Thursday, October 31, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The Lord’s mercy – often comes in moments of need – from unexpected sources!!

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

There may come a time – when it feels as if a master switch has been turned off – when you no longer have a need – or – maybe you no longer have a desire – to make contributions in classes!!

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If we are not careful – during our golden years – we could become overcome with sadness – when we realize our thoughts – are no longer viewed – as being precious!

Monday, October 28, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Directions for our personal advancement – which come by the whisperings of the Holy Spirit – usually only come – as a result – or our having initiated the conversation – through prayer!!

Sunday, October 27, 2019

TRUE CONVERSION

As we continue reading the remarkable account of Ammon and his brother’s missionary work among the Lamanites we find the following account of the conversion of the children of Lehi who had previously referred to themselves as Lamanites, but now took upon themselves the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehies (Alma 23: 17).

And now it came to pass that when the king had sent forth this proclamation, that Aaron and his brethren went forth from city to city, and from one house of worship to another, establishing churches, and consecrating priests and teachers throughout the land among the Lamanites, to preach and to teach the word of God among them; and thus they began to have great success.

And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they were taught the records and prophecies which were handed down even to the present time.

And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.

For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren.

Now, these are they who were converted unto the Lord:
(Alma 23: 4-8)

Having had the experience of witnessing many people bear testimony of knowing the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus the Christ and thereafter falling away, it makes me marvel that this vast community of Anti-Nephi-Lehies, in spite of having many trials pressed down upon them, never wavered in their conviction.

The great difference between the converts I have observed during my life and that of the Lamanite converts who lived in what are now called the Americas during the last century before the birth of the Savior, has brought into my mind many ponderings about why this difference exists.

It seems we can rule out, since the basic gospel message has remained unchanged and the Holy Spirit continues to fulfill His office as the Testator, people in all dispensations should have equal opportunity of once having received an understanding of the truth, being able to remain strong in their faith.

If the Lord has promised never to test us beyond our ability to resist, are peoples of different times subjected to different levels of temptation, or do they have different levels of ability to resist?

Is it possible that the expectancy level of obedience the Lord places on different generations is not a constant?

Why do children of seemingly faithful parents not grasp the principles of truth to the same degree?

Why do any of us seem to frequently vacillate in the degree of conviction to the principle of the Gospel?


I recently received a response to one of my Thoughts from a dear friend and mentor which I think could be helpful as we ponder the phenomena of unequal conversions.

In this transient life we make choices and decisions, but we do so with at best a confused and muddled understanding; a confused and dim picture dependent on the influences around us.

To the extent that men (and women) who influence us are right, and to the extent that our interpretations and discernment affords us true grasp of what they teach us, then our choices MAY be right. Not completely right because between the receiving of revelation (or insight for that matter), the intellectual grasp of a message from the infinite, the conversion of the message into human language, the transmission of that message to another whose personal use and grasp of language differ from the prophets (or another person’s) and the actuation of that message, it will of necessity become altered.

The reception of a message from a prophet is not equivalent to a message to a prophet.

Having received much input from others and from God’s spirit from His world, we exercise our agency, make decisions and commitments; then we die.

We, in life, have seen through a glass darkly, but then face to face.

Now, at last, how would one say, how could I say that, knowing that indeed God is God, not only great but Infinite, could anyone possibly continually make such a self destructive choice?

Agency persists however. With agency, there must be consequences.
(Paul Maddox)

And therein we find many answers to our quandaries.

Because of Agency it is absolutely certain that the consequences of choices will result in vast differences of conversion durability and quality.

Because of the consequences which attend agency we need not fear about eternal absolute justice.

Because of Agency we will always be amiss in trying to make dispensational or individual comparisons.

Because we now walk inside of the glass darkly, the total understanding of the mysterious dispensational work of Heavenly Father with His children will have to wait until that Eternal day when we become children of the light.


Since my personal struggle with the process of remaining constant, committed and converted to those things I have born witness of is ongoing and the inspirational informational input seems endless, it would be well for me to allow my neighbor the privacy of their personal journey in a world operated and sustained by the Divine principle of Agency,


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE


Saturday, October 26, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Expecting all people – to experience spiritual manifestations – in the same way – or – from the same stimuli – is far from realistic!!

