Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees

Zion and Jerusalem, June 30^th 2019

SHEPHERDING

Serve, Lift, Heal

Talk given today by Maria Hockett at the Fort Lauderdale, FL Ward

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

Isaiah 35:3

Old Testament

Last month, we celebrated our 6^th anniversary. Our blended family consist of an accumulation o birth, step, adopted and god-children that ad ap to twelve children.  The youngest gradated High School Last month. Six are married, blessing us so far with fourteen grandchildren. I retired from teaching when we married, but I have used my retirement to switch into Life Coaching. Spencer continue to balance working between Atlanta and here until he retires at the end of this year.  We were recently called as the Ward Single Adult Group Leaders and look forward to all that has to offer.

I am going to list several words; and I want you to listen closely and see if you can tell what they all have in common. Ready?  Someone who is sick: the bong; addicts; prisoners; Parents; Priests; Doubters, Widows; Gardeners; Women; Fishermen; One who Dines with Pigs; Haters; Believers; Non-believers; Saints and Sinners; Jews and Gentiles...The Savior ministered to ALL of them. What was his motivation? Pure Love.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

John 3:16-17New Testament

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”Alma 7:11-12Book of Mormon

  “Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.”
Book of Mormon

Alma 7:12-13

“The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judæa, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.”

Acts 10:36-41

New Testament

When Elder Utchdorf addressed the Saints in Florida a few weeks ago. He said: “Our church members here in Florida are some of the finest in the world-people of good heart.” Then he extended an invitation to come and experience what the church has to offer, including opportunities to heal, serve and lift others.

TO SERVE

After my divorce, I was able to save half my rent by living in and staging homes for sale, but it came with strict rules and last-minute notices to move. Despite changing ward boundaries, my previous ward’s Home and Visiting Teachers always came to my rescue to help pull weeds, decorate or help pack boxes. Being in the throws of divorce, they also sat by me in court and helped heal my emotional wounds. In another ward, brother Ariama, from Peru, and his wife Larissa, from Russia, were always there to assist me with whatever I needed. Our children, attended the same Arabic Charter School where I taught; and soon our families became best friends, as we gave and received service from each other.  Though it has been years since I have been in either ward, I still receive calls from loving ward members who have become long-life friends. When we serve from the heart, we continue to love them beyond any assignment, marital status, ward boundary or outcome.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James 1:22-27New Testament

Elder Neil Andersen says: “anyone with a good heart can help someone fix a tire, take a neighbor to the doctor, or have lunch with someone who is sad…but a follower of the first commandment will add to these important acts of service. They will encourage the person who is doing well in keeping the commandments and share wise counsel to strengthen the faith of someone who is slipping; or move someone back to the path once travelled.” “Unlike Changing a flat tire, just one ministering experience rarely fixes a spiritual problem.” It takes many conversations and encouraging experiences that would help rebuild faith. You have to minister again and again as you help someone turn back to God; and again, rely on the Savior and is Atonement.” One of the great stories on ministering to others comes from Alma in The Book of Mormon. (Alma 17-19) Amon, one of the sons of Mosiah, truly gave himself to the teaching and ministering unto his enemies, as he served the Lamanites for fourteen years.

“But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. And they had been teaching the word of God for the space of fourteen years among the Lamanites, having had much success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words many were brought before the altar of God, to call on his name and confess their sins before him. Alma 17:3-4 Book of Mormon

TO LIFT

Home and visiting teaching have put us in the practice and habit of tending to one another’s physical needs.  We have now been given a higher law-that of spiritual ministry. Let us consider how we can personally lift those to whom we are inspired to reach out to.

A common phrase I hear today, especially among our youth is: “You be you and I’ll be me.” This implies that everyone knows what’s best for themselves. God loves us just the way we are so we should not judge or persuade them to be different.  If it makes you happy, do it! Satan is good at his lies and tricks to entrap us, isn’t he?

“And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor. And there are many churches built up which cause envyings, and strifes, and malice. And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever. 2 Nephi 26:20-22Book of Mormon

“O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell! Wo unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of naught and revile against that which is good, and say that it is of no worth! For the day shall come that the Lord God will speedily visit the inhabitants of the earth; and in that day that they are fully ripe in iniquity they shall perish. But behold, if the inhabitants of the earth shall repent of their wickedness and abominations they shall not be destroyed, saith the Lord of Hosts.

