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Apostle, Jeffery R. Holland
July 31, 2011 by Ben Tanner
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Blessed Honored Pioneer
July 24, 2011 by Ben Tanner
John Tanner and Elizabeth Beswick Tanner. My 4th Great Grand Father and Mother. First LDS Tanner's
I am a 6th Generation Mormon. My family has been associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since 1832. That is two years after the church was organized. If you take a climb up my family tree you will find many early pioneers. I don’t say this to boast, but rather to bless my God and bring honor to their names.
One Hundred and Sixty-Seven years ago today, the saints first entered the valley of the Great Salt Lake. Today I celebrate their faith. I celebrate their epic story. They moved over hundreds of miles to find safety and the freedom to live their religion.
I am so grateful that I share that same religion. I know that someday I will approach them and need to give an account for how I used the gifts they blessed me with. I only hope that they will be able to smile on my efforts. I don’t seek to compare my trials with theirs. But rather to approach my own trials with the faithfulness that they approached their own.
Heaven knows that I fall short, but I know their is a God in Heaven how loves me, and who has provided a way for all of us to fix the mistakes and sins we make. It is through
Jonathan Oldham Duke, first LDS Duke. My 3rd Great Grandfather on my Mothers side.
the mercy, grace, and merits of Jesus Christ. I honor my family tree today, I honor all pioneers who sacrificed their lives to build the Kingdom of God.
Every person who chooses to exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, is baptized, receives the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and endures to the end of their lives is grafted into this great pioneer legacy of faith. I pray my name might be listed with theirs for all of my decendents.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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“Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice”
July 17, 2011 by Ben Tanner
Jesus told Peter that he would deny the Lord three times within a very short time. It’s hard to imagine Peter being willing to deny Jesus even after he was willing to cut off one of the ears of the soldiers ears that were attempting to take Jesus into custody. Peter was a valiant man. He had left all he had to follow the Lord without hesitation. He had followed Jesus through most all the of the trials of His earthly ministry.Why would Peter show such weakness in the last hours of the Saviors life? The truth is, we are no better than Peter, and he serves as a great example of how we can pick up our selves after we falter and be redeemed through the love of Jesus Christ.
The Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley said:
“My heart goes out to Peter. So many of us are so much like him. We pledge our loyalty; we affirm our determination to be of good courage; we declare, sometimes even publicly, that come what may we will do the right thing, that we will stand for the right cause, that we will be true to ourselves and to others.
“Then the pressures begin to build. Sometimes these are social pressures. Sometimes they are personal appetites. Sometimes they are false ambitions. There is a weakening of the will. There is a softening of discipline. There is capitulation. And then there is remorse, followed by self-accusation and bitter tears of regret. …
“… If there be those throughout the Church who by word or act have denied the faith, I pray that you may draw comfort and resolution from the example of Peter, who, though he had walked daily with Jesus, in an hour of extremity momentarily denied the Lord and also the testimony which he carried in his own heart. But he rose above this and became a mighty defender and a powerful advocate. So, too, there is a way for any person to turn about and add his or her strength and faith to the strength and faith of others in building the kingdom of God” (“And Peter Went Out and Wept Bitterly,” Ensign, Mar. 1995, 2–4, 6).
So let us take comfort in the example of Peter. Let’s remember that even the greatest among us need the atonement of Jesus Christ to be made whole. No matter where you are in your life right now, you can make it right through mercy, merits, and grace of Jesus Christ.
All it takes is Faith, Repentance, Baptism (or a renewing of your covenants), The Gift of the Holy Ghost, and retaining a remission of your sins. (articles of faith)
Mosiah 4:11-12
11And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have atasted of his love, and have received abremission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own cnothingness, and his dgoodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of ehumility, fcalling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing gsteadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.
12And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the alove of God, and always bretain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the cknowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
If you would like to know more about how the Full Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored today please click here to talk to missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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10 Tips For a Zesty Marriage…
July 10, 2011 by Ben Tanner
10. Listen. I mean really listen. Let go of all the things that you think are important right now and completely focus on your spouse when they are trying to tell you something. Instead of trying to fix or help, just ask questions that help them talk it all through themselves.
9. Do the things you know your spouse would like you to do, but you hate to do. It doesn’t matter if it’s taking out the trash, keeping your stuff organized, or whatever else your spouse is constantly asking you to do, just do it. You will both be happier.
8. Surprise them. Don’t stop giving gifts or doing thoughtful things. Remember when your spouse mentions something they like and try to find ways to provide it for them. Don’t just give gifts to make up, try to surprise them when they are not expecting it.
7. Keep a budget. I know, this sounds boring. But finances are a real romance killer if they are not well taken care of. Try to make financial goals with your spouse and be willing to let them get their toy before you get yours.
6. Eat right and exercise. Show your love for your spouse by trying your best to be healthy. This doesn’t mean you have to be a health nut, only that you are willing to take care of yourself and that you will want to be attractive to them. Also, it will cut down the health bills significantly later in life.
