The Apostle Paul taught:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
“Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him and trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. Because he has experienced all our pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties.” (Anna Evans, New Era, Sep 2011)
Instructions:
1. Complete three selections from any of the 2011 or 2010 experiences.
2. Complete the service project.
3. Fill out the evaluation form as you work to complete your experieces and give it to your Ward Relief Society President when you are finished.
2011-2012 FAITH PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPERIENCES
1. Bishop Richard C. Edgley, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric said,
“Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism.” (Ensign, Nov 2010)
Read his remarks "Faith - The Choice is Yours" Record in your journal or share with a friend about a time when Faith in Jesus Christ helped you through a difficult time.
2. Mary, the mother of Christ, is an example of a faithful woman. Read about Mary in the New Testament, helpful references are found in "Mary" Bible Dictionary and "Mary Mother of Jesus" LDS Guide to the Scriptures. Ponder how faith helped Mary to fulfill the great responsibility of being the mother of the Messiah. Record in your journal how her example makes you feel.
3. In your own home or other setting, plan and present a family home evening lesson about what your personal righteousness experience has taught you about the importance of faith, and the importance obedience. You can work with another sister to accomplish this goal.
4. Many of the speakers in General Conference use personal experiences to illustrate gospel principles. Watch General Conference or read some conference talks. Note some stories that are used to illustrate the principle of faith. Write down two or three personal stories of your own or of your ancestors or children that can be used to illustrate the principle of faith.
5. Bear your testimony about what you have learned about Faith and the blessing it is to have Faith in Jesus Christ in Fast and Testimony meeting or Relief Society meeting.
6. Bonnie D. Parkin, Former Relief Society general president said:
“As we exercise faith in the Lord, we learn to trust that His promises to us will be fulfilled. We have confidence that we will not be left alone, for the Lord will be our source of strength. His peace that passeth understanding will fill our souls. Sisters, seek faith in the Savior first.” (Liahona, Feb 2004)
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said,
“We live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.”
Read "Face The Future With Faith" by Elder Nelson (Ensign, May 2011) and see how we can overcome our fear of the in our constantly changing world by increasing our faith and trust in the Lord.
7. Prepare and offer (to a member of your Bishopric) to give a Sacrament talk on Faith. You might want to share your resources, why you selected that value, what you gained from your particular attention to the value, and you could even mention some members of the ward who exemplify these qualities. Jot down those flashes of inspiration you receive during your preparation and share them if appropriate. If you keep a copy of your talk in your journal, you can revisit and relive those experiences many times over.
8. Learn more about the sacrament. Using your scriptures or the "Study Helps - Last Supper" on the Church’s website, study what the Savior taught his disciples at the Last Supper. Read the following conference talks or two of your own choosing. Ponder how you can make Sacrament Meeting and the ordinance of the Sacrament more meaningful in your life.
"Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament" by Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (Liahona, Nov 2008) "The Sabbath and the Sacrament" by Elder L. Tom Perry (Ensign, May 2011)
9. Design your own selection to help you learn more about Faith and apply what you learned to your daily life. (Please describe your selection on the evaluation form)
Service Project –
The Prophet Alma taught this important principle in Alma 37:34:
“Teach [the people] to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.”
There are many ways to give simple service to others. If you need ideas, your Relief Society President may know of service opportunities in the ward or stake. (No time measurement is given for this service project because service opportunities vary in length and intensity. Please use your judgement as a guide.)
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2010 - FAITH: PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPERIENCES
1. Read and study about faith from the scriptures and the living prophets. Read James 1:5-6, James 2:14-26, Ether 12:4-27, Moroni 7:20-48, D&C 63:7-11, 90:24 and Joseph Smith-History 1:11-20. Read two general conference talks on faith and record your impressions in your journal. Exercise your own faith by establishing or re-establishing a habit of more purposeful and consistent prayer in your life (including morning and evening and family prayer). After three weeks of this pattern, discuss with a family member, friend or leader what you have learned about faith and daily personal and family prayer.