But behold, that great and abominable church, the whore of all the earth, must tumble to the earth, and great must be the fall thereof.For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish; For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment. 

Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion! Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well! Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost! Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more!And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall. 

Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough! For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have. 

Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost. Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts. 2 Nephi 28:15-32 Book of Mormon

Through true ministering, we can help others repent, come unto Christ, be healed and prepare for the blessings of eternal life when we lift one another. One of the greatest needs throughout the world is to have more faith in our Heavenly Father and in His son, Jesus Christ; and to have greater willingness to follow the commandments. For, across the world, the younger generation is slipping in its faith. In 1975, the number of young adults 18-24 years of age, with affiliation with a religion was nearly 90%. It is now at 66%.

There are many wonderful, kind people all over the world; for the prophet Joseph Smith said that the pure in heat are everywhere; and there are countless ways we can help others. But our end goal of ministering, is to help others come to know the Savior, deepen their conversion, and become more Christ-like and to enter the covenant path.

“It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity. It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell. Therefore it is an imperative duty that we owe, not only to our own wives and children, but to the widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers have been murdered under its iron hand;Which dark and blackening deeds are enough to make hell itself shudder, and to stand aghast and pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble and palsy. And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart— For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven— These should then be attended to with great earnestness. Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. Doctrine and Covenants 123:7-17 Doctrine and Covenants

Elder Andersen, from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, challenges us to strengthen our efforts to spiritually minister to one another. This can “begin with baking cookies or playing basketball, but eventually, this HOLIER WY OF MINISTERING requires opening your heart and your faith, encouraging the positive growth you are seeing in a friend. And having courage to express concerns about things you see and feel that are not consistent with discipleship.” To me it means, its fine to be you and to celebrate your uniqueness, but in D&C 88:81-83 we learn that we are our brother’s keeper. We need to speak up when you be you is not in their best interest. No one can honestly say that loving others means watching them head towards a cliff and not saying anything, assuming they were fully aware of how they were using their agency.

“Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads. He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken. Doctrine and Covenants 88:81-83 Doctrine and Covenants

Here are some ministering examples Elder Neil Andersen has given us:

·       You notice a friend spend an inordinate amount of time playing games on a smartphone but rarely engages in a conversation relating gospel topics.

·       You notice a family member whose temple attendance has dropped.

·       Someone becomes casual about clothing standards or their choices of movies and media as addressed in the For The Strength of Youth.

·       You notice someone become critical of church leaders

·       You see a friend’s faith being affected by compromised worthiness and need to repent.

Can you envision these situations or others like them? Have specific names come unto min? If so, I encourage you to ponder why and what is that you can do to minister to that person.  Write down and commit to reaching out this week True ministering doesn’t wait to be assigned.

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” 2 Peter 2:20New Testament

After it was truly manifested unto this first elder that he had received a remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the world; But after repenting, and humbling himself sincerely, through faith, God ministered unto him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all other whiteness; And gave unto him commandments which inspired him; And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon; Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;

Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them— Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen. Doctrine and Covenants 20:5-12 Doctrine and Covenants

“Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes.” Doctrine and Covenants 88:86 Doctrine and Covenants

Sometimes our effort to spiritually minister to others might be in helping them see that they are living below their blessings.  This last week in our Atlanta ward, returned missionary spoke about an experience he had.  He was teaching a man in a very bad area in Ogden, Utah. He did not keep appointments or commitments.  There were sketchy people in and out of his apartment all the time; and his apartment was always dark.  Despite their efforts to teach him the gospel, the spirit was not affecting him. He and is companion had a direct conversation with him and told him: “your mood towards God has to change before you can receive the Spirit and light of God into your life. When James learned to repent; and he did, accountable enough to change, then actual life penetrated his apartment.  Yes, he opened the curtains, but also the bands of sin in his life were beginning to be break. Not only did his apartment become brighter, but so did his countenance.  The sketchy people seemed to stay at the door or stop coming around. His personal integrity improved as he began to keep commitments to himself and others. His demeanor changed and somehow work became easier to find as well. He was lifted from depression. The man began to be restored and to again live for his blessings.

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:9-10New Testament For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.  How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matthew 18:11-17New Testament And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying:

 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.

Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. 

For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. 

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.