5. Don’t yell. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a meaningful argument about something you disagree about. It just means that you do it in a respectful way. Use kind words. Don’t ague just because you are mad. Argue only to find a real solution to the problem and to make sure your spouse understands how you feel.
4. Get away. Try to get away from the normal routine from time to time. Especially if you have kids. Make sure you are taking time just for the two of you and building your relationship.
3. Be willing to admit you were wrong. In fact try to be the first to admit where you are wrong. Don’t let pride put a wedge between you and your loved one.
2. Make goals together. Make goals about financial plans, vacations, classes you want to take, things you want to learn, books you would like to read, spiritual etc. When you are working towards the same goals, it can unite you.
1. Make God the focus of your marriage. The closer you and your spouse are to God, the closer you will be to each other. Reading the scriptures and praying together can go a long way to help you feel close to God and each other. Worship together. Serve others together.
Any other ideas? Please post them.
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He Will Give You Help…
July 3, 2011 by Ben Tanner
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Notes On Charity….
June 26, 2011 by Ben Tanner
Notes from a recent talk I gave in Sacrament Meeting…
Charity is the pure love of Christ
1st Corinthians Chapter 13
4aCharity bsuffereth long, and is ckind; charity denvieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself aunseemly, seeketh not her bown, is not easily cprovoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in ainiquity, but rejoiceth in the btruth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Brothers and Sisters, we are told by the apostle John that “God is Love”(1 John 4:16)
As latter-day saints, we have an amazing doctrine. Our belief in the atonement extends beyond the idea of us merely being reconciled to God like two individuals working out a problem with each other. We are not merely reconciled but become One with God. We become “Like” God possessing His divine attributes.
The scripture above is Paul describing what Charity is. Charity is another word for the perfect Love of Christ, the very love that the apostle John said that “God is”
Charity is Kind
Are you kind to your spouse? Are you kind to your children? Are you kind to others around you? Would others describe you as “kind.?”
The prophet Brigham Young said:
“You may see, or thing you see, a thousand faults in your brethren; yet they are organized as you are; they are flesh of your flesh, bone of your bone; they are of your Father who is in heaven; we are all His children, and should be satisfied with each other as far as possible”
Charity Envieth Not
Charity casts away the spirit of coveting. We no longer see things in terms of comparison to what others have and what do not have, instead we are happy and joyful for the blessings of others and wish to bless them more.
Charity Vaunteth Not itself, is not puffed up
Charity takes away the insecurity of pride. Pride is related to coveting in that both are built on personal insecurity. When we posses charity we no longer question our individual worth, or the worth of others because we are filled with the Love of God, and this love helps us recognize that if such a being loves us and others that much, then we all must have great worth.
Charity casts out all fear
1 John 4:18
18There is no afear in blove; but perfect clove casteth out fear: because fear hath dtorment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
What do you fear? Do you fear to repent because of the scorn of others or embarrassment? I want to testify that our Bishop has been blessed with a capacity to feel the Love of God towards you. If you need to talk with the bishop, remember that he is God’s servant and as such will not look at you with scorn for repenting, but rather is filled with compassion and love towards you and wants nothing more but to help you feel the Love of God in your heart.
Charity aids in the repentance and forgiveness process
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Charity helps us have the capacity to forgive others, it also helps us forgive ourselves and no longer judge ourselves and others through the lense of criticism, instead through the lense of love.
Remember that all the law and the prophets hang on the first two commandments, that we love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.
5Doth not behave itself aunseemly
With the attribute of charity comes a refinement of character, charitable people lift others by the way the behave.
Seeketh not her bown
Charity changes our motivation for just about everything. We no longer make decisions primarily based on what is in it for ourselves but rather, how will the build the Lords kindom, and how will this bless the lives of my neighbors.
Is not easily cprovoked
Are you easily provoked? Do you get bothered easily? Do you assume the worst intentions of others? Charity is not. Charity is careful to think before it acts. Charity assumes the best in others.
Charity “thinketh no evil”
In D&C 121:45 it says “Let they bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish they thoughts unceasingly;”
Charity is linked then with our ability to control our thoughts. Charity aids in Chastity. Charity aids in thinking highly of others. Charity is the ultimate tool in lifting our minds to higher laws and higher thinking. Charity aids and refines the intellect.
“then shall they confidence wax strong in the presence of God.”
6Rejoiceth not in ainiquity, but rejoiceth in the btruth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity is the Chief Godlike attribute
Brothers and sisters, Charity is the greatest possession. We should seek after it with even greater vigor than we do the riches of this world. If it is our aim to become like God, we cannot do it without Charity.
