SMM 85: Acting on the Prophet's Invitations at a Hinge Point in Church History - 32420 8.43 PM

Listen to insights about acting on invitations from the prophet as well as thoughts on what a “hinge point in church history” means.

Be Part of the Next Listener Call-in Episode

I start the episode with a reminder about how to be on the next listener call-in episode next week. Here are the instructions about how to call in.

Call ‪(480) 525-7145‬. Call anytime. It doesn’t ring to my phone so you won’t be waking me up or anything. Leave a message sharing the blessings you have received from following President Nelson’s invitations at the last general conference. Keep your answer to less than 3 minutes. Call and record your answer by Friday, March 27, 2020. President Nelson’s Invitations at October 2019 General Conference

Invitations:

“Study prayerfully section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants and discover what the Holy Ghost will teach you.”

“Study prayerfully all the truths you can find about priesthood power. You might begin with the Doctrine and Covenants 84 and 107.”

Prepare for April 2020 general conference by “reading afresh Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision as recorded in the Pearl of Great Price.”

“You may wish to ponder important questions such as, ‘How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?’ or ‘How have the events that followed the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?”

Incorporate the recent Book of Mormon videos into our study.

“Select your own questions. Design your own plan. Immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration.”

Promise:

“As you do, general conference next April will be not only memorable; it will be unforgettable.”

President Nelson’s Invitations via Social Media

November 17, 2019 – Invitation: “Always ask yourself–and prayerfully ask your Father in Heaven–’What can I do to become more like Jesus Christ?’” Promise: Miracles will happen.

November 18, 2019 – Invitation: He had invited young adults in Vietnam to study about the Savior and His atonement in the scriptures. He invited us to do the same. Promise: Enduring joy regardless of present circumstances.

November 20, 2019 – Invitation: “If I had one request to make of you, it would be that you would read the scriptures aloud to your children on a daily basis.  Let them take turns when they can when they are able to read. Promise: “It will help them to have the doctrine of Christ embedded in their minds and in their memory banks at an early age.”

November 21, 2019 – Invitation: “I plead with you to draw near to the Lord and follow His teachings. Emulate His example. Love as He loved.” Promise: “He is our Savior, Redeemer and our Advocate with the Father.”

December 24, 2019 – Invitation: “Draw closer to the Savior.” Promise: “The ability to receive and feel the infinite love that our Savior and our Heavenly Father have for you.”

January 1, 2020 – Invitation: “Be a major part of sharing the message of the ongoing restoration of the Savior’s gospel.” He said to start with the invitations he gave at general conference and reminded us of these invitations to read Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision in the Pearl of Great Price and to ponder important questions. He repeated again to “Select your own questions. Design your own plan” to share the important messages of the ongoing restoration. Promise: Personal preparation will make conference “not only memorable but also unforgettable.”

February 2, 2020 – Invitation: “Pray to the Father in the name of His Son.” Promise: That you and your families may be blessed.”

February 26, 2020 – Invitation: “I invite you to think deeply and often about this key question: How do you hear Him?” Promise: He didn’t list a specific promise but he did say in a later post on March 14th, “I promise that you will receive comfort and peace as you continue to hear Him.”

March 14, 2020 – Invitation: Be comforted by the Savior’s invitation “I the Lord am bound when you do what I say.” Promise: “Joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear Him and obey His laws.”

A Hinge Point in Church History

I shared what I learned from researching what a “hinge point” is.

I talk about a teaching website that shares about hinge-point questions in teaching and how they help a teacher ask questions to students to check if they are ready to move on and in what direction.

I share my thoughts that in the context of President Nelson’s invitations he may be asking us if we are ready to move on and if so, in what direction.

An “Unforgettable” General Conference

I talk about how the conditions we are living in currently and the changes already announced about conference will make it unforgettable. But I also share my belief that another element may be the bigger reason why conference will be unforgettable. Perhaps it is the condition of our heart from our own spiritual preparation that will make it unforgettable.

I illustrate this by sharing the story of Amulek and Alma contending with Zeezrom. I share Alma 12:9-10 to show that God is offering to let us know his mysteries but we have to prepare our hearts. It is up to us to use our agency to pay heed and diligence to Him.

Act Now + Your Part is Vital

After giving his invitations, President Nelson said “the time to act is now.” He also said “your part is vital.”

I give my thought that President Nelson doesn’t want to leave anyone behind. We can use our agency to be prepared to move on.

I also share a quote from a talk given by Elder Jeffery R. Holland where he tells about the story of the brother of Jared found in Ether. I shared this quote from the talk:

“And from that command given to the Lord, for it does seem to be something of a command, the brother of Jared and the reader of the Book of Mormon would never be the same again. Ordinary individuals with ordinary challenges could rend the veil of unbelief and enter the realms of eternity. And Christ, who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem His people, would be standing at the edge of that veil to usher the believer through.”

Figure Out the Invitations for Yourself

I share that I know everyone can find out for themselves how to act on the invitations of President Nelson for themselves. It’s never too late. You can ask the Holy Ghost to teach you what you need to know.

Episode Links

Spiritual Treasures talk from October 2019 by President Nelson
Closing Remarks talk from October 2019 by President Nelson
Invitation to #HearHim
President Nelson’s Facebook Page
Rending the Veil of Unbelief talk by Elder Jeffery R. Holland
Alma 12:9-10

Follow Spiritually Minded Mom

Website: spirituallymindedmom.com
Instagram: @spirituallymindedmom
Facebook: spirituallymindedmom
Podcast: Spiritually Minded Mom on Apple Podcasts
YouTube: Spiritually Minded Mom