 Therefore thus saith the Lord God unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it. And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God. And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God. Ezekiel 34:1-31Old TestamentScriptures 

TO HEAL

As we do the work of Christ and participate in the healing of others, great blessings will flow…To Him who healed each of us, to Him who has wrapped us in his loving arms, to Him who has offered us the healing balm of His Atonement, we can offer great gratitude and our solemn effort to help heal our brothers and sisters. This is truly the healer’s art.

 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Mark 2:17New Testament

When sister Boyack spoke at General Conference, she told of a time when she pondered the question: what were Christ’s works upon the earth? She though of Service and Healing. She thought service I can do, but healing! With further refection she was able to see how ministering can help others receive the Lord’s healing. Her list includes: Visiting the sick and afflicted, bearing one another’s burden, providing comfort and listening or paying attention. In Mosiah 18:9 Alma taught that Christ’s followers are willing to mourn with those that mourn and stand with those who stand in need of comfort. Giving comfort encompasses thoughtfulness, compassion and charity in a way that wraps those who are afflicted in loving arms to help them face their suffering and struggles.

“And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.” Mosiah 18:8-11Book of Mormon

During his mortal ministry, The Lord Jesus Christ healed the sick and afflicted. He gave his disciples power and authority to heal and taught that the gift of healing is one of the signs of those that believe. Modern revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith reaffirmed these principles and identified both the faith to be healed and the faith to heal as gifts of the spirit.

Teachings of Joseph Smith

The sick may be healed through faith and the exercise of priesthood power, according to the Lord’s will. “What is the sign of the healing of the sick? The laying on of hands is the sign or way marked out by James, and the custom of the ancient Saints as ordered by the Lord, and we cannot obtain the blessing by pursuing any other course except the way marked out by the Lord [see James 5:14–15].” …  On July 22, in the midst of the sickness that afflicted so many, the Saints witnessed what Elder Wilford Woodruff would call “a day of God’s power.”¹ That morning the Prophet arose, called upon the Lord in prayer, and, being filled with the Spirit of the Lord, administered to the sick in his house, in the yard outside, and down by the river. He crossed the river and visited the home of Brigham Young in Montrose to give him a healing blessing. Then, in company with Sidney Rigdon, Brigham Young, and other members of the Twelve, he continued on his mission of mercy among other Iowa Saints. Elder Woodruff recalled one of the most memorable healings of that day: “We crossed the public square, and entered Brother [Elijah] Fordham’s house. Brother Fordham had been dying for an hour, and we expected each minute would be his last. I felt the power of God that was overwhelming his Prophet. When we entered the house, Brother Joseph walked up to Brother Fordham, and took him by the right hand. … He saw that Brother Fordham’s eyes were glazed, and that he was speechless and unconscious. “After taking hold of his hand, [the Prophet] looked down into the dying man’s face and said: ‘Brother Fordham, do you not know me?’ At first he made no reply; but we could all see the effect of the Spirit of God resting upon him. “[Joseph] again said: ‘Elijah, do you not know me?’ With a low whisper, Brother Fordham answered, ‘Yes!’ The Prophet then said, ‘Have you not faith to be healed?’“The answer, which was a little plainer than before, was: ‘I am afraid it is too late. If you had come sooner, I think I might have been.’ He had the appearance of a man awaking from sleep. It was the sleep of death. Joseph then said: ‘Do you not believe that Jesus is the Christ?’ ‘I do, Brother Joseph,’ was the response. “Then the Prophet of God spoke with a loud voice, as in the majesty of the Godhead: ‘Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole!’ “The words of the Prophet were not like the words of man, but like the voice of God. It seemed to me that the house shook from its foundation. Elijah Fordham leaped from his bed like a man raised from the dead. A healthy color came to his face, and life was manifested in every act. His feet were done up in [cornmeal] poultices. He kicked them off his feet, scattering the contents, and then called for his clothes and put them on. He asked for a bowl of bread and milk, and ate it; then put on his hat and followed us into the street, to visit others who were sick.”² In a time of dire need, the Saints experienced an outpouring of the gift of healing at the hands of the Prophet.

One woman who faced a spiritual and moral struggle shared: “They looked past my present person and saw my promising potential to become someone greater, wiser, kinder. I look back on my former self and sometimes cringe with a bit of embarrassment for my ignorance. A bit of shame for my transgressions and sinful ways. But the sting of what is followed by the healing balm that is grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. When I see there were people around me, showering me with those things, the sting goes away.  I can se they were helping me heal. They were creating a safe environment around me where The Savior, The Master healer, could work on me.”

“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:28-31New Testament

If we follow the pattern of the Savior, most of our ministering will be from one person to another like the Samaritan woman by the well; or like the blind leper at the waters of Bathsheba. When members of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles minister, they seek individuals, following the one by one principle found in 3 Nephi 11:15 and 17:21 in helping to serve, lift, heal and bless; or to do something to help an individual or a family.

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. 3 Nephi 11:15-17Book of Mormon And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. 3 Nephi 17:21Book of Mormon

As we search the scriptures, in order to emulate Jesus in his works of healing, we read of him doing one thing over and over. He paid attention to those around him. Christ noticed people. He spoke to the Samaritan woman despite cultural taboos. He blessed children and ministered to lepers, sinner and outcasts. He gave his attention to each of them. We can say Hello, and ask about someone’s day, their goals and struggles. We may never know the healing balm that our efforts may be to those around us who are lonely, depressed, o weak.  Simple gestures can have a powerful influence for good.

Heavenly father’s children need nurturing. We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth. He is expecting each of us to do our part. As latter-day saints, we have covenanted to provide that type of divine care; by bearing one another’s burdens; by mourning with those that mourn and comforting those who stand in need of comfort. The type of ministering that matters includes love and compassion, a listening ear, prayers and putting names in prayer rolls at the temple and priesthood blessings. It includes temporal and spiritual support and teaching with the spirit. Ministering is also testifying.  We, members of the living church of God, have covenanted to stand as whiteness of God at all times and in all things and in all places. Sharing our testimonies is part of standing as a witness; and it is a powerful way to invite the Holy Ghost to touch someone’s heart and change their life. We can bear witness of him when we testify of how he has helped us in our own trials and tribulations.  

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.1 Corinthians 13:1-8 New Testament

As we extend to these souls the hand that helps and the heart that knows compassion, we will bring joy and improvement into their lives. And we will experience the rich satisfaction that comes to us when we help another along the pathway to eternal life. If we act upon the promptings of the Holy Ghost we can accomplish much good, for there are lives to enlighten, to touch and to save. Our and ours alone is the sacred privilege to serve, lift and heal many of those precious souls entrusted into our care.  I am ever so grateful to those who have lovingly served me, lifted my spirit, encouraged me to repent or assisted me in healing my inner wounds.

I would like to end this errand with a poem written by Thomas Kay, (President Nelson’s  Neighbor)

Than God for all who give relief for those who really care

Who put their arms around the weak and plead for them in prayer

Thank God for those who hear the heart and listen to the words

Who know a look or gentle touch mean more than all the world

Thank God for those who lift the hands and strengthen the feeble knees

WHO GO ABOUT RESTORING SOULS IN QUIET MINISTERING.

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.Isaiah 35:3Old Testament Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12-13New Testament And in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord. Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees. And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality, and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father. Behold, and lo, these are the words of Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ. Amen. Doctrine and Covenants 81:4-7Doctrine and Covenants

My Name is Miguel Angel Tinoco Rod-Tree-Jesse, I am a silent minister of the Lord Jesus Christ and a servant in his hands.

I am today acting merely as a Scribe of his kingdom. I have been commanded to write by God and for God. The above speech was given today in Sacrament meeting by Sister Maria Hockett. I asked her to give it to me for I intended to share it with a few loved ones; and I therefore transcribed it. But as I went along the way, the power of the Aaronic priesthood which has the key of ministering of angels and the lettering of the gospel, roughed me to make minor variation in such a speech in in order to restore the parts that she may have left out or crossed away, but which were pleasing to God.  And I did this because I can, and the credentials remain with me, yet I do all things in accordance to the revelations and commandments of God in order to feed a greater number of the Lord’s Sheep and adapt it to all audiences.

The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:20

Doctrine and Covenants

Scriptures

And I also was inspired to add unto it, the law and the testimony; or all the binding, pertinent supporting scriptures to give light and authority to the inspired and exquisite words and work of the sister. For thus it is weitten:

 “To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
 2 Nephi 18:20 Book of Mormon( Compare with Isaiah 8)

And I do this as one having authority to confirm the faith we share with a single eye to the honor and glory of God and God alone. And I do this in the sacred name of our Lord and Master, even in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.