Moroni 7:46-47
46Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
47But acharity is the pure blove of Christ, and it endurethcforever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
End your talk:
Moroni 7:48Wherefore, my beloved brethren, apray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true bfollowers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall cbe like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be dpurified even as he is pure. Amen.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
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Honesty…
June 5, 2011 by Ben Tanner
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Retaining a Remission of your Sins…
May 22, 2011 by Ben Tanner
After you have gone through the initial steps for faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, you begin the work of sanctification. Sanctification is the process in which our actual natures change to be like Gods. This is not an event, but a process. Sanctification is not possible without the Grace of Jesus Christ and the companionship of the Holy Ghost. This is the part of life that Latter-Day Saints refer to as “Enduring to the End”.But enduring to the end is not just sitting around and waiting. It’s a process of becoming. It requires us to keep repenting as we fall short each day by our sinful thoughts, words, and actions.
In addition, sanctification is not just about eliminating the negative in our lives, but rather it’s replacing the negative with the positive. The Book of Mormon gives us some fantastic insights into this process:
- Mosiah 3:19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.
As we repent, we are able to renew the covenants we have made at baptism each week the partaking of what Latter-day saints call “The Sacrament” which other faiths may call “communion” or “Lords Supper”. (i.e. the bread and water(wine))
King Benjamin gave us some insight on how we can retain a remission of our sins: (Mosiah 4:11-
11And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have atasted of his love, and have received a bremission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own cnothingness, and his dgoodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of ehumility, fcalling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing gsteadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.
12And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the alove of God, and always bretain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the cknowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.
Later in the chapter…(Mosiah Chapter 4:26-27)
26And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may awalk guiltless before God—I would that ye should bimpart of your substance to the cpoor, every man according to that which he hath, such as dfeeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.
27And see that all these things are done in wisdom and aorder; for it is not requisite that a man should run bfaster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.
So as you can see, the process of sanctification is not passive, but an active good work which God works in you to change you. In the end, your judgement will be more about who you have become than about each individual work or sin. You cannot work your way to heaven, but you have retain a state of grace and thus a remission of your sins by actively sanctifying yourself through the enabling grace of the Lord and the companionship of the Holy Ghost and renewing your covenants with God.
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Lord, I would follow thee. Mormon Hymn #220
May 15, 2011 by Ben Tanner
1. Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee—Lord, I would follow thee.2. Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can’t see.
Who am I to judge another? – Lord, I would follow thee.3. I would be my brother’s keeper;
I would learn the healer’s art.
To the wounded and the weary
I would show a gentle heart.
I would be my brother’s keeper—Lord, I would follow thee.4. Savior, may I love my brother
As I know thou lovest me,
Find in thee my strength, my beacon,
For thy servant I would be.
Savior, may I love my brother—Lord, I would follow thee.Category Uncategorized | Tags: | No Comments
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Baptism of My Sweet Daughter…
May 8, 2011 by Ben Tanner
Because I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and a holder of the Melchizedek priesthood, my Bishop used his priesthood keys and authorized me to baptize my first born child Eden yesterday. In the church we believe that children should not be baptized until they have reached the age of accountability. That age was given by revelation as eight years old. (See D&C 68:27)Since the day Eden was born, we have taken great care to teach her about our Heavenly Fathers plan. We have taught her about faith, repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. We have had countless family home evening lessons on these and other principles of the gospel. We try to read the scriptures as a family every day and hold family and personal prayers.
All the while, we have stressed the importance of Eden making this choice on her own. We have tried to help her recognize the Holy Ghost when it is present testifying of the truthfulness of the gospel to her heart. She has been blessed with a mother that is a fantastic example. It’s been a very tender thing to see her gain a testimony.When she was really little and the Spirit would touch her heart she would say things like “my eyes have water in them and I don’t know why” to now where she can’t wait to tell us her testimony during Family home evening.
I am so grateful for my little princess. She really is a daughter of the living God. I testify that Baptism is they gate by which you should enter. When it’s performed by those who have the proper authority and the person who is baptized has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, has repented of their sins, and is ready to make a sacred covenant with the Lord.
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Moroni 8:25
25 And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;
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Doctrine and Covenants 39:6
6 And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.
- Moroni 6:33 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.
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Mark 1:4
4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
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Ephesians 4:5
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
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Romans 6:4
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
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Colossians 2:12
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
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1 Peter 3:21
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
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Doctrine and Covenants 112:29
29 And he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not, and is not baptized, shall be damned.
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Mosiah 25:18
18 Therefore, Alma did go forth into the water and did baptize them; yea, he did baptize them after the manner he did his brethren in the waters of Mormon; yea, and as many as he did baptize did belong to the church of God; and this because of their belief on the words of Alma.
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2 Nephi 31:5
5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!
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Galatians 3:27
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
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Ether 4:18
18 Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and believe in my gospel, and be baptized in my name; for he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned; and signs shall follow them that believe in my name.
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Acts 2:38
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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John 3:5
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
I invite you to be baptized into the Lords Church. To find out how, talk to the missionaries.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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