Today is Sunday, Mary 23, 2010. As Gospel Doctrine teacher in River Second Ward, it is my privilege to study in-depthly prescribed scriptures-this year it is the Old Testament. it is surely more than an ancient book with a series of bedtime, moral stories--we are to 'liken the scriptures to our lives" and thus this has been my quest as each day, I meditate and prepare daily upon God's words. In my study and research of the Book of Joshua, I was impressed that time and time again, the Lord warned first Moses, then Joshua to "be strong and be of good courage." A timely message for that era and for today. Is there anyone who doesn't need this message? We are promised that He "will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." What great strength and brightness for future! All He asks is that keep his commandments, marry in the covenant and not worship other gods. The israelites response that "all that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. The reward is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

Interestingly, my patriarchal blessing warns/states that I should proclaim to all that "as for me and my house, we will always serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). We are to 'fear' (honor) the Lord and serve him in sincerity and "incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel." May we always be witnesses of His love, of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and the special gift of the Holy Ghost.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.