14 years ago
Friday, June 4, 2010
Visiting Teaching Message fom June 2010 Esign
Renewing Covenants through the Sacrament
“Renewing Covenants through the Sacrament,” Ensign, Jun 2010, 7
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
Jesus Christ Instituted the Sacrament
“Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to his Apostles, saying, ‘Take, eat’ (Matt. 26:26). ‘This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19). In a similar manner he took the cup of wine, traditionally diluted with water, said a blessing of thanks for it, and passed it to those gathered about him, saying: ‘This cup is the new testament in my blood,’ ‘which is shed … for the remission of sins.’ ‘This do in remembrance of me.’ …
“Since that upper room experience on the eve of Gethsemane and Golgotha, children of the promise have been under covenant to remember Christ’s sacrifice in this newer, higher, more holy and personal way.”1
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
We Renew Our Baptismal Covenants through the Sacrament
“When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life …
“Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us.”2
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“I was with an eight-year-old girl on the day of her baptism. At the end of the day she said with all confidence, ‘I have been baptized for a whole day, and I haven’t sinned once!’ But her perfect day did not last forever, and I am sure she is learning by now, like we all learn, that as hard as we try, we do not always avoid every bad situation, every wrong choice …
“… It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough. When we make mistakes or choose poorly, we must have the help of our Savior to get back on track. We partake of the sacrament week after week to show our faith in His power to change us. We confess our sins and promise to forsake them.”3
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
Helps for Visiting Teaching
As you come to know a sister and her family, look for ways you might help her renew her covenants through the sacrament. If she does not attend sacrament meeting, could you invite her to attend or offer help for her to do so (transportation, assistance with children, a friend to sit by, and so on)?
Personal Preparation
Photograph by Jerry Garns
Thursday, April 29, 2010
May Visiting Teaching
For the month of May pick a message from your favorite conference talk from the April 2010 General Conference and share that message with the sisters you visit. Find a special way to share your love.
Thank you for all you do. We appreciate you and love you all.
Love,
The Relief Society Presidency
Thank you for all you do. We appreciate you and love you all.
Love,
The Relief Society Presidency
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Visiting Teaching Message fom April 2010 Esign
Seeking and Receiving Personal Revelation
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
How Can I Seek Personal Revelation?
“We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key. Remember Joseph’s preparation for the First Vision:
“‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. …
“‘But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.’”1
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil.
“But that is not all. To one who thought that revelation would flow without effort, the Lord said:
“‘You have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
“‘But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.’”2
President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
How Can I Receive Personal Revelation?
“In its more familiar forms, revelation or inspiration comes by means of words or thoughts communicated to the mind (see Enos 1:10; D&C 8:2–3), by sudden enlightenment (see D&C 6:14–15), by positive or negative feelings about proposed courses of action, or even by inspiring performances, as in the performing arts. As President Boyd K. Packer, … President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has stated, ‘Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound.’”3
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. … Our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught. … Let us enjoy the spiritual strength and the revelation we receive as we attend the temple regularly.”4
Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
Helps for Visiting Teaching
As a visiting teacher, you can receive impressions of the Spirit as to the needs of your sisters and how to meet those needs. As you teach this message, share, as appropriate, any inspiration or help you have received regarding visiting teaching.
Personal Preparation
Photo illustration by Juan Pablo Aragón Armas
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Visiting Teaching Message fom March Esign
Strengthening Faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ through Personal Scripture Study
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
"When I was a new bride, . . . I was invited to a lunch for all of the Relief Society sisters in my ward who had read either the Book of Mormon or a short Church history book. I had become casual in my scripture reading, so I qualified to attend the luncheon by reading the short book because it was easier and took less time. As I was eating my lunch, I had a powerful feeling that though the history book was a good one, I should have read the Book of Mormon. The Holy Ghost was prompting me to change my scripture reading habits. That very day I began to read the Book of Mormon, and I have never stopped. . . . Because I started reading the scriptures daily, I have learned about my Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and what I need to do to be like Them. . . .
" . . . Every woman can be a gospel doctrine instructor in her home, and every sister in the Church needs gospel knowledge as a leader and teacher. If you have not already developed the habit of daily scripture study, start now and keep studying in order to be prepared for your responsibilities in this life and in the eternities."1
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
"A study of the scriptures will help our testimonies and the testimonies of our family members. Our children today are growing up surrounded by voices urging them to abandon that which is right and to pursue, instead, the pleasures of the world. Unless they have a firm foundation in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a testimony of the truth, and a determination to live righteously, they are susceptible to these influences. It is our responsibility to fortify and protect them."2
President Thomas S. Monson.
"We want our sisters to be scholars of the scriptures. . . . You need an acquaintanceship with his eternal truths for your own well being, and for the purposes of teaching your own children and all others who come within your influence."3
"We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorians—whether you are single or married, young or old, widowed or living in a family. . . . Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up!"4
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985).
Notes
1. Julie B. Beck, "My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures," Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 107–9.
2. Thomas S. Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 118.
3. Spencer W. Kimball, "Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters," Ensign, Nov. 1978, 102.
4. Spencer W. Kimball, "The Role of Righteous Women," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102.
Helps for Visiting Teaching
During your visit, answer questions and share insights using the scriptures. Bear testimony of how scripture study has strengthened your faith. Ask the sister you visit to share how her study of the scriptures has strengthened her home and family.
Personal Preparation
John 5:39
2 Timothy 3:14–17
2 Nephi 9:50–51; 31:20; 32:3–5
D&C 138:1–11
Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
"When I was a new bride, . . . I was invited to a lunch for all of the Relief Society sisters in my ward who had read either the Book of Mormon or a short Church history book. I had become casual in my scripture reading, so I qualified to attend the luncheon by reading the short book because it was easier and took less time. As I was eating my lunch, I had a powerful feeling that though the history book was a good one, I should have read the Book of Mormon. The Holy Ghost was prompting me to change my scripture reading habits. That very day I began to read the Book of Mormon, and I have never stopped. . . . Because I started reading the scriptures daily, I have learned about my Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and what I need to do to be like Them. . . .
" . . . Every woman can be a gospel doctrine instructor in her home, and every sister in the Church needs gospel knowledge as a leader and teacher. If you have not already developed the habit of daily scripture study, start now and keep studying in order to be prepared for your responsibilities in this life and in the eternities."1
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
"A study of the scriptures will help our testimonies and the testimonies of our family members. Our children today are growing up surrounded by voices urging them to abandon that which is right and to pursue, instead, the pleasures of the world. Unless they have a firm foundation in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a testimony of the truth, and a determination to live righteously, they are susceptible to these influences. It is our responsibility to fortify and protect them."2
President Thomas S. Monson.
"We want our sisters to be scholars of the scriptures. . . . You need an acquaintanceship with his eternal truths for your own well being, and for the purposes of teaching your own children and all others who come within your influence."3
"We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorians—whether you are single or married, young or old, widowed or living in a family. . . . Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up!"4
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985).
Notes
1. Julie B. Beck, "My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures," Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 107–9.
2. Thomas S. Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 118.
3. Spencer W. Kimball, "Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters," Ensign, Nov. 1978, 102.
4. Spencer W. Kimball, "The Role of Righteous Women," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102.
Helps for Visiting Teaching
During your visit, answer questions and share insights using the scriptures. Bear testimony of how scripture study has strengthened your faith. Ask the sister you visit to share how her study of the scriptures has strengthened her home and family.
Personal Preparation
John 5:39
2 Timothy 3:14–17
2 Nephi 9:50–51; 31:20; 32:3–5
D&C 138:1–11
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