior stated
"Other sheep I have which are not of this fold"
He spoke of other nations who waited
Watching... for blessed events to unfold
Our story begins with prophecies
Foretelling the birth of Christ
In a land far across the seas
Who awaited signs up in the skies
The believers, how they prayed
As the scoffers tried to trap them
Sentences for death were to be made
If the events did not happen
A set day was assigned
That would put an end to doubt
To either side, men aligned
Then, the miracle came about
The new star appeared
The unbelievers fell as though dead
How the righteous cheered
Seeing what the prophets had said
But, too soon, these wondrous signs
Became all but forgotten, hence
So quick to sin one finds
They turned to war and wickedness
Then, seeking much for deliverance
Some called upon God all anew
They worked to serve with diligence
And found their enemies were subdued
They built up many cities
And others they repaired
Through restored abilities
For the Lord's coming they prepared
To the unrighteous, speaking with authority
Nephi, a prophet, made many angry
Preaching repentance...but without popularity
Angels ministered to him daily
Then once again as foretold by prophets
The signs of Christ's crucifixion came to pass
Attested by storms and earthquakes
The reality of Him... hit strong and fast
The whole face of the land was changed
Mountains were raised and cities sank
For three days darkness ranged
In remorse, survivors shrank
Knowing this could have been prevented
In mourning people were heard to say,
"If only we had repented
Before this great and terrible day!"
If only we had not stoned the prophets
If only we had not cast them out
Their lesson now was obvious
For their loved ones, they called about
Then a voice was heard by all
They became very still
"Come unto me," came the call
Repent that I may heal"
After they heard the voice
They gathered to the temple
Seeking Christ...to rejoice
They came repentant and humble
Again a voice was heard
Heavenly Father announced the Son
They clung to every word
From the heavens they saw descending, one...
Christ in America
President N. Eldon Tanner
Ensign, May 1975, 34
Contain the everlasting gospel
Witnessing that God's love for man
Sheds forth unto all lands and people
Two sticks sweetly fashioned
As holy writ from prophets' hands
Have joined together as companions
Tools for man to understand
Two records of man's journeys
Through the lonely wilderness
Unto promised lands for turning
To find Zion and happiness
John the Revelator saw an angel
Fly in the midst of heaven
Having the everlasting gospel
In our day preparations are given
Surely the Lord will do nothing
Save He reveal it first to His prophets
With signs and wonders forth coming
Of future events...the ancients foretold of this
Long ago when the Savior stated
"Other sheep I have which are not of this fold"
He spoke of other nations who waited
Watching... for blessed events to unfold
Our story begins with prophecies
Foretelling the birth of Christ
In a land far across the seas
Who awaited signs up in the skies
The believers, how they prayed
As the scoffers tried to trap them
Sentences for death were to be made
If the events did not happen
A set day was assigned
That would put an end to doubt
To either side, men aligned
Then, the miracle came about
The new star appeared
The unbelievers fell as though dead
How the righteous cheered
Seeing what the prophets had said
But, too soon, these wondrous signs
Became all but forgotten, hence
So quick to sin one finds
They turned to war and wickedness
Then, seeking much for deliverance
Some called upon God all anew
They worked to serve with diligence
And found their enemies were subdued
They built up many cities
And others they repaired
Through restored abilities
For the Lord's coming they prepared
To the unrighteous, speaking with authority
Nephi, a prophet, made many angry
Preaching repentance...but without popularity
Angels ministered to him daily
Then once again as foretold by prophets
The signs of Christ's crucifixion came to pass
Attested by storms and earthquakes
The reality of Him... hit strong and fast
The whole face of the land was changed
Mountains were raised and cities sank
For three days darkness ranged
In remorse, survivors shrank
Knowing this could have been prevented
In mourning people were heard to say,
"If only we had repented
Before this great and terrible day!"
If only we had not stoned the prophets
If only we had not cast them out
Their lesson now was obvious
For their loved ones, they called about
Then a voice was heard by all
They became very still
"Come unto me," came the call
Repent that I may heal"
After they heard the voice
They gathered to the temple
Seeking Christ...to rejoice
They came repentant and humble
Again a voice was heard
Heavenly Father announced the Son
They clung to every word
From the heavens they saw descending, one...
Christ in America
President N. Eldon Tanner
Ensign, May 1975, 34
Thy House of Prayer
Thy house of prayer
Is a holy place
With Thee to share
And our sins erase
We offer up
On Thy holy day
The sacred cup
And bread to partake
The prayers spoken
Reach our humble hearts
That are broken
For what light imparts
The tables laid
Thy conferred will speak
The shepherd's paid
That we might be meek
He the I am
Who perfectly taught
Was as a lamb
The firstling of flock
He felt our sins,
Sweat in our sorrows
And He did win
For us tomorrows
His slaughter worn
Through pure hands and feet
Midst pain lone borne
Nailed on a thieves tree
Here in is grace
And truth fully seen
The human race
Can now be made clean
Here we accept
Our Lord's sacrifice
Though we're inept
To know the high price
His offering
Gives us His great name
His suffering
Shields us from sin's blame
We of His sheep
Still remember Him
For His watch keep
We offer each hymn
Here we rejoice
For we have His name
We know His voice
Through doctrine's we've gained
We eat and drink
Ever love does fill
Less we now shrink
We seek for Thy will
Our wounds He heals
And ever they're lifted
Our pain He feels
How we've been gifted!
Ever once more
We've covenants remade
Through our Savior
Thy path Thou has laid
As though from food
The sacrament soothes
From soul to foot
Our spirit then moves
Heavenly Father,
Perfect love Thou sent
As living water
We drink of what's lent
How can Thy Son
Remember us still?
Our lives, He won
Of this we do thrill!
Heavenly Father,
For mercy we plead
Thou the author
Knows best of our needs
Wilt Thou bless us
With hope for these days?
Brightened by trust
Of Thy tender ways
L. Tom Perry
As Now We Take the Sacrament
Ensign, May 2009
Is a holy place
With Thee to share
And our sins erase
We offer up
On Thy holy day
The sacred cup
And bread to partake
The prayers spoken
Reach our humble hearts
That are broken
For what light imparts
The tables laid
Thy conferred will speak
The shepherd's paid
That we might be meek
He the I am
Who perfectly taught
Was as a lamb
The firstling of flock
He felt our sins,
Sweat in our sorrows
And He did win
For us tomorrows
His slaughter worn
Through pure hands and feet
Midst pain lone borne
Nailed on a thieves tree
Here in is grace
And truth fully seen
The human race
Can now be made clean
Here we accept
Our Lord's sacrifice
Though we're inept
To know the high price
His offering
Gives us His great name
His suffering
Shields us from sin's blame
We of His sheep
Still remember Him
For His watch keep
We offer each hymn
Here we rejoice
For we have His name
We know His voice
Through doctrine's we've gained
We eat and drink
Ever love does fill
Less we now shrink
We seek for Thy will
Our wounds He heals
And ever they're lifted
Our pain He feels
How we've been gifted!
Ever once more
We've covenants remade
Through our Savior
Thy path Thou has laid
As though from food
The sacrament soothes
From soul to foot
Our spirit then moves
Heavenly Father,
Perfect love Thou sent
As living water
We drink of what's lent
How can Thy Son
Remember us still?
Our lives, He won
Of this we do thrill!
Heavenly Father,
For mercy we plead
Thou the author
Knows best of our needs
Wilt Thou bless us
With hope for these days?
Brightened by trust
Of Thy tender ways
L. Tom Perry
As Now We Take the Sacrament
Ensign, May 2009
We Have a Duty to Do
We declare, we've a duty to do
Our part of a promise to keep
In service we vow and seek for anew
The Lord's own, now floundering sheep
Which one is but a sleeping giant
A leader for great things to come
For the wayward- a shoulder to cry on
A symbol of what we can become
The Atonement is real
To be seen all around
To lift us , to heal
That hope might abound
Let friendships be made
To spark this remembrance
Then don't let it fade
Through neglect, sin, or distance
Our part of a promise to keep
In service we vow and seek for anew
The Lord's own, now floundering sheep
Which one is but a sleeping giant
A leader for great things to come
For the wayward- a shoulder to cry on
A symbol of what we can become
The Atonement is real
To be seen all around
To lift us , to heal
That hope might abound
Let friendships be made
To spark this remembrance
Then don't let it fade
Through neglect, sin, or distance
The Needy, Sick, and Afflicted
The needy, sick, and afflicted
Are they not each one of Christ's sheep
Are we not called and invited
To stay nigh with Him and watch-keep
Are they not each one of Christ's sheep
Are we not called and invited
To stay nigh with Him and watch-keep
Merry Christmas
 |
| Thoughts from this book... |
When God has an important work
He sends a small infant to the earth:
Through Enoch was Zion's translation
And Queen Esther's courage saved a nation
Then, so great, a forerunner was sent
John, a cousin, of promised descent
To prepare the way of the Lord
Who to Heaven would open the door
And so in the days of King Herod
Was born the virgin birth, son of our God
In the heavens was given the grand sign
Jesus would change the fate of mankind
Like the wise men who saw His star,
Bore great gifts, and traveled afar
Every knee will bow and confess
In celebration of one, Jesus
May we like the wise men
Seek the gift of God's love
And celebrate in Him
Who was sent from above
In spirit let us journey
To where the wee babe lay
From God's words we can read
Ponder, and pray
Then cherish a new infant
And marvel much within
Where it is we all come from
Each with a purpose given
The Christ child can be seen
They, so fresh from heaven
Still shine with where they've been
Fastened with golden ribbons
Draped along just so
The ornaments and pineboughs
Set the lamp aglow
The centerpiece now bright
Warmed each heart to bind
Unto that holy night
And the baby...ours to find
The night was filled with music
We recreated the ancient scene
Wearing robes, sheets, and tunics
And with new eyes Jesus was seen
Like that star once lit
Be Christ's light to share.
Help, serve, and lift
Those in need of care
While others slept
The star shone everywhere
Be His light and lift
The lost sheep and show His care
He lifts us from despair
And perfects us through our gifts
Changes come as we share-
Service is love, which uplifts
Jesus is the reason
For the Christmas season
All time is marked by Him
He stands preeminent
He will make the earth pristine
And breathe new life into us
He will put down false doctrine
He is our reason to trust
The wise
Still seek the babe
Through eyes
Which search with faith
Look up
And celebrate
In love
For God is great!
The wise
Still seek the babe
Through eyes
Which search with faith
Look up
And celebrate
In love
For God is great!
Faith is more than mere belief
It's holding on while letting go
Of failings, fears, and grief
For the more you trust, you grow
It's holding on while letting go
Of failings, fears, and grief
For the more you trust, you grow
Like a locomotive
The end crash, it would seem
Is about to give
There is only one
Who can save us now
The living Son
Only knows how
Turmoils will cease
When He comes again
We will know peace
Let us prepare more, then!
'Tis the season to decorate
And think on joyous things
To forgive all those who hate
For the spirit that this brings
Be generous
This is Christmas Day
Jesus is with us
In a special way
Tis the season to go home
Or at least visit in your heart
And rejoice within with hope
That family bonds will not part
Miracles happen
This time of year
We can touch heaven
As it feels near
Through His breath of life
Our hearts are made warm
Our joy comes alive
Through the Christ-child born
#sharethegift
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