Friday, October 25, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

When the Lord has called you – to be one of His instruments – and – given you a stewardship – which could have an effect on the lives of others – the Holy Spirit will awaken your mind – and – make sure you receive the inspired instructions – necessary to guide those you have been called to serve!!

Thursday, October 24, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Mortal tests – and – trials – are not always a result – of our personal use of Agency!!

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Readiness to accept an invitation – to come unto Christ – depends almost entirely on the preparedness – of the invitee – to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit – not on the talents – or – abilities of the inviter!!

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

When others reject our invitation – to come unto Christ – it is not a condemnation of our efforts – but their – proper use of the law of Agency!!

Monday, October 21, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Even the most devout – those who try to hold tightly to the rod – and – those who stay steadfast on the path of righteousness – will occasionally – lose their hand grip – or – stumble off of the path!!

Sunday, October 20, 2019

COMING UNTO JESUS THE CHRIST

I had barely read the introduction to chapter 19 of the Book of Alma in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ when my mind diverted my attention from the page and I started down a pondering detour about the variety of paths which I have observed people taking on their journey of coming unto Jesus the Christ.

I have known many whom I always identify in the catalogue of my mind as those who are ‘born with believing spirits’. From their earliest recollections they have always believed in the existence of God. This gift never seemed to vary even though their personal journey through the religions of the world may have taken many twists and turns. Some of those in this category are born into families which are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There are many others who come to be members of that church later in life, but their faith in God did not begin with that affiliation. There are some who never become acquainted with the restored gospel and even may have an alternate name for their deity, but retain a lifelong belief and never doubt the existence of God.

Another listing in my mind’s catalogue might be titled ‘life altering events converts’. These are they who usually have little interest one way or another in religion or the existence of God, but because of one of many different but spectacular events, they were put on a wondering journey about the purpose of life and a curiosity about the existence of a higher power. These events include the death of a loved one, a personal physical or emotional affliction, a dramatic loss of wealth, work status, honor and prestige, a change in family or marriage along with a myriad of other sudden changes which come upon mankind. I have noticed that if some action such as scriptural study or affiliation with some religious organization does not quickly follow the life altering event, the moment seems to be lost and those belonging to this group return to their former comfort zone or even become condemning of a deity they don’t believe in.

The next group which I see in my mind’s catalogue would best be titled ‘divine intervention converts’. Although many of those in this category seem to be those who were chosen before the foundation of the world to be the Lord’s prophets and leaders, I have witnessed that there are those who tend but a small corner in the Lord’s vineyard who may also have come unto to Jesus the Christ because of some sort of divine intervention. For every Moses and the Burning Bush, there are thousands whom God has touched in such a way that they spend their lives nurturing little children. For every Paul on the road to Damascus, there are thousands whom God has touched in such a way that they spend nights sleeping on hard ground dedicated to teaching sons and daughters important skills of life. For every Joseph in the Sacred Grove, there are thousands whom God has touched in such a way that they minister by giving of their lives and talents so that others are helped in their journey of coming unto Jesus the Christ. For every Mother Teresa in the streets of Calcutta, there are thousand whom God has touched in such a way that they endlessly kneel beside the afflicted and hold the hands of the sorrowing.

The group which probably has the largest population in my cataloguing of those who have come unto Jesus the Christ is the ‘believers on those who believe’ group. The group upon which this group put their foundation of belief is almost as large as the group itself. They may have built their belief upon the belief of a parent or a missionary or a friend, or a church leader or a Prophet or an Apostle etc. One thing we know for sure about this group is that if they don’t pay the price to build upon whatever stones make up their foundation by personal study and prayer they will shortly be found wandering and become one of the lost sheep.

There is one last group I want to reveal from the list in my mind, which could actually be categorized as one or two groups. The title I have given to this group is the ‘line upon line group’. The reason I identify two groups in this category is that some line upon liner’s are ones who simply want to continue to build by searching for a new stone to add to their library of belief, while others in this group when they find a new stone must first examine it in great detail before they cautiously add it to their library of belief. It is interesting that the two groups often find some fault with each others journey. The first group never understands why anyone would ever question or doubt a doctrine or principle, whereas, the second group has difficulty with the blindness and lack of understanding with which the first group accepts every word. I have a personal belief that no matter how our journey of coming unto Jesus the Christ begins all of us must become line upon liner’s if we are to have hope of enduring.


Returning to chapter 19 of the Book of Alma in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ and rereading the conversion stories of King Lamoni, his wife and one of the servants of the King named Abish we are reminded of the many mysterious ways in which the work and glory of Heavenly Father takes place during the process of His children coming unto Jesus the Christ.

King Lamoni is so overcome by the Spirit that he is presumed to be dead.

His wife is so impressed with Ammon that she recognizes him as a holy prophet of God.

Ammon bears witness of the conversion which is taking place with King Lamoni and of the cloud of darkness which is being removed.

King Lamoni has a vision of his Redeemer who will redeem all mankind.

Abish was converted to God because of the belief she had in a vision her father had received.

Abish recognized that what was happening was due to the power of God.

Ammon teaches the word and all who hears him are converted.

The people undergo a change in their hearts where they no longer have desire to do evil.


Although there are many who resist the invitation to come unto Jesus the Christ and even those who, once having grasped the rod lose their grip and turn away, Alma’s closing words in this chapter should always be remembered.

The Spirit of the Lord is poured out upon all of Heavenly Father’s children.

The Lord’s arm is extended to all of Heavenly Father’s people.

All of Heavenly Father’s children have need to believe on the name of Jesus the Christ and to repent.


As I come to the end of my pondering stimulated by this wonderful chapter in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ I feel impressed to include the following thoughts.

Like all the other differences which make us who we are as individuals, the path which we take in our journey as we strive to come unto Jesus the Christ will be unique.

We should never be intimidated nor feel inferior because our personal journey of belief seems less spectacular than that of a neighbor.

We should be confident that our Heavenly Father knows each of His children and therefore knows the stepping stones to put in their path to help them on their journey of coming unto Jesus the Christ.

We should avoid losing hope or condemning the path others may be taking in their journey of coming unto Jesus the Christ.

We must avoid in every way becoming a stumbling block to someone else’s journey.

We must gain the confidence that the Lord will bless us with the Holy Spirit to guide us in our journey.


I end this thought with a sincere prayer that each us will be led in such a way that our journey of coming unto Jesus the Christ will be full of the stepping stones which aid our personal conversion pattern.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE

Saturday, October 19, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The expression – ‘the show must go on’ – was undoubtedly uttered – by singers who never suffered laryngitis – or – dancers who have never suffered a broken leg!!

Friday, October 18, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It would be well to learn – confessions of sins – should be a private matter – and – hallowed as a personal privilege!!

Thursday, October 17, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It would be well to learn – public confession of sins – should never be – part of the repentance process!!

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Even though it is often taught – that the Mercy of God cannot rob Justice – it is also true – that the Mercy of God is unrestrained – and – that the Justice of God is always Merciful!!

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

If we have ever questioned – whether the Mercy – and – Grace of God – will be withheld – from any of Heavenly Father’s children – we yet lack an understanding of the depth of His universal Love!!

Monday, October 14, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Jesus the Christ – although being sinless – had to go through the learning experience of the Atonement – where – He suffered for our sins – He vicariously came to know all sin – thereby adding to His perfection – of coming to know all things!!

Sunday, October 13, 2019

SHEPHERDS AND MISSIONARIES

After Ammon separates from his brothers he enters into a portion of the Land of the Lamanites called the Land of Ismael which is ruled over by the son of the King of the Lamanites named Lamoni. (Alma 18)

Ammon’s personal mission report begins by relating a story of how he becomes a servant to Lamoni, is sent out to assist in guarding the king’s sheep and ends up disarming the thieves who attempt to scatter the flocks and steal them.

Three thoughts immediately entered my mind as I was reading once again these wondrous events which transpired at the beginning of his mission. First, all the young boys who are working their way through The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ for the first time are suddenly very attentive to what they are reading. Second, the line we used to use in Reno when slot machines had an arm which was pulled about this being the origin of one armed bandits, probably wouldn’t be understood by the present generation who are only acquainted with slot machines which have buttons to push. And third, is one of the reasons missionaries try to include something harrowing when they report their missions is because Ammon included this fantastic example?

Anyway, regardless of our own feelings about what took place at the beginning of Ammon’s mission, what happened as a result borders on the miraculous.

Lamoni is astonished at the physical power of Ammon.

Lamoni is amazed that Ammon has the power to discern his thoughts.

Lamoni begins to wonder if Ammon is the Great Spirit.

Lamoni is chagrined about having sent the Great Spirit to prepare the horses and chariot for a journey.

Lamoni becomes humble and teachable.


Although the names, events and places may change the process of becoming humble and teachable which leads to coming unto God always seem to remain the same.

An individual must come to the understanding that no matter how powerful they might be or what honor may have been bestowed upon them there exists a power greater than they are.

A person must come to the understanding that Heavenly Father calls and sets apart individuals to be shepherds.

A person must recognize that their understanding is elementary and that there is much more they do not understand.

A person must become sufficiently humble to accept the teachings brought to them by one of the Lord’s shepherds.


Anyone who has had the privilege of being called to tend a portion of the Lord’s flocks, quickly understands that of the components which exist in the dynamics of missionary work; the readiness of the person being taught, the provider of the word and the Holy Spirit, the least dynamic of these elements is the provider of the word.

No matter how prepared and learned the provider of the word is if the listener is not humbly prepared to be taught or if the Holy Spirit is not allowed to testify of the truthfulness of the words conversion will not happen.

Once all these components were in place Lamoni was ready to accept the words Ammon would teach and Ammon was able to begin to teach with boldness starting where Lamoni’s understanding was and then expanding that knowledge.

Ammon taught Lamoni that the Great Spirit he believed in was the very God who dwells in Heaven and who knows the thoughts and intents of all our hearts.

Ammon taught Lamoni about man being created in the image of God.

Ammon taught Lamoni that we come to know the truth when we are called to teach by the Holy Spirit and it is by that same Holy Spirit that we can come to know that which is just and true.

Ammon taught Lamoni about the creation of Adam and Eve and the fall of man from the presence of God.

Ammon taught Lamoni the words of the prophets from the holy scriptures.

Ammon taught Lamoni about the causes of the separation of the children of Lehi.

Ammon taught Lamoni the Plan of Redemption

Lamoni feels and understands the mercy of God.


Just as missionaries throughout the ages are very familiar with the process Ammon describes in Lamoni’s coming unto Christ and although the conversions we may witness during our lives may not be as dramatic and end as climatic as that of Lamoni’s the essential components and progression will seldom vary from the pattern found in this account.

I am impressed to emphasize one last time the absolute necessity of the readiness of the listener and the manifestation of the truth through the Holy Spirit, lest for some reason we fall into the trap of thinking our part was of great importance. All we need to remind us of our place is to reread the results of Moses taking credit for bringing water to the Israelites or David overvaluing his importance.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE

Saturday, October 12, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

I wonder when we are counting our blessings – if we should express our gratefulness for those who have helped us – become stronger in faith – love more abundantly – find joy in living peacefully – along with many other positive emotions – and – feelings??

Friday, October 11, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We must be careful – that our tolerance level – does not rise so high – that it drowns our ability to distinguish – right from wrong!!

Thursday, October 10, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

There are times – when the words we use in the church – cause confusion – when used in context – or – situations – outside of the church!!

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Once we start expressing our gratefulness – for our blessings – we will probably discover – more and more – how abundantly we have been blessed!!

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

When our mountain of stuff – becomes so abundant – that worrying about it – hampers our happiness – it may definitely be time – to eliminate some of our things!!

Monday, October 7, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Since the seeds we plant – grow into the same type of plant – from which they came – why would we spend our days – sowing seeds of contention – and – hate??

Sunday, October 6, 2019

SENT FORTH TO TEACH

There is no doubt every time I come to chapter 17 of the Book of Alma in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ my body has a jolt of pleasantness pass through it because of the anticipation of the joyful journey I will be taking as I search the mission report of Ammon, Aaron, Omni and Himni which is recorded in the next 10 chapters.

As I begin reading I am once again reminded of the great opportunity I missed by not using the example of these sons of King Mosiah as a powerful teaching moment when Kathleen and I had the privilege of serving as the leaders of the Colombia Bogota North mission.

If I could have another chance at teaching during one of those zone conferences I would use verses 2-18 of chapter 17 to teach the missionaries the following qualities which qualify us to go forth as one of the Lord’s missionaries:

Willing to forsake all (for these sons this included not becoming King)

Prepared themselves with the necessities of keeping safe

Inspired to go unto the Lamanites who lacked any understanding of the gospel

Went forth with the desire to bring the Lamanites unto redemption through repentance

Knew they were instruments in the hands of God

Were comforted by the Spirit

Finding joy in being in the brotherhood and sisterhood of the Lord

Diligently search the scripture to come to know the word of God

Giving oneself up to much prayer and fasting

Gaining the spirit of prophecy

Gaining the spirit of revelation

Teaching with power through the authority of God

Taught by example as well as the word

Were patient trusting in the Lord

Accepted long-suffering as part of their commission

Were endowed with courage

Were blessed and sent forth by one having authority (Ammon)


With hind sight being the ever great teacher, as I review the concepts just stated I would have had material for several Zone Conferences.

In the beginning of his book Teach Ye Diligently on pages two and three Elder Boyd K. Packer makes the following observations about members of the church and teaching:

Every member of the Church teaches virtually their whole lifetime

Whenever we are expounding on any doctrine in any place we are teaching

All who serve beginning with the Prophet of the Lord teach

The Church goes forward sustained by the power of the teaching that is accomplished


As he concludes his book Elder Packer, invokes the following blessings of God, given in the name of Him who died that we might live, the Son of God , the Redeemer of the world, Jesus the Christ, upon all who teach:

That He will quicken your understanding

That He will increase your wisdom

That He will enlighten you by experience

That He will bestow upon you patience

That He will bestow upon you charity

That He will endow you with the discernment of spirits

That He will give you entrance into the hearts of those who hear your words

That He will give you the knowledge that when you are in those hearts you stand in holy places

That He will give you the skill and power to teach righteousness

That He will give you the ability to foster in others the desire to grow greater every day

That He will bless you that your faith and testimonies increase


I add a few thoughts of my own which I hope will help us all to understand, when all is said and done, it is really impossible for us to escape being teachers:

I am teaching when I show joy through smiles

I am teaching when I show skills through demonstration

I am teaching when I show service through example

I am teaching when I show respect though reverence

I am teaching when I show faith through obedience

I am teaching when I show duty through diligence

I am teaching when I show love through caring and serving


There is little doubt that we have been given sufficient instructions, examples, blessings and understanding to enlighten us with the knowledge that it will never be a matter of whether we will be teaching during our lives, the question is what and how will we teach.

May the Lord bless us continually that we will have His Holy Spirit to guide, inspire and aid us in our daily walk of being teachers.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

THINK + PREPARE + DO + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE

Saturday, October 5, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

During the passing of a year – we will see – hear – and – use many symbols as we celebrate special days – happily – most of us have learned – and carry in our hearts – personal – and – special meanings for those symbols!!

Friday, October 4, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

During the passing of a year – we will see – hear – and – use many symbols as we celebrate special days – sadly – for most of us the original meaning for most of those symbols – was long ago forgotten – or – never known!!

Thursday, October 3, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The reason for using symbols when teaching – is to allow the student – to individually interpret the meaning – of the symbol as it applies to their lives!!

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

When we are taught one meaning of a symbol – it will probably limit – our ability to discover – additional meanings for that symbol – which might have added significantly – to our growth – and – understanding!!

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Symbols – lose their significance – when the original meaning – is corrupted – or – forgotten!!