2. In order for faith to lead to salvation, it must be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ (Read Acts 4:10–12; Mosiah 3:17; Moroni 7:24–26; Articles of Faith 1:4). We can exercise faith in Christ when we have an assurance that He exists, a correct idea of His character, and a knowledge that we are striving to live according to His will.
Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. Because He has experienced all our pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties (see Alma 7:11–12; D&C 122:8). He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33) and prepared the way for us to receive eternal life. He is always ready to help us as we remember His plea: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36).
Based on reading the above and Ether 12:4-27 plus two General Conference talks on faith, ponder your testimony and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Record your impressions and feelings in your journal. Write down one or two action steps you can take to increase your faith in the Savior. Apply these in your life for three weeks and record your thoughts and impressions.
3. The Atonement is the supreme expression of our Heavenly Father’s love for us (see John 3:16) It is also the greatest expression of the Savior’s love for the Father and for us (see John 14:28-31; John 15:9-13; D&C 34:3; D&C 138:1-4). Through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can ultimately dwell forever in our Heavenly Father’s presence, having been “made perfect through Jesus” (see D&C 76:62, 69). Increase your understanding of the atonement of Jesus Christ through sincere repentance by reading 2 Nephi 9:6-7, 2Nephi 9:21-26; Alma 7:11-13; Alma 34:8-17; D&C 19:15-20 and D&C 58:42. Read and study “Beauty for Ashes: The Atonement of Jesus Christ,” by Elder Bruce C. Hafen, April 1990 Ensign and “Born of God,” by President Ezra Taft Benson, July 1989 Ensign. In your journal write your feelings about the Savior and what he has done for you. Read Preach My Gospel – Sections on Repentance, pages 62-63, 187-190. For three weeks apply the process of repentance on one area of your life. You may want to share your feelings in a testimony meeting.
In your own home or other setting, plan and present a family home evening lesson about how your personal righteousness experience has increased your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And how your increased faith has blessed your life.
Select and complete one additional personal righteousness experience from the following or write one of your own or study a General Conference talk and apply a principle taught.
4. Learn more about the sacrament. Read about the Last Supper in Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24, and Luke 22:17-20. Read two general conference talks on the sacrament or keeping the Sabbath day holy. Establish a pattern of pondering during the sacrament by listening carefully to the sacrament hymn and prayers. Think about why we partake of the bread and water. After three weeks of following this pattern, write in your journal some of the promises you make as you partake of the sacrament and remember your baptismal covenants.
5. Discover the principles of faith taught by the mothers of Helaman’s stripling warriors. Read Alma 56:45-48 and Alma 57:21. Review what The Family: A Proclamation to the World and Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: Building up a Righteous Posterity, February 9, 2008, say about our roles and who we are as wives, mothers and women in the Church, our homes and communities. With a family member, friend or leader discuss the qualities a woman needs to teach others to have faith and to base their decisions on gospel truths. How can these principles help you in your life today and help you in your role as wife, mother, teacher, leader and a true follower of Jesus Christ.
6. Increase your understanding of the Plan of Salvation. Resources for study include 2 Nephi 9:1-28, 2Nephi 11:4-7, Moses 4:1-4, 1 Corinthians 15:21 2, Revelation 12:7-9, D&C 76:50-113, D&C 93:33-34, Abraham 3:24-27, and Preach My Gospel, pages 47-54. Draw or obtain a picture that depicts the plan of salvation, including the pre-mortal existence, birth, mortal life, death, judgment, and life after judgment. Using this picture, explain the plan of salvation to your family, or a friend. Discuss how knowledge of the plan affects your actions.
7. The Lord has commanded us to pay tithing. Read D&C 119 and Malachi 3:8-12. Obedience to the law of tithing is an evidence of your faith, pay a full tithe. After three months, record in your journal how paying tithing has helped your faith grow. List blessings in your life, both large and small, that have come because of your faith.
Service Project –
The Prophet Alma taught this important principle in Alma 37:34:
“Teach [the people] to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.”
There are many ways to give simple service to others. If you need ideas, your Relief Society President may know of service opportunities in the ward or stake. (No time measurement is given for this service project because service opportunities vary in length and intensity. Please use your judgement as a guide.)
