Elder Madsen's special visit

I returned home recently from a special fireside for our stake from Elder John M Madsen of the Seventy. He was called in August of 1992. He is here for a stake conference in a different stake and as a favor to his brother who is in our stake high council, he came and spoke. He focused on many powerful principles that are found in the History of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He started with Joseph Smith History 1:11 to help understand how we receive revelation- 'laboring under extreme difficulties' and reading epistle of James'; comparing the labor to what we face living in this world and Joseph's reading to the importance of reading the scriptures. He also spoke of the importance of pondering what we read in the scriptures (v12), of acting (v13), and communing with God (v15). Elder Madsen said about daily scripture study and it's importance, "In that atmosphere, the Lord will whisper instruction to your mind." He also reminded us of another principle of truth using Joseph's example as he kneeled to pray in the grove to understand truth and was siezed upon by some unseen being. Elder Madsen then said, 'when the adversary attacks, it means great things are about to happen', just as Joseph experience following the darkness-he saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. He opened the dispensation of the fullness of times by God's hand following this event. Satan was very aware that Joseph would be an annoyer and disturber of his plans, just as he is aware of us and how we are able to thwart his work. "We are only chosen if we are righteous" as my bishop said last week at ward conference. Satan is very aware of our potential and purpose here and will stop at nothing to keep us from accomplishing our work here: the Lord's work.

It was a wonderful meeting full of truth and the whisperings of the Spirit. I am grateful I was able